KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Malaysia has officially joined the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to strengthen global collaboration in vaccine research, development and innovation.
A symbolic document exchange ceremony between Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang and IVI director-general Dr Jerome Kim was held yesterday as part of the 2026 National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Chang said Malaysia’s participation in the international organisation is not merely an institutional achievement but also an important step in connecting the country’s strengths in science, technology and innovation with global expertise.
“This is to ensure that vaccine research can be translated more effectively from the laboratory stage to clinical development and subsequently into solutions that benefit the people,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) said Malaysia’s participation complements efforts under the National Vaccine Development Roadmap to establish a more resilient and self-sufficient vaccine ecosystem.
The move includes strengthening research and development (R&D), enhancing technological capabilities, clinical development, and vaccine manufacturing, as well as developing scientific talent through international collaboration.
Key areas for exploration with IVI include vaccine R&D, expertise sharing, talent development, and technology transfer to strengthen the country’s capabilities in the global vaccine manufacturing industry.
The collaboration is expected to give Malaysian institutions greater opportunities to connect with global expertise, networks, and vaccine development programmes.
It also aligns with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI to strengthen the country’s science and technology capabilities, public health preparedness, and the competitiveness of its bioeconomy and biotechnology sectors.
MOSTI, through the Malaysia Vaccine Project Office, will continue technical discussions with IVI and relevant agencies and institutions to identify programmes that can benefit the country.
IVI was established in 1997 to strengthen vaccine R&D and innovation for global public health through various activities, including preclinical and clinical research, technology transfer, capacity building, and regulatory support.
