Juniper
[L-R] Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lai Chin Wei, Senior Scientic Advisor to SATEERA, Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafie Bin Johan Executive Director of Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre of UM, Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UM (Research & Innovation), YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
, Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu, Co-Founder of SATEERA and Datuk Wira Jment Lim, Co-Founder of REDFORES at the MoA ceremony between SATEERA and UM
Universiti Malaya (UM) today formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Malaysian biotechnology company SATEERA® Sdn Bhd in a ceremony witnessed by YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The agreement reflects Malaysia’s continued progress in translating university-originated research into commercially applied biotechnology.
Originally developed within Universiti Malaya’s research ecosystem over 11 years ago, the technology evolved through laboratory refinement, patent development, and industry translation before forming the foundation of SATEERA®, a BioNexus-status Malaysian biotechnology company focused on microbiome-safe innovation. The collaboration marks the next phase of university–industry partnership, with both parties committing to further strengthen scientific validation and expand research on selective anti-infective mechanisms.
SATEERA®’s technology centres on its Natural Smart Anti-Infective Technology, designed to selectively inhibit harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria. Unlike conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobial formulations that act indiscriminately, this approach is structured around targeted microbial modulation. Emerging scientific research increasingly highlights concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance and the importance of maintaining beneficial microbial ecosystems, making selective anti-infective strategies increasingly relevant within hygiene and biotechnology research.
Importantly, the innovation has progressed beyond laboratory validation into tangible application. REDFORES® — SATEERA®’s intimate care brand represents the first commercial application of its patented selective anti-infective technology within women’s intimate health. As part of the partnership, REDFORES® will undergo further scientific evaluation with UM’s academic team, reinforcing the commitment to evidence-based product development.
Speaking at the ceremony, YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the collaboration reflects the growing importance of academia–industry partnerships in translating research into real-world impact.
“This collaboration shows how Malaysia’s universities and industry can work together to translate research into real-world solutions. Innovation must move beyond the laboratory and into application. By championing science-based, targeted approaches in biotechnology, we strengthen national capability while improving health and quality of life in line with Malaysia MADANI and our National Biotechnology Policy.”
Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu, Co-Founder of SATEERA®, said the milestone underscores the need to rethink conventional hygiene approaches.
“For decades, hygiene has been equated with killing everything. But science increasingly shows that indiscriminate eradication can disrupt microbial balance and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
SATEERA® was developed to challenge that logic, not by being stronger, but by being smarter. It suppresses harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria. That shift in thinking is what we believe represents the next evolution in hygiene.”
Datuk Wira Jment Lim, Co-Founder of REDFORES®, said women’s intimate health should be approached with scientific responsibility rather than treated as a fast-moving consumer category.
“Women’s intimate health should not be treated as a fast-moving consumer category. It is closely linked to dignity, comfort and long-term well-being. In an era dominated by ‘99.99% elimination’ messaging, we chose a different path, prioritising microbial balance and scientific validation over aggressive claims. We believe responsible hygiene innovation must respect the body’s natural ecosystem.”
SATEERA®’s technology has previously undergone independent validation by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and SGS Malaysia, and the company currently holds 14 international patents across Asia.
The ceremony also included recognition by ASEAN and ASIA Records and was followed by an interdisciplinary panel discussion themed “Leading the Good Bacteria Era: Redefining Global Hygiene Standards.” The session brought together esteemed professors from leading local universities alongside practising medical specialists to explore microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective science, and its broader implications for women’s intimate health.
The collaboration is expected to support expanded validation studies and deeper research engagement within Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem, strengthening the country’s position as a producer of advanced biotechnology solutions.
