KUCHING: Sarawak is leveraging modern technology and scientific validation to transform traditional indigenous knowledge into commercial-ready innovations that return tangible economic benefits to local communities.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, emphasised that the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) plays a pivotal role as a bio-industrial catalyst in this transformative journey.
“By bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and science, Sarawak can now evolve from being a provider of raw materials to the development of intellectual properties and sustainable bio-products,” Sagah said.
His speech text was read by SBC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Margarita Naming, during the launch of Sarawak Biodiversity Day held at the SBC compound here today (May 23).
The event witnessed the presentation of the renewed MadhuSara® Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) to the participating Melanau communities of Kampung Jemoreng Hulu and Kampung Jemoreng Hilir in Matu, Mukah, alongside Kampung Penibong in Pulau Bruit.
Sagah said that biodiversity and biotechnology present strategic opportunities for Sarawak to develop sustainable industries, create high-value products, and strengthen its position within the global bioeconomy.
“Our goal is clear – to transform Sarawak into a regional and eventually a global hub for bio-based industries. By doing so, we are not only contributing toward scientific advancement, but we are also building a high-income, inclusive economy driven by innovation and our biological wealth,” he said.
Sagah added that the “Sarawak advantage” lies in the powerful synergy between modern science and the wisdom of indigenous communities, who have been the curators of this valuable knowledge for generations.
Highlighting the MadhuSara® or Sekiu project as a prime example, he expressed great pride in the initiative’s progress since its first Benefit Sharing Agreement in 2023.
“What began with the traditional knowledge of local communities has now grown into an initiative that brings real, tangible benefits to the community.
“This proves that our community’s knowledge and heritage hold immensely high value, not just for Sarawak, but with the potential to be brought to an international level through research, innovation and high-value product development,” Sagah said.
The partnership previously secured support through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) COVID-19 Socio-economic Recovery Fund in 2021, which helped sustain rural livelihoods at a time when the pandemic had severely affected rural incomes.
Sagah revealed that between 2021 and today, the MadhuSara® project has generated over RM100,000 in non-monetary and monetary benefits for the participating communities.
“This is how biodiversity can contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s economy, through a structured value chain, anchored in community participation, local sourcing, scientific validation, and equitable benefit sharing,” he said.
With the establishment of BioVerde Technologies (BVT) Sdn Bhd, Sagah expressed confidence that more biodiversity-based innovations from SBC can be further developed and introduced into wider markets while continuing to uphold fair and equitable sharing principles.
He said that the level of innovation is highly encouraging, with the development of the “golden oil of Sarawak” now expanding beyond traditional boundaries into skin care applications and creative culinary dishes.
“The true value of this oil extends beyond the market. The successful registration of the MadhuSara® trademark safeguarded its authenticity, and this rebranding of Sekiu allows the story to be told on a global platform,” he said.
Beyond immediate economic gains, Sagah highlighted the clear potential to generate nature-based carbon credits through the conservation and planting of Sekiu trees, noting that approximately 3,100 trees currently grow across 130 hectares in the three villages.
He urged international companies looking for long-term sustainability and decarbonisation strategies to explore strategic collaborations with SBC, thereby boosting community livelihoods while contributing to global environmental conservation.
The event also saw BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd and Ivory Beak Sdn Bhd exchange a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for the joint development, co-creation and commercialisation of new bio-based products.
