The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dato’ Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, has announced that a new Science Act is on the way, which will provide the legal framework to empower growth in those fields.
“Legislation is important if we are to maintain consistent support for science, technology and innovation,” he stressed and said that the new law would be tabled in parliament before the end of the year.
His focus on expediting it is understandable.
After all, the role that science and knowledge-based industries are taking in our socio-economic transformation agenda should not be underestimated.
“A well-managed and sound framework of the science, technology and innovation ecosystem will ensure the country continues to thrive,” he said.
“[This is] despite the global political and economic uncertainties and the debilitating changes unleashed by rapid advancements in science and technology.”
And that is exactly the message that the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) wanted to assert this week as it hosted more than 200 participants at its international conference, ASMIC2012.
Speaking there, the Minister reiterated the need to invest in science and technology, both financially and in terms of brainpower, if the nation is to reach its 2020 goals.
“The role of science and technology is vital in ensuring an innovation ecosystem that benefits the nation’s economic and social development. Fluency in STI is crucial in the knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven economy,” he said.
Malaysia has been making encouraging progress in sprucing up the country’s innovation achievements. A number of flagship global surveys on innovation have confirmed this – last year’s Global Innovation Index for example which ranked Malaysia 31st globally – top amongst upper middle income countries.
“We succeeded in transforming Malaysia from an agricultural economy to an industrial one, emerging as one of the leading exporters in the world,” he said.
“The challenge now is to make a quantum leap to the next stage of becoming a high-income country. I have absolutely no doubt that this is possible with careful planning, clear strategies and firm execution.
“STI has to be looked at as a long term investment if we are to truly reap the returns,” he added.