Press Release

Novartis Indonesia to Conduct ‘Biocamp 2007’ in Search of Future Leader with Biotech Scientific Skills

Jakarta, 23 Agustus 2007- To share the public interest in biotechnology and to support the development of biotechnology in Indonesia, PT Novartis Indonesia once again holds Novartis Indonesia Biotechnology Leadership Camp (Biocamp) this year. The program is for selected young, talented, post-graduate students who have interest in biotechnology. Discussions/workshops on biotechnology will be included this year, with the theme “Be A Global Leader with Innovation”. Novartis will select two (2) candidates who will represent Indonesia in “Novartis International Biocamp” which will be held at Tokyo, Japan on October 6-8, 2007.

"“Novartis' aims for this program is to look for top talents in Indonesia who have interest and potentials in biotech and management, as well as leadership skills in global business,” said Albert Lim, President Director of PT. Novartis Indonesia. “We want to make the biotechnology become closer to the student so they will interest to develop carrer in biotechnology," he added.

According to Mr. Lim, Novartis' Biocamp program provides students the chance to interact with experts from this industry, academia, and related government authorities, and more importantly, to sharpen their leadership potential as future leaders who can compete globally. “We have seen that besides having a scientific background, leadership is one of the competencies needed to success in biotechnology.” With the program, participants can gain a broader view of the latest trends in biotechnology development not only in Indonesia but also internationally, acquire new skills in biotechnology management, as well as explore career opportunities.

Working together with key universities in Indonesia—especially those who have faculties in medicine, pharmacy or management—the local search for young and talented leaders in biotechnology has defined several local criteria for the participants, including academic achievement, commitment in biotechnology, and scientific leadership potential. The recruitment process lasted for a month after a road show was conducted to several universities as well as recommendations from the universities.

Novartis Biocamp this year has been participated by more than 40 post-graduate students in medicine, pharmacy, and business from prominent state and private universities here.

"This year we had broadened the network with more education institutions such as University of Indonesia, Bandung Technology Institute (ITB), Gajahmada University (UGM), and several business schools such as IPMI, Prasetya Mulia Business School and Magister Management University of Indonesia," said Ellen Roring, Head of HR Novartis Indonesia.

The selection process includes document screening, panel interview by internal panelists, and workshop and group discussions. Novartis will also announce two selected candidates who will represent Indonesia in “International Biocamp 2007” to be held at Tokyo, Japan on October 6-8, 2007. This is a prestigious international event which will be addressed by top speakers around the world, with discussions on Global and Local Trends in Biotechnology, Perspectives in Biotechnology Business and Career Opportunity in Biotechnology.