^{ASEAN clinical trials among the focus during the CRM Trial Connect 2025, an international clinical trials conference by CRM}


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia celebrates its National Day, the nation also reflects on its strengthened role in global clinical research under its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. This leadership underscores Malaysia’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and positioning the region as a hub for research excellence.

Since the establishment of Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) in 2012, sponsored clinical research has generated over RM1.6 billion in Gross National Income and created more than 3,000 high-skilled jobs for Malaysians. Globally, the clinical trial market was valued at approximately USD 85 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by 6.5% annually, with nearly half of this activity now concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning Malaysia to play a greater role in the years ahead.

At the heart of this progress are the 30,000 Malaysians who have volunteered as clinical trial participants, contributing to medical breakthroughs while gaining earlier access to innovative treatments. Their commitment shows that clinical research is not only about science but about people, whose courage and hope continue to shape a healthier future for all.

From its modest beginnings conducting clinical trials more than two decades ago, Malaysia has grown into a trusted hub for advanced and complex trials. This strength was evident last year when eight of the twenty-five new oncology therapeutics launched globally had been trialled and tested in Malaysia, allowing local patients to access groundbreaking cancer treatments earlier than most parts of the world. Beyond improving patient outcomes, Malaysia’s growing role also strengthens Asian representation in global clinical trials, particularly for diseases more prevalent in this region. These achievements reflect how far the nation has come and its readiness to shape the future of clinical research.

“Malaysia’s leadership in clinical research is not just about global recognition, it’s about keeping people at the heart of these efforts,” said CRM Chief Executive Officer, Dr Akhmal Yusof. “Our focus is on improving patient care while contributing to medical breakthroughs worldwide. As ASEAN Chair, we are proud to show how working together as a region can create benefits that reach far beyond our borders.”

This National Day, Malaysia celebrates not only its unity and independence, but a trusted hub for clinical research — for the nation, for ASEAN and for the world. 

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: Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Siti Nazatul Tokshim 
Corporate Communications Executive       
Email: siti.nazatul@clinicalresearch.my  
Tel : +6019-784 2080 / +603-7931 5566 (ext. 123)  

--BERNAMA