Tuesday 22/04/2025

PUTRAJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia achieved another remarkable year in sponsored clinical research, driven by strong momentum, innovation, and a growing global footprint, as highlighted in Clinical Research Malaysia’s (CRM) Annual Report 2024. The achievement was officially unveiled on 21 April 2025 by Health Minister, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The report detailed 267 new sponsored clinical research studies initiated in Malaysia last year, bringing the total number of sponsored studies to over 2,500 since CRM’s establishment in 2012.

Malaysia also gained significant momentum in early phase research, with five First-in-Human (FIH) studies awarded — the highest number in a single year since the launch of CRM’s Phase 1 Realisation Project in 2016. These early-phase studies were conducted at Sarawak General Hospital, an FIH-accredited site by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

These achievements reflect Malaysia’s growing capabilities and proven track record in delivering global clinical trials with speed, quality, and reliability. Driven by the dedication of investigators, study coordinators, and industry partners, 2024 stands as a testament to the impact of purposeful collaboration in advancing clinical research.

CRM also marked a strategic milestone today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSI Medical Research, a ClinChoice Company. The MoU — signed by Dr Akhmal Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of CRM, and Mr Goh Tse Seng, Regional Head of Clinical Development at CSI Medical Research, and witnessed by YB Minister — aims to promote Malaysia’s clinical research capabilities to international biotechnology firms, while jointly advancing capability development initiatives, particularly in the training and upskilling of study coordinators.

In line with its Vision 2033 to establish Malaysia as the preferred hub for clinical research in the region, CRM has been spearheading strategic missions focused on talent development and ecosystem growth. One of its flagship initiatives, the CRM Centre of Excellence (CoE), has produced 30 graduate trainees equipped with foundational training in clinical research.

Additionally, CRM, in partnership with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, is currently leading an ASEAN-level initiative to expand industry-sponsored clinical trials across Southeast Asia — a strategic move aimed at positioning the region as a competitive and collaborative destination for global research investment. Much of this agenda will also be highlighted and discussed during the CRM Trial Connect 2025, an annual international conference which will gather at least 1000 clinical research stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur this coming May.

This momentum reflects Malaysia’s commitment to health system transformation under the Malaysia MADANI framework — particularly in driving innovation through data and technology, and enhancing the wellbeing of the rakyat through improved access to cutting-edge therapies. Clinical research continues to serve not only as a scientific frontier, but also as a strategic pillar of national and regional health progress.

About Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)

Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) is a Global Trusted Research Management Organisation established by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2012. The organisation is guided by the principles of Humanity, Stability and Sustainability in providing global clinical trial solutions and enabling a thriving clinical research ecosystem in the country. At its very core, CRM aims to bring clinical research that addresses the unmet needs of patients and transforms health outcomes in Malaysia.

CRM delivers sponsored clinical trials with Speed, Reliability and Quality through operational excellence and working with stakeholders by providing end-to-end clinical research support services. Certified with both ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 37001:2016 (Anti-Bribery Management System), and being aligned to international regulations, our core values and code of conduct are ingrained throughout CRM. The strength of this organisation lies in the people of CRM as we strive in our vision to make Malaysia the preferred clinical research hub in Asia. https://clinicalresearch.my

SOURCE: Ministry of Health Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Asha Thanabalan
Senior Manager - Business Relations & Corporate Communications
Tel: +6012-364 8043 / +603-7931 5566 (ext. 122)
Email: asha@clinicalresearch.my

--BERNAMA