The 2nd APEC Life Sciences Innovation Forum will be held in 16-17 September 2004 at Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia. The Forum will review the strategic plan for life sciences innovation that was called for by APEC Leaders.

At the 2002 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) Economic Leaders agreed to focus on promoting life sciences innovation as a matter of priority to foster the health, well-being and quality of life for all citizens in the region. In doing so, they called for the establishment of a Life Sciences Innovation Forum to develop a strategic plan for life sciences innovation in the region.

The primary goal of the Life Sciences Innovation Forum (LSIF) is to bring together representatives of the government, industry, and academia to promote life-sciences innovation in support of human health and economic development in the region. The Forum discusses, identifies and promotes a policy environment to foster the growth of life-sciences innovation and the improvement in public health.

The first LSIF was held in Phuket, Thailand in August 2003. The second annual LSIF in Malaysia looks to build upon the earlier successes of the first Forum and subsequent Expert Working Group meetings. LSIF II will provide an opportunity to review the strategic plan for life sciences innovation that was called for by APEC Leaders. The Forum will ensure that the plan takes into account cutting edge developments in the areas of science and health as they relate to economic policy and regulation.

Nobel Laureate Dr Lee Hartwell, President of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will be addressing the second APEC Life Sciences Innovation Forum.