New CRM Penang Office to Accelerate Growth of Sponsored Clinical Trials in Malaysia
GEORGE TOWN, Penang, Nov 25 – Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) officially launched its new Penang Operations Office, officiated by the Minister of Health and CRM Chairman, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The expansion marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s clinical research capacity and supporting the growing number of clinical trials in the northern region. Over the past three years, 723 industry-funded clinical trials were recorded nationwide, generating RM665 million in Gross National Income and creating more than 3,000 skilled jobs in clinical research.
The new office will serve as the base for 24 CRM personnel dedicated to supporting clinical trials at Penang General Hospital—Penang’s most active trial site, where 80% of the state’s sponsored trials are conducted. A significant number of these studies focus on pioneering cancer therapies, offering patients with unmet needs early access to some of the most innovative treatments on the horizon. Penang remains a major contributor to Malaysia’s clinical research landscape, accounting for one in four sponsored clinical trials conducted nationwide.
Earlier in the day, Dr Dzulkefly chaired the CRM Board of Directors meeting, which highlighted Malaysia’s strong trajectory in clinical research, alongside ongoing strategic efforts to attract more global studies to the region.
“I am encouraged by CRM’s growing regional influence, especially through initiatives like the CRM Trial Connect Conference and the organisation’s leadership in positioning clinical research as a catalyst for ASEAN’s economic and scientific advancement,” said Dr Dzulkefly. “These efforts elevate Malaysia’s standing and reinforce our capability to shape the future of clinical trials in Southeast Asia.”
The event also recognised excellence among CRM’s workforce, with six CRM study coordinators receiving the Johnson & Johnson Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding performance in high-quality trial delivery.
With Penang emerging as a key hub for diverse therapeutic research, the new CRM Penang Office will further strengthen site support, deepen clinical investigator engagement, and widen career pathways within Malaysia’s growing clinical research ecosystem.
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