KUALA LUMPUR: Innovative products with commercial value by Mara should be patented and commercialised.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said he was confident of the many innovative and research products Mara has produced through its various education institutions.
Hamsa said Mara's proactive action via the Innovative and Research Unit will further boost the innovation and research culture.
"Mara has allocated RM4 million under the Innovation and Grant Scheme for its staff to carry out various projects.
"It is hoped that these research are demand driven in line with the needs of the industries and its players.
"There is a need to boost the socio-economic status of the Bumiputera and this presents a challenge for Mara to find a strategic approach to have more participation and equity ownership of Bumiputeras," Hamsa said, adding that Mara's programmes should produce a quantum leap for the Bumiputera.
Hamsa also said that Mara staff should be more competitive and committed to achieve innovative and creative transformation.
"The challenges we face will make the story of our lives but in order to receive those challenges, we have to change with time," Hamsa said after presenting awards to 20 Mara staff, who were involved in Mara Innovation Award 2014 competition.
A total of 132 innovations from Mara centres participated in the competition under four categories; management, technical, learning and teaching as well as health, safety & environment quality this year.
Each first prize winners from every category won RM10,000 followed by RM7,000 (second place), RM5,000 (third place) and RM2,000 (two consolation place) respectively.