BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP BETWEEN PRACTICAL EQUIREMENT OF INDUSTRY, ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND THE SOCIETY IN MALAYSIA

Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant (CEPP) was setup by the government to bridge the knowledge and skill gap between 3 sectors: industry, academic research community and the society, each having their own specific but sometimes, divergent needs. Since its inception 12 years ago, CEPP has been able to overcome challenges in trying to reconcile and accommodate all these needs and promoting the growth of biobased economy. CEPP spcializes in developing high value products from Malaysia's vast natural resources found in its mega biodiversity. These wellness products were developed through research in relevant scientific knowledge from which industries and entrepreneurs were created. To fulfill its social responsibility, CEPP has trained more 1000 villagers and small scale enterprises yearly through its knowledge transfer program. Farmers especially have benefitted from using natural based products like biofertilizers and biopesticides to produce premium organic products. Apart from utilizing all the available raw materials and innovative technologies to sustain and improve their livelihood, the farmers and small enterprises have been able to contribute in the enrichment of knowledge and produce products that promote wellness, hence reducing the impact of ever increasing cost of healthcare. Through its lifelong learning programs specifically in the areas of phytochemical (herbal) and bioprocessing, entrepreneurs have been able to participate in any part of the business chain ie. from planting of raw materials, processing, product formulations and marketing.