JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 14 – Global Petcare Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first company in Malaysia to engage in a comprehensive, science-driven cat food research collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Backed by a research grant of RM230,000, the three-year initiative underscores a strong commitment to advancing the local pet food industry through rigorous scientific inquiry and industry–academia synergy.
The project is spearheaded by Ir. Ts. Dr. Lee Ting Hun, an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), UTM. It represents a structured and multidisciplinary effort to elevate the standards of commercial cat food in Malaysia, focusing on improving nutritional quality, ensuring product safety, and enhancing transparency across the value chain.
Driving Industry Advancement through Research Investment
The RM230,000 funding provided by Global Petcare Holdings will facilitate a series of in-depth studies and laboratory-based evaluations. Key research components include comprehensive nutritional profiling of cat food products, advanced analytical testing to verify ingredient composition, and the development of robust methodologies for detecting porcine contamination—an area of particular importance in ensuring compliance with halal requirements and maintaining consumer trust.
In addition, the research will explore nutritional fortification strategies and formulation optimisation for both dry and wet cat food. These efforts are expected to yield data-driven insights that can significantly improve product efficacy, digestibility, and overall feline health outcomes.
“This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to science-driven innovation and responsible manufacturing,” said Datuk Chew Chert Fong, founder of Global Petcare Holdings Sdn. Bhd.
“By investing directly in research and working closely with UTM, we ensure that our product development is grounded in validated scientific evidence and aligned with international standards.”
Translating Research into Market Practice
A distinctive feature of this collaboration lies in its direct translational impact. Findings from the research programme will be systematically integrated into product development pipelines within Global Petcare Holdings. Brands under its ecosystem, including Evocat and Cat Master, are expected to benefit from scientifically validated improvements in formulation and quality assurance.
These enhanced products will be distributed through established retail platforms such as Cat Supermarket, ensuring that consumers nationwide gain access to higher-quality, research-backed pet nutrition. This approach highlights the company’s commitment not only to innovation but also to accessibility and consumer confidence.
Setting New Benchmarks through Science
This collaboration sets a new precedent for Malaysia’s pet food sector, demonstrating how strategic investment in research and development can drive meaningful industry transformation. By embedding scientific validation into every stage of product development, Global Petcare Holdings reinforces its dedication to quality, safety, and long-term animal well-being.
At the same time, the initiative strengthens UTM’s role as a leading research institution capable of delivering impactful, industry-relevant solutions. As the partnership progresses over the next three years, it is poised to generate valuable knowledge, elevate manufacturing standards, and position Malaysia as a competitive player in the global pet food market.
Ultimately, this pioneering collaboration reflects a shared vision: to integrate scientific excellence with industry practice, ensuring that advancements in research translate into tangible benefits for both consumers and their pets.
