KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants more research scientists in the country to bravely venture into the industrial sector by contributing science, technology, and innovation (STI) based ideas and expertise.
He also urged industries to provide more job opportunities for those with knowledge and skills to boost their performances.
“I am worried to see data showing 87.5 percent of research scientists serving Higher Learning Institutions and public research centres compared with research scientists in regional countries like Thailand and Singapore where 50 percent or more researchers are in the industrial sector.
“I am throwing a challenge to these experts and knowledgable group to become a catalyst for change, become a driving force and be competitive in strengthening the ecosystm of the country’s STI because it should be given priority,” Anwar said.
He was speaking at the ASM Fellow Awards ceremony and the announcement of Top Research Scientist Malaysia 2023 at a hotel tonight.
The Prime Minister’s speech text was read by Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Meanwhile, Anwar fully supports the Road Map for Research, Development, Commercialisation and Innovation (RDCI) which will be a platform for those seeking solutions and those providing solutions towards improving the country’s innovative performance.
It is important to revive the trust of the people towards STI in the socio-economic development.
“The country’s scientific community must also reform their work culture to be mission oriented and towards one that provides solutions as well as promote ways to carry out such initiatives holistically and effectively,” he said.
To fulfill the aspirations of becoming an STI based country, the Malaysian scientific community must collaborate effectively with the government, industries, and civil community so Malaysia can achieve the target of becoming the top 30 countries in the Global Innovation Index by 2025.
— Bernama
