KUALA LUMPUR: The development of science, technology and innovation (STI) will play a crucial role in designing our nation’s future and ensure that we are not left behind in the race to the top.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said STI was vital to transform the various national economic sectors leading up to 2050, in line with National Transformation 2050 (TN50).
“STI development in the coming 30 years is a must to fulfil not only our objectives of becoming an advanced nation, but a sustainable one at that,” he said when delivering his keynote address “Innovation, Technology and Disruptive Change – The New Paradigm for Malaysia’s Socio-Economic Development” at the 20th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference here today.
The conference was organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli). Also present was its chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh.
Tangau said under TN50, Mosti will be leading STI initiatives to ensure the country is ready to face future challenges.
He added, the World Economic Forum has projected that 65 per cent of children currently in primary schools will secure new jobs that are not in existence today, but are founded on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“STEM skills need to be developed from an early age, and with it being set as a priority in Malaysia’s education blueprint, a STEM Action Plan is being finalised by the government towards ensuring science and technology will continue to sustain Malaysia in line with global development and ensure that Malaysia will not be left behind,”.
A newly funded allocation of RM25 million has been set aside for the establishment of a National STEM Learning Centre to train science teachers, as announced by Prime MInister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the tabling of the 2018 Budget.
“Mosti is the technology driver and provider and we are piloting emerging and futuristic technologies like Internet of Things, nanotechnology, new genetic technologies, automation and robotics,” he said.
Tangau also urged businesses to ‘think digital’, to capitalise on the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) and tap into profitable foreign markets and boost their competencies and competitiveness.
“The establishment of the DFTZ will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for e-commerce logistics. Malaysian small and medium enterprises, which makes up 97 per cent of total enterprises in Malaysia, must upgrade themselves or risk being overtaken,” he said.
Tangau said by 2050, it is envisioned that Malaysia will have advanced STI capacity and capabilities, displaying prowess in selected technology areas of green technology, biotechnology, digital technology, nanotechnology and even neurotechnology.
It is also envisioned that the country will be a self-sustaining nation in terms of water, food and energy, through the application of green technology, and it is also hoped that the ageing population will still be able to contribute proactively to Malaysia’s development through the application of digital technology.
Tangau said with the rapid advance technology and globalisation, competition has intensified and Malaysia needs to come up with its own technologies as it cannot depend entirely on imported technologies to power its economy.
“The ability to generate new knowledge and intellectual property though research, and to exploit them through commercialisation will increasingly be crucial for Malaysia as we progress towards developed nation status,”.
The Strategic Outlook Conference is an annual event which brings together government, business, academia and thought leaders to evaluate key issues and strategic challenges facing the nation in the coming year.