It is often claimed indigenous knowledge including the 'know-how' in the usage of plants for medicinal purposes are not significant with hi-tech drug development. As per now, a venue where indigenous knowledge and drug discoveries are being combined together are scattered and almost non-existence.

Understanding the need to bridge this together, Universiti Sains Malaysia established the Centre for Herbal Standardization in the year of 2011. Also known as CHEST, the centre located at Science and Art Innovation Space (sains@usm) provides a platform where natural products drug discovery guided by traditional knowledge can be done.

CHEST has driven by its underlying motto, “Inspired by Nature, Driven by Expertise”, applying with state-of-the-art facilities to provide solutions and benefits to various corporate as well as government sectors. Focus on fulfilling the industry needs specifically in analytical research, CHEST enhancing commercialization of services by creating the best and conducive environment to all related agencies.