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The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre\u2019s <\/span>Notably, plans were made as early as 2004 for the SBC to expand Upon the completion of these laboratories in December 2005, The SBC has carried out up to Suffice to say, the SBC\u2019s R&D The implementation of the SBC\u2019s Through such efforts, the SBC Acknowledgement
\n(SBC) R&D Laboratories were officially opened by the Chief Minister of
\nSarawak, YAB Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud on 29 August 2006. <\/span>The event was officiated with the signing of
\na commemorative by the Chief Minister in the SBC\u2019s Herbal Garden.
\nand upgrade its R&D facilities and programmes. However, it was not until
\nFebruary 2005 before the plans were commenced, starting with the construction
\nof five new laboratories. These laboratories were as follows:\n
\nthey were handed over to the SBC. They are fully equipped with modern
\nlaboratory equipment and instruments, creating an environment attuned towards
\nconducting research activities and biotechnological innovations in Sarawak.
\n11,025 bioassays in order to screen for anti-cancer properties from plants
\nfound within Sarawak as of 30 September 2006. It has also recorded a number of
\n26,077 extracts from 1,662 samples of plants that were collected from National
\nParks throughout the state as well as various indigenous and rural communities.
\nprogramme exists as a library of products that are naturally derived mainly
\nfrom Sarawak\u2019s indigenous plants. It is an important source of chemical diversity,
\nas reflected in its bioactive compound screening activities and development of
\nthe early stages of bioactive compound analysis. With these new R&D
\nfacilities, the SBC is playing its part in training the future generations of
\nbiotech researchers and scientists.
\ntraining programme allows fresh university graduates to undergo training under
\ntheir R&D programme for up to one year. In order to qualify for a trainee
\nposition, a prospective applicant is expected to have exceptional academic
\nrecords, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 points.
\nUpon a successful application, the graduates are given a monthly allowance and
\nare evaluated every 4th<\/sup>, 6th<\/sup>, 8th<\/sup> and 10th<\/sup>
\nmonth of their training to record their progress, job performance and attitude
\ntowards their work. At the end of training programme, trainees whom have
\nexcelled are subsequently offered permanent jobs as research officers under the
\nSBC\u2019s Human Resources allocation of vacancies.
\nstands by its belief that skilfully trained employees whom are effective and
\nproactive are futile in continuing Sarawak\u2019s biodiversity R&D efforts.
\nand thanks to Miss Asha Kaushal, Desk Officer for the Sarawak Biodiversity
\nCentre<\/font> <\/span><\/font><\/i><\/p>\n