26 April 2024 – The Universiti Putra Malaysia Microbial Culture Collection (UPM-MCC), formerly known as the Microbial Culture Collection Unit (UNiCC), operates as a strategic unit within the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), providing essential research support services. Established in 2008, its primary mission is to curate and manage microorganism strains in the culture collection while offering related services to researchers both within and outside of UPM.

In 2022, UPM-MCC embarked on a mission to attain the status of a National Deposit Authority (NDA) as part of the IBS Special Projects (2022 - 2025). This designation would enable UPM-MCC to offer bacteria storage services under the Patent Deposit category, meeting a key requirement for filing patents related to microorganisms in Malaysia.

On 27 March 2024, UPM-MCC achieved official recognition as Malaysia's first NDA through gazettement by the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO). On 26 April 2024, during the 2024 National Intellectual Property Award Ceremony (AHIN 2024), YBhg. Dato' Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor of UPM, received the NDA certificate on behalf of UPM-MCC from YB Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. This milestone not only solidifies UPM-MCC's position as a premier microbial cultural collection within UPM and Malaysia but also enhances UPM's national and international visibility.

Date of Input: 30/04/2024 | Updated: 30/04/2024 | azah