- Facility strengthens multi-omics research & advances discovery science & precision health
- The hub boosts research and training with Agilent’s latest technology while developing regional talent
Monash University Malaysia has renewed its three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Agilent Technologies, marking a new chapter in a partnership that has advanced scientific research for fifteen years. The signing also marked the launch of the newly rebranded MUMPMP–Agilent BioDiscovery Hub, a facility designed to strengthen multi-omics research and drive progress in discovery science and precision health.
Held on campus, the event gathered senior representatives from both organisations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding scientific capability, enhancing training, and deepening collaborations that benefit Malaysia and the region.
Dr Syafiq Asnawi, senior lecturer in Biomedical Science and director of the Department of Molecular Epidemiology & Translational Medicine and the MUM Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, said the partnership sets a new benchmark for collaborative innovation.
He said, “This collaboration reflects Monash University Malaysia’s commitment to delivering world-class research infrastructure that advances discovery and benefits our communities. The MUMPMP–Agilent BioDiscovery Hub strengthens Monash’s position as a regional leader in proteomics, metabolomics, and biotechnology innovation. By combining Agilent’s state-of-the-art technologies with Monash’s research excellence and multidisciplinary ecosystem, we are empowering our scientists and partners to drive solutions for Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.”
Agilent also reaffirmed its direction for the collaboration.
“At Agilent, we support Monash University in advancing biological research through proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics. Our renewed collaboration continues our 15-year partnership and strengthens Agilent’s position as a leader in biotechnology innovation. The BioDiscovery Hub will drive scientific progress, talent development, and long-term value creation for customers and partners,” said Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent’s vice president of Sales for Asia Pacific.
The Monash–Agilent partnership began in 2010 with the university’s first LC-MS/MS laboratory. It has since grown into a comprehensive research ecosystem supporting proteomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics studies. Each phase has expanded capability and opened access to researchers across Monash Malaysia and partner institutions.
The new BioDiscovery Hub builds on this foundation with Agilent’s latest analytical platforms, including high-resolution mass spectrometry and advanced liquid chromatography systems. These technologies support research ranging from biomarker discovery to clinical and translational studies. The facility also serves as a training centre for early-career scientists, strengthening expertise across the region.
Collaboration-driven research programs include cardiomyopathy proteomics with the National Heart Institute and microbiome metabolomics with the School of Pharmacy and Amway Malaysia. Multi-omics projects supported by the platform continue to deepen understanding of health and disease in Malaysian and regional populations.
The event concluded with a presentation on the partnership’s journey, the signing ceremony, and a short celebration with attendees from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Agilent Technologies, researchers, and operational teams.
With the renewed MOU and the launch of the BioDiscovery Hub, Monash University Malaysia and Agilent Technologies are poised to deepen their contribution to scientific advancement, strengthen Malaysia’s research capability, and support projects that improve health outcomes across the region.
