Glycos Biotechnologies Inc. has scored a deal with Bio-XCell Sdn. Bhd. that will expand GlycosBio’s presence into Malaysia.

The Houston-based biochemical company’s expansion into Malaysia makes it one of the first companies to be focused on research and development as well as the commercialization of advanced biochemicals in the region, according to Rich Cilento, chief executive officer of GlycosBio.

“We plan to leverage this position to help the Malaysian government maintain and improve its sustainability production goals in the downstream palm oil industry,” he added.

The company said it sees the palm oil industry as being a long-term source of “renewable feedstocks.”

Under the agreement, GlycosBio and Malaysian-based Bio-XCell will collaborate on the construction of a biochemical plant and biotechnology research and development facility within Bio-XCell’s industrial park in Malaysia.

Bio-XCell is a government-supported industrial ecosystem focused on the advancement of biotechnology.

Construction of the plant will begin later this year with an expected completion date in early 2012.

In addition, GlycosBio will also be working closely with the Malaysian Biotechnology Corp., the national agency set up by the Malaysian government for the development of biotechnology in Malaysia.