The influx of industry-sponsored research (ISR) into the Asia Pacific region is continually growing due to the rising costs and complicated processes involved in drug development. Several countries within the region such as Singapore and more notably South Korea, have taken the initiative to develop and further strengthen their place as preferred destinations to conduct clinical trials. Audrey Ooi and Dr Khairul Faizi Khalid of Clinical Research Malaysia identify how Malaysia has been steadily building a comprehensive and supportive clinical research ecosystem within the country.