KUCHING, Sarawak, April 20 (Bernama) -- Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) launched its 2025 Annual Report and officiated its new Kuching office on 16 April 2026, marking another milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its clinical research ecosystem and enhance its competitiveness as a destination for sponsored clinical trials.
The year 2025 recorded further progress in patient access to clinical trials, with more than 300 healthcare facilities across the country now having clinical research experience. Of the sponsored trials conducted in 2025, 46% were carried out at Ministry of Health facilities, reinforcing the role of public healthcare institutions in expanding access to novel therapies for patients and communities with unmet medical needs. These studies were concentrated mainly in key therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases and other priority conditions, in line with both national healthcare needs and global research trends.
Malaysia’s progress in early-phase clinical research also gained further international recognition in 2025. An IQVIA white paper launched earlier today, titled Malaysia: The New Destination for Early Phase Trials, cited the country’s increasing readiness for early-phase studies, supported by established infrastructure, regulatory progress and a diverse patient population. Sarawak General Hospital exemplified this momentum, strengthening its position as a leading oncology trial centre and having successfully conducting two First-in-Human studies in 2025.
CRM continued to prioritise talent development, as skilled study teams and coordinators remain vital to Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem.
To support the continued development of study coordinators in the northern region and in Sarawak, CRM had established its Penang office in 2025 and now having expanded to Kuching. These regional growths are expected to strengthen local capabilities, support workforce development and enhance Malaysia’s ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centric clinical research nationwide.
“Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem continues to make meaningful progress in both depth and reach. The expansion of research sites, growing strength in early-phase studies and continued investment in capability development reflect our readiness to take on a larger role in the regional and global clinical research landscape, while delivering greater value to patients and the healthcare system,” said Minister of Health and CRM Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during board of directors meeting today.
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