Fam Swee Ying, Director of Nutrignomix Sdn Bhd.
Innovation is the key to staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of health and beauty. Few understand this better than Fam Swee Ying, the dynamic Director of Nutrignomix Sdn Bhd.
With a background rooted in finance and accounting, Fam’s journey into the health industry was anything but conventional. Yet, her path has led her to the forefront of one of the most promising sectors of modern science—postbiotics. Under her leadership, Nutrignomix is poised to revolutionise the global health and beauty landscape, putting Malaysia on the map as a hub of cutting-edge innovation.
From Finance to Postbiotics
Fam’s entry into the health industry was influenced by her husband’s passion for developing health supplements and skincare products. With a degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Melbourne, her initial career trajectory seemed worlds apart from the health sector. She spent several years in the skincare and personal care distribution industry, honing her expertise and developing a keen interest in the business
This experience would later become invaluable when she joined her husband’s OEM business, Produxpro, which specialises in crafting unique and innovative products for a diverse clientele.
It was during this time that Fam stumbled upon a novel concept in the field of microbiome science—postbiotics. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, postbiotics are the beneficial metabolites produced by these bacteria during fermentation. The stability and broad application potential of postbiotics immediately captured her attention, sparking the idea that would eventually lead to the creation of Nutrignomix.
“I’ve always been a keen follower of microbiome science, as it intersects perfectly with our interests in health and beauty,” Fam recalls. “Discovering postbiotics felt like uncovering a hidden gem. The potential to create something impactful and globally relevant from this was too great to ignore.”
The Birth of Nutrignomix
Nutrignomix was founded with the vision to harness the power of postbiotics.
Nutrignomix was founded with a clear vision: to harness the power of postbiotics and bring this groundbreaking innovation to the global stage—the company’s partnership with My Myracle Sdn. Bhd. was pivotal in this endeavour. Together, they co-developed three proprietary postbiotic strains — Postbionix®, Dermabionix®, and Vetabionix® — designed for human health, skincare, and animal health, respectively.
What sets these postbiotics apart is their versatility and stability.
Unlike probiotics, which can be sensitive to extreme conditions, postbiotics are highly stable, even in challenging environments. This makes them ideal for use in a wide range of products, from functional foods and dietary supplements to skincare and personal care items.
“Our postbiotics are a game-changer,” Fam explains. “They offer the benefits of probiotics without the limitations. We’re proud to say that this innovation is not only Malaysian-made but also backed by rigorous scientific research.”
Indeed, Nutrignomix’s postbiotics are supported by over 20 years of research conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The company’s dedication to scientific excellence has earned it Halal certification, FDA registration, and two international patents, positioning it as a leader in the postbiotic space.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Despite postbiotics’ promising potential, the path to success has not been without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles Nutrignomix faces is the lack of established global standards for postbiotics. This regulatory ambiguity makes gaining widespread acceptance and approval in different markets difficult.
Fam Swee Ying and Boon Hau Hng, Managing Director of Nutrignomix.
“We’re navigating uncharted territory,” Fam acknowledges. “The healthcare governance around postbiotics is still evolving, and there’s no international consensus yet on what constitutes a postbiotic. This makes our journey more complex but also motivates us to be pioneers in setting these standards.”
To overcome these challenges, Nutrignomix is focusing on fine-tuning its production techniques. The goal is to achieve a yield of 10 trillion colony-forming units (CFU) in its bacteria incubation process, which would significantly enhance the potency and cost-effectiveness of its postbiotics. This, in turn, would make its products more accessible to a broader audience, facilitating wider adoption.
Beyond the regulatory landscape, Fam is also keenly aware of the importance of consumer education. While postbiotics are scientifically validated, they are still relatively new to the general public. To bridge this knowledge gap, Nutrignomix has developed a comprehensive three-pronged approach to raising awareness.
“We’re engaging with local brands to incorporate postbiotics into their products, working closely with the media to disseminate information, and collaborating with government agencies to establish clear guidelines,” says Fam. “Education is key to helping consumers understand the unique benefits of postbiotics, and we’re committed to leading this effort.”
Empowering Malaysia’s Health and Beauty Sector
Fam’s ambitions for Nutrignomix extend far beyond commercial success. She envisions the company as a catalyst for broader growth in Malaysia’s health and beauty industry, a sector she believes holds immense potential for the national economy.
“Coming out of the pandemic, it’s clear that health and beauty are evergreen industries,” she observes.
“However, despite the sector’s growth, it still contributes a relatively small portion to our national economy. There’s so much more we can do to expand its impact.” By fostering innovation and commercial acumen, Nutrignomix aims to create an ecosystem that attracts global investments and nurtures local talent.
Fam is particularly passionate about addressing Malaysia’s brain drain issue, which she sees as a significant obstacle to the country’s progress.
“Malaysia has no shortage of talent, but we need to provide the right platform for them to shine,” she asserts. “At Nutrignomix, we want to be the catalyst for change, creating opportunities for Malaysian innovators and positioning our country as a global health and beauty industry leader.”
Leading by Example
Under Fam Swee Ying’s visionary leadership, Nutrignomix is pioneering new frontiers in health and beauty and setting the stage for Malaysia’s emergence as a global hub of innovation. With a firm commitment to research, a strategic approach to consumer education, and an unwavering dedication to overcoming challenges, Nutrignomix is poised to transform the postbiotic landscape and, in the process, empower an entire industry.
As the company continues to grow, Fam’s leadership serves as a beacon for what is possible when passion meets purpose and when innovation is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. `
With Nutrignomix, the future of health and beauty looks brighter than ever.
