Bioinformatics in Malaysia : hope, initiative, effort, reality, and challenges

Abstract

The published articles in PLoS Computational Biology on the development of computational biology research in Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Thailand have inspired us to report on the development of bioinformatics activities in Malaysia. Rapid progress in molecular biology research and biotechnology in Malaysia has created sufficient demand for bioinformatics in Malaysia. Although bioinformatics in Malaysia started in the early 1990s, the initial focus on the development of the biotechnology industry has curtailed the early gains and overshadowed the systematic development of bioinformatics in Malaysia, which currently lacks in human capital development, research, and commercialization. However, government initiatives have been devised to develop the necessary national bioinformatics network and human resource development programs and to provide the necessary infrastructure, connectivity, and resources for bioinformatics. Stakeholders are experiencing reorientation and consolidating existing strengths to align with the global trends in bioinformatics. This exercise is expected to reinvigorate the bioinformatics industry in Malaysia. Tapping into niche expertise and resources such as biodiversity and coupling it with the existing biotechnology infrastructure will help to create sustainable development momentum for the future. An initiative arose from several senior scientists across local universities in Malaysia to promote this new scientific discipline in the country.