Collaborators

Malaysia Genome & Vaccine Institute (MGVI),

National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM)
The National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) is a consortium comprising three national biotechnology institutes which are the Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals (IPHARM), the Agro-Biotechnology Institute Malaysia (ABI), and the Malaysia Genome & Vaccine Institute (MGVI). Established on 27 January 2012 as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), NIBM operates as an independent, non-profit organisation responsible for managing IPHARM, ABI, and MGVI.
 
Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI) is one of the three National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), and plays an integral role in the advancement of biotechnology research in Malaysia. MGVI-NIBM’s primary focuses are on genomics-based R&D and the development of vaccine technology, with the overarching aim to enhance Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem towards improvements in health security, food security, and other aspects of citizen benefit. The genomics-based R&D carried out by MGVI-NIBM is a multi-omics approach, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, comparative genomics, synthetic biology, and structural biology. MGVI-NIBM also contributes to the development of local industries and talents by being an enabler and generator of new technologies and knowledge in genomics.
 

Within the context of the MyGenom Project, MGVI-NIBM specifically is taking on the responsibilities of:

  • Sequencing of Malaysian genomes of diverse ethnicities through the usage of a high-throughput genomic sequencing facility.
  • Joint analysis, alongside MOH, of Malaysian genomic data utilizing both the Genome Computing Centre and cloud computing to garner insights into the genetic diversity of Malaysians.
  • Planning, coordinating, and managing other execution aspects of the MyGenom project to deliver the intended outputs and outcomes for the nation.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) operates under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) , serves as the ministry’s primary research body, focused on health research that supports the ministry and stakeholders in promoting the well-being of the population. The NIH is responsible for conducting comprehensive health research, which includes initial planning and prioritisation of research areas based on national needs, conducting field research, and translating findings to enhance health services and programs. Each institute within the NIH specialises in a unique research area, including biomedical, clinical, health systems and governance, and health behaviour. Additionally, the NIH provides training and consultation in health research to the ministry, other Malaysian agencies, and international partners.
NIH Building

As a co-partner in the MyGenom Project, the NIH plays a key role in participant recruitment across Malaysia, with designated recruitment centres established nationwide. Leveraging its expertise in biomedical and clinical research, the NIH can thoroughly screen both healthy and non-healthy Malaysians who contribute to the project, as the goal in MyGenom Phase I is to sequence the genomes of healthy individuals to establish a reference genomic baseline for the Malaysian population. Participant screening by the NIH includes health assessments, physical and blood tests, and securing informed consent. Furthermore, the NIH is responsible for preparing and maintaining blood samples at the highest standards of quality and safety until they are transferred to MGVI for sequencing. Downstream correlation between genotypes (genetic information) and phenotypes (physical manifestations) post-sequencing will be a joint effort between NIH and MGVI-NIBM.

MOH Biobank

Biobank Unit aims to promote and support high-quality biomedical research within the Ministry of Health (MOH) by overseeing the MOH Biobank. This facility is dedicated to the collection of various types of biological samples, including blood, fresh tissue, saliva, and formalin-fixed tissue, along with related anonymized data from donors who have provided informed consent for their samples and data to be used in ethically approved future research.

Objectives

  • To facilitate biomedical research by providing high-quality biospecimens and associated anonymised data
  • To initiate prospective collection project focusing on cancers of national interest
  • To establish a biobanking network between government hospitals and MOH biobank for collection of specimens and associated data
  • To be recognised as a leader in providing the highest quality human biological materials & associated anonymised data for researchers.
  • To provide consultative services to the Ministry of Health personnel and other agencies in the field of biobanking and biospecimen processing & storage.
  • To collaborate in various health-related research activities

Activities

  • Organise & manage sample & data collection from donors who have consented to biobanking:

             o Liaise with clinicians, researchers & administrators

             o Work-flow for consent; sample acquisition and logistics

             o Manage and coordinate sample / data requests from researchers

  • Annotation & Processing of samples
  • Secure storage of samples and data
  • Consultancy and research planning services
The Biobank serves as a secure storage facility for MyGenom samples collected from participants, ensuring they are preserved for future research and advancements.