Don't just use technology, create it: Malaysia must step up innovation drive, says Mosti

Malaysia must intensify its science, technology and innovation (STI) efforts to transition from merely utilizing technology to developing and commercializing homegrown solutions, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He emphasized that local technology development is vital for boosting competitiveness and fostering innovation-driven economic growth in the face of rapid global technological advancements.

Chang highlighted the need for a nationwide approach, with collaboration between federal and state governments to bolster the STI ecosystem, cultivate local talent, and expand technology adoption according to each region's specific requirements and economic potential. During the Second 2026 Meeting of Ministers and State Executive Councillors Responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation (MEXCO-STI), held in Kuala Lumpur, Chang emphasized that MEXCO-STI serves as a crucial platform for aligning policies, strategies, and implementation of the national STI agenda between the federal and state governments.

The meeting also addressed the challenges posed by Malaysia's anticipated demographic shift to an aging population by 2048. The Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM) showcased initiatives that leverage STI to empower older individuals, foster high-tech businesses, and safeguard and commercialize traditional knowledge. Another crucial aspect discussed was the circular economy's potential to generate income for fishermen.

This initiative, spearheaded by Bioeconomy Corporation (BEC), aims to roll out in at least 30 selected locations across Peninsular Malaysia by 2027. Chang also mentioned that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is coordinating preparations for the upcoming Second 2026 National Science Council (MSN) meeting, set to convene on November 24 and be presided over by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

During the MEXCO-STI meeting, Chang stated that the perspectives and recommendations raised during the session would be conveyed to the council gathering to further strengthen Malaysia's STI policies and developmental trajectory. To promote STI awareness among the general public, Chang stated that MOSTI's Malaysia Techlympics programme has engaged over 3.18 million young Malaysians nationwide, surpassing its initial target of 1.8 million participants.

He attributed this success to the rising enthusiasm for STI among the youth, supported by state governments and other stakeholders. Concerning innovation commercialization, Chang noted that the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (NICE) 2026 attracted more than 12,000 visitors, featuring 180 exhibitors and 235 business-matching sessions.

However, he stressed that evaluating the effectiveness of Malaysia's innovation ecosystem should not solely rely on program attendance but rather on its capacity to commercialize research, generate new economic opportunities, and provide tangible benefits to the populace. Chang stressed that effective coordination between the federal and state governments is paramount to ensure that STI investments, expertise, and infrastructure are utilized efficiently, without duplication or wastage of resources.