KUALA LUMPUR, 16 JUL 2022 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and BP Healthcare Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 15, 2022, at the BP Health Carnival in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and launched UiTM’s Genomic Testing Services via Doctor2U through its latest Health Wallet feature – an opportunity for users to access their personalised genome map, track their ancestry, disease risks and better understand their health conditions so they can take initiatives to improve their wellness.
UiTM, with the mission of delivering Precision Medicine and Precision Health to communities across the country, published the first whole genome sequence of the Malays in 2013 through its leading research centre in genomics medicine, iPROMISE. This paper received widespread attention in the field of whole genome sequencing, and it was even awarded an LRGS grant from KPT to sequence the Orang Asli community. Following that, the research team led by Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Zaki Salleh established the genomics pipeline and database, paving the way for the establishment of UiTM Start-up company – Zakesy Biotech Sdn. Bhd.
With the signing of this MoU, UiTM will work collaboratively with BP Healthcare to provide a service that allows individuals to discover their genome codes. Identifying one’s genomic code enables disease risk prediction and preventive medicine to maintain good health.
UiTM Vice-chancellor Prof. Datuk Roziah expressed her hope that this innovative industry-academic project between UiTM Start-up company, Zakesy Biotech Sdn.Bhd. and industry partner BP Healthcare, achieve great success in precision medicine and health. And, believes that this endeavour will contribute to developing a healthier nation.
In her opening remarks, she says that efforts to make genetic tests more accessible to the public should be commended seeing as “we are now ready to welcome the benefits of this high-throughput genetic testing.”
“Making genetic testing more accessible will allow us to develop personalised medicine, which is a highly desired goal in medicine that involves giving the right medicine to the right person at the right time,” she added.