KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY 2016 – In 2012, Algaetech International Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian-based biotechnology company awarded with the BioNexus Status, embarked on a multi-million project to produce the natural compound Astaxanthin from the microalgae “Haematococcus Pluvialis”. Astaxanthin is used for various applications ranging from health supplements to cosmetics. Today, Algaetech announced its commercial launch of Malaysia’s very own Astaxanthin based skin care range, Astatude officiated by YBhg Dato’ Sri Dr. Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The range of anti-aging and brightening skin care products will be made available at online and departmental channels soon.

Astatude was designed in the best of labs, formulated with ingredients of the highest quality and extracted from the earth’s most natural resources. The product is developed for the international market and targeting age groups of 25 and above. Astaxanthin is a known super antioxidant obtained from the microalgae ‘Haematococcus Pluvialis’, which has stood against the test of time with high-end essential oils that prevent free radicals from damaging the skin.

Speaking at the launching ceremony today in Sunway Putra Mall, Dato’ Paduka Syed Isa Syed Alwi, Algaetech founder and CEO, said his company is proud of this momentous occasion as it leapfrogs Malaysia into the peaks of the global algae and cosmetics industry. He has dedicated this achievement to the SME Masterplan High Impact Programme (HIP) 5: Catalyst Programme for Bionext Initiative, which is being jointly implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia and Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp). HIP 5: Catalyst Programme is designed to remove market barriers and provide targeted assistance to potential high growth firms to become home grown champions. This collaboration is carried out through a targeted approach by building up the capability and capacity of participating companies through development programmes, provision of market intelligence and enhancement in market access to create high growth SMEs in accordance to the SME Masterplan.

Present were Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee Kamal, CEO of BiotechCorp and Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia, who were both essential to the foundation of the BioNext program together with the expertise of BDEC Resources and ISIS Innovation, UK. Also present were celebrity sisters Sharifah Norazleenda and Syarifah Sahirah, who have signed on to become the brand’s ambassadors. The artistes were captured by Astatude’s motto, “Skincare with an Attitude”.

Algaetech is involved in the field of microalgae research and development as well as the production and marketing of high value algae products. It established itself as a pioneer in the algae industry since its inception in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil. Algaetech is expected to launch its health supplement range in September which is currently undergoing licensing reviews by the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau.

With continuous support from its other major contributors, Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Malaysia Debt Ventures (MDV) and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), the company is confident of establishing itself and the nation as a global algae and retail player.

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