Yakin secures biotech records, partners with UMRA to expand stem cell therapy access
Yakin Splendour Global Holdings Bhd has formalised a strategic partnership with Hospital UMRA to integrate its umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) technology into clinical practice, while its…
Source: The Star · September 28, 2026 at 7:32 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Yakin Splendour Global Holdings Bhd has formalised a strategic partnership with Hospital UMRA to integrate its umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) technology into clinical practice, while its subsidiary Merkel Clinic Velocity has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for pioneering two advanced stem cell production methods.
Market Impact
The collaboration, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yakin director Datuk Steven Lai and Hospital UMRA founder and medical director Datuk Dr Mohamed Rafi Mohammed Feizal, combines Yakin’s specialised biotechnology with UMRA’s clinical infrastructure to expand access to regenerative medicine in Malaysia. Separately, Merkel Clinic Velocity has been named Malaysia’s first provider of physoxic MSCs and first developer of P4 normoxic MSCs—a key laboratory growth stage requiring precision quality control.
The partnership with Hospital UMRA, a private multidisciplinary medical provider in Shah Alam since 2006, aims to broaden access to advanced regenerative medicine while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and patient care. UMRA serves a predominantly Muslim patient base, guided by a vision to be a "hospital of choice" through accessible, compassionate, and consistently high-quality care.
According to Lai, the collaboration bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and clinical delivery. "Breakthrough science delivers its greatest value when it reaches the patient," he said. "Through this partnership with Hospital UMRA, we bring our UC-MSC technology out of the laboratory and closer to patients—turning breakthrough science into real-world healthcare solutions."
Dr Rafi welcomed the partnership, emphasising patient welfare as its core principle. "Our partnership with Yakin opens the door to advanced regenerative medicine, developed and delivered within a responsible, ethically sound clinical environment," he said. "Innovation and compassion must move forward together—always putting patient welfare first."
The partnership is expected to support greater knowledge exchange, clinical cooperation, and public awareness surrounding regenerative medicine, while strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in emerging areas of medical sciences. UC-MSCs are widely used in regenerative medicine for their potential to support tissue repair, regulate immune and inflammatory responses, and form the foundation of future therapies.
Merkel Clinic Velocity’s recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records validates the company’s pursuit of excellence in stem cell research and development. Lai noted that the two records reflect years of capital investment, scientific rigour, and a commitment to maintaining rigorous standards. "These achievements belong to every researcher, engineer, and partner who believed Malaysia could lead on the global stage," he said.
The records mark Merkel Clinic Velocity as Malaysia’s first provider of physoxic MSCs and its first developer of P4 normoxic MSCs. Cultivating these cells reliably through P4, a critical laboratory growth stage, while maintaining full potency and consistency demands exceptional technical skill and precision quality control.
Lai said these milestones are not just achievements but a foundation for scaling Yakin’s technology, expanding its pipeline, and capturing regional market share. "We have proven that Malaysia can develop, manufacture, and deliver world-class regenerative medicine," he said. "That is good for our industry, good for our economy, and good for the nation’s global standing."
The Hospital UMRA partnership and the two national records represent complementary pillars of Yakin’s long-term strategy to connect laboratory innovation with clinical delivery and build national capabilities that benefit all Malaysians. While the Hospital UMRA partnership strengthens clinical outreach, the recognitions earned by Merkel Clinic Velocity demonstrate the group’s commitment to developing specialised regenerative medicine capabilities within the nation.
These milestones support Malaysia’s broader ambition to become a competitive regional centre for biotechnology, medical research, healthcare innovation, and regenerative medicine. Yakin remains focused on building an ecosystem where scientific innovation, responsible clinical practice, and patient accessibility progress together.
Lai said Malaysia has the talent, infrastructure, and strategic location to become a regional leader in regenerative medicine, but realising that potential requires sustained investment, strategic collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. "Yakin is building the complete value chain, from laboratory R&D to clinical delivery, creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and positioning Malaysia as a destination for advanced biotech care," he said.
The company’s roadmap centres on fostering an ecosystem of collaboration, bringing together scientists, healthcare providers, regulators, and industry partners to drive standards, build trust, and unlock the sector’s full economic and social potential. "With these milestones, Yakin has firmly established itself as Malaysia’s flagship regenerative medicine enterprise, leading through innovation, scaling through partnership, and building a national industry with global reach," Lai said.
Related: Hospital UMRA · Datuk Steven Lai · Kuala Lumpur