In a major step forward for Malaysia’s health and wellbeing landscape, Amway Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia have signed a three-year Master Research Agreement (MRA) to advance microbiome science in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — a leading cause of death and disability in Malaysia.
The pioneering initiative will specifically explore how targeted nutrition can improve gut health and help reduce the risk of chronic lifestyle diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mood disorders.
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and mental well-being, with NCDs estimated to affect one-third of Malaysians and cause nearly 72% of all premature deaths, making them the leading cause of death and disability in the country. In 2021 alone, NCDs cost Malaysia RM 64.2 billion (4.2% of GDP), including RM 12.4 billion in public healthcare costs and RM 51.8 billion in productivity losses.
The initiative is closely aligned with the objectives of Malaysia’s National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy (NSTIP), which seeks to build a more competitive and socially responsible STI ecosystem. By supporting public health efforts and delivering impactful, community-level solutions, the collaboration reflects NSTIP’s core vision of “Innovation for Well-Being”, a commitment to advancing science that brings direct benefits to the people. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Chang Lih Kang.
Meanwhile, representing Amway Malaysia at the ceremony was its General Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Jason Leng, while Monash University Malaysia was represented by its Vice President of Research & Development, Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Bin Mahamd Adikan.
“This MRA will enable advanced scientific testing and clinical insights to guide the development of future wellness solutions. By combining Monash University’s scientific expertise with Amway’s long-standing investment in nutrition and innovation, we are setting the foundation for research that can truly impact lives by developing solutions tailored to the Malaysian population’s gut microbiome and health profile,” said Leng.
Led by Monash University’s Dr. Chong Chun Wei and Dr. Lim Wei Meng, the research will examine how ingredients such as plant protein combinations, fiber combinations, probiotics, postbiotics, and phytonutrients affect gut balance, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and metabolic health.
“This research applies rigorous scientific methods to uncover how specific nutrients influence the gut microbiome and gut integrity and elucidate related metabolic pathways, with the goal of informing evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage lifestyle diseases,” shared Dr. Chong.
One collaboration study will look at how a mix of soy protein, fiber, probiotics, and other gut-friendly ingredients can help improve digestion, support good bacteria, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system. At the same time, another study will explore how these ingredients — both on their own and combined — can help keep the gut barrier healthy and support overall metabolism.
Prior to this collaboration with Monash, Amway has established a strong track record of involvement in international health research efforts with Stanford University in California, USA, on the WELL for Life initiative that explores how lifestyle, emotional, and environmental factors collectively shape long-term wellbeing and healthy ageing.
Similarly, Amway is also collaborating with the National University of Singapore (NUS) on pioneering research into cellular ageing, utilising advanced studies to understand and extend healthspan through evidence-based nutritional interventions.
“At Amway Malaysia, we have always believed in enabling people to live better, healthier lives. Since our establishment in 1976, our journey has evolved tremendously, from offering basic nutrition solutions to now championing a much more holistic view of Health and Wellbeing. As we approach our 50th anniversary next year, this milestone invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come.
Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of science-backed health innovations. This is more than a business evolution; it is a mission-driven transformation, underscoring Amway’s future-forward vision to establish itself as a responsible leader and a trusted health and wellbeing brand committed to community health. We have moved from being product providers to being partners in people’s wellbeing journeys, while empowering lives” said Leng.
For more information on this partnership, please visit www.amway.my.