RBDO strengthens links with Murdoch through MOU

MURDOCH University and the Rockingham Business Development Organisation (RBDO) have signalled their intention to work much closer together and to aggressively pursue international technology and bio-enterprise opportunities with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in March.

The two organisations have worked in tandem on a number of projects over the last two years and in September 2002 coordinated a trade mission to the Malaysian hi-tech capital of Cyberjaya to develop an ongoing relationship for technology exchange and business incubation.

As part of its broad-based activities in promoting the Rockingham/Kwinana region, the RBDO is currently developing a high tech business incubator in Kwinana and the Malaysian trade mission established strong international links for the new facility, as well as securing Murdoch’s ongoing support for the project.

Now with the signing of an MOU, the two organisations are looking to develop a long term strategy for attracting technology and bio-enterprise initiatives to Western Australia and the Kwinana/Rockingham region, as well as promoting local technology and biotechnology products, services and capabilities overseas.

Speaking at the official MOU signing, Murdoch University Vice Chancellor, Professor John Yovich said Murdoch University had been extremely encouraged by the trade mission to Malaysia and had recognised a number of opportunities to promote Murdoch’s facilities and expertise overseas, while attracting investment and opportunities for the local market.

The RBDO has shown great initiative and entrepreneurial spirit in co-ordinating the visit and had subsequently developed a number of tangible benefits for the local community, as well as Murdoch University,” said Professor Yovich.

“The trade mission to Malaysia and the subsequent outcomes were important in consolidating our relationship with the RBDO and that relationship is now being taken to the next level with the MOU.

“Murdoch University will contribute to the resources and technical expertise required for our future ventures, while the RBDO will provide the international contacts and on-the-ground incubator facilities through the Rockingham Business Development Centre and the Kwinana Technology Business Incubator, plus international affiliations.”

RBDO chairman David Winter said the strengthened relationship with Murdoch would lead to significantly increased opportunities for the Kwinana/Rockingham region, both by promoting local enterprises overseas and attracting investment to the region.

He said the RBDO and Murdoch University were now looking at a number of short and long-term initiatives to promote the technology and bio-enterprise sectors.

“The new, state-of-the-art Kwinana Technology Business Incubator facility is expected to create more than 1200 full time jobs once complete at the end of 2003 and would inject approximately $63.5 million into the local economy over the next 10 years,” said Mr Winter.

“The facility has the potential to establish the Kwinana/Rockingham region as a national leader in technology business incubation and business innovation.”