KOTA KINABALU: A sum of RM400 million allocation for research works and upgrading of broadband services in public universities will further elevate the reputation of higher learning institutes, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
He said there had been many outstanding research and innovation (R&D) from public universities which had gained international recognition.
"Some of the research products such as animal vaccine from Universiti Putra Malaysia are already in the market to be used by the community.
"Further research more to be done to commercialise the products so that it will be available at cheaper cost" he said, adding the R&D fund would help to generate more than RM6 billion incomes.
Idris was speaking to reporters after hosting two hours of 2nd Soaring Upwards talkshow programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here this morning.
On the 2017 Budget announcement on increasing broadband services from 3 gigabytes per second to 100 gigabytes, Idris said it would be essential in encouraging virtual learning such as online learning, video conferencing among others.