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

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Malaysia needs to intensify and bolster its science, technology and innovation (STI) endeavors to transition from merely utilizing technology to becoming a creator and commercializer of local innovations, emphasized Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He underscored the significance of local technology development in enhancing the nation's competitiveness and fostering innovation-driven economic growth amidst swift global technological advancements.

Chang stressed that achieving this objective necessitates a nationwide approach, with robust collaboration between federal and state governments to bolster the STI ecosystem, foster local talent, and broaden technology adoption in line with each state's unique requirements and economic potential. During the Second 2026 Meeting of Ministers and State Executive Councillors Responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation (MEXCO-STI) held yesterday, Chang pointed out that MEXCO-STI serves as a vital forum to synchronize policies, strategies, and execution of the national STI agenda between the central and state authorities.

The meeting also delved into measures to tackle the anticipated challenges arising from Malaysia's projected aging population by 2048. The Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM) showcased initiatives merging STI to empower the elderly, foster high-tech enterprises, and safeguard and commercialize traditional knowledge. Another emphasis was the application of a circular economy to generate income for fishermen.

Initiated by Bioeconomy Corporation (BEC), this program is set to encompass at least 30 selected locations across Peninsular Malaysia by 2027. Meanwhile, Chang expressed that the ministry (Mosti) is coordinating preparations for the Second 2026 National Science Council (MSN) meeting, slated for Nov 24 and chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He mentioned that the insights and recommendations derived from MEXCO-STI would be conveyed to the council assembly to bolster Malaysia's STI policies and developmental trajectory. Concerning initiatives to cultivate public interest in STI, Chang indicated that Mosti's Malaysia Techlympics program has engaged 3.18 million young individuals across the country, surpassing its initial objective of 1.8 million participants.

He attributed this accomplishment to the escalating enthusiasm for STI among youth, bolstered by state governments and other partners. On innovation commercialization, Chang stated that the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (NICE) 2026 attracted over 12,000 visitors, featuring 180 exhibitors and 235 business-matching sessions.

However, he emphasized that evaluating Malaysia's innovation ecosystem should not solely hinge on program attendance but rather on its capacity to translate research into commercial success, generate fresh economic opportunities, and deliver tangible benefits to the populace. Chang stressed that enhanced coordination between federal and state governments is indispensable to ensure that STI investments, expertise, and infrastructure are utilized proficiently, without duplication or wasteful expenditure of resources.