Betamek Berhad (“Betamek” or the “Company“), an Original Design Manufacturer (“ODM“) and a leading player in electronics manufacturing services (“EMS”) for the automotive industry, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Betamek Research Sdn. Bhd. (“BRSB”) entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration (“MoC”) with SiGenex Global Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“SiGenex“), a Singapore-based company in development of technologies for point of care genetic testing, with the signing taking place today at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
The collaboration aims to jointly explore a framework in consultation, cooperation and collaboration to leverage on the information, experience, technology and technical assistance between the parties for a speedier and more cost-effective next-generation Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-integrated genomics diagnostic and sequencing solution. It also reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to strengthen regional leadership in advanced sectors such as AI and smart manufacturing—an agenda underscored by recent Malaysia-Japan discussions led by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who also recently officiated the launch of BRSB’s state-of-the-art R&D Centre in Rawang in March 2025. The facility is equipped to accelerate research in telematics, IoT-connected mobility, and advanced sensor solutions, and plays a key role in advancing local capabilities in next-generation automotive technologies.
Under the MoC, BRSB will leverage its engineering and electronics manufacturing expertise to support the design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and assembly of SiGenex’s proprietary Benchtop Integrated Next Generation Sequencing (“NGS”) Platform, which utilises cutting-edge Digital Microfluidics (“DMF”) technology for cost-effective, high-precision DNA/RNA sequencing. The collaboration encompasses the development of manufacturing protocols, establishment of ISO and GMP-compliant facilities, and provision of end-to-end engineering and R&D support for scale-up.
Furthermore, BRSB will also assist in setting up dedicated production lines for DMF sample cartridges and platform components, while SiGenex will contribute the necessary technical specifications, engineering support, and global commercialisation strategy, including pilot testing through hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.
Encik Muhammad Fauzi Bin Abd Ghani, Executive Director of Betamek commented, “This collaboration marks an important diversification milestone for Betamek as we apply our EMS and R&D capabilities beyond automotive electronics into the high-value biotech sector. SiGenex’s breakthrough NGS platform aligns with our strategic vision to become a regional centre for precision manufacturing and smart diagnostics assembly. We are confident this partnership will open up new innovation and commercial opportunities across the region.”
Once successfully validated, SiGenex intends to exclusively outsource the manufacturing and assembly of its NGS platforms and cartridges to Betamek for the Asia region, subject to a future binding agreement that will define pricing, quality standards, and production terms. Both parties will continue working towards a Definitive Agreement within the next twelve months, with the aim of formalising a long-term commercial manufacturing partnership.
This collaboration highlights Betamek’s ability to pivot and scale into new technology domains, supporting its goal of long-term growth through innovation-led partnerships while contributing to Malaysia’s positioning as a hub for advanced medical technology manufacturing in Southeast Asia.
