KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The biotechnology sector needs more than 20,000 knowledge workers, including professional scientists by 2014,says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said the long term success of the sector depended very much on the skills of the knowledge workers.

"To ensure the development of this sector, we need a lot of highly qualified knowledge workers, exposed to technology and research of international standard," he said in his speech at the 15th National Biotechnology Seminar here Monday.

The text of his speech was read by the President and Chief Executive of Sirim Bhd, Ir Yahaya Ahmad.

Ongkili said according to the global analyst company, Frost and Sullivan, the Malaysian biotechnology industry, is expected to drive earnings of RM45 billion in 2013.

He said the company's report on human capital development in 2009 showed a projected 15 per cent rise in the rate of income from the biotechnology sector.

"The National Biotechniology Policy will also enter its second phase of implementation and the target of this phase has been deemed, "Science to Market in 2011," he explained.

He said the organisation of the seminar was very timely as through it, the work of researchers who have received grants can be exhibited and tabled as a benchmark to the capability of technology.

"Various sucesses in the field of research have been outlined and it must be shared as well as explored as opportunities for innovation and commercialisation in line with the second phase of the National Biotechnology Policy," he added.

"It is very important for the ministry, especially the national biotechnology division, to reevaluate the implementation of the first phase and obtain input on its implementation," said Ongkili.

"The input will assist the division in planning strategy and implementation in ensuring the success of the second phase of the National Biotechnology Policy in the 10th Malaysian Plan," he highlighted.

A total of 249 projects will be on show at the seminar. This is about 50 per cent of the biotechnology projects funded under the e-Science programme of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, worth more than RM100 million.