National Nanotechnology Policy and Strategy 2021-2030
April 15, 2021Mineral and Rare Earth Industries & Related Activities
April 15, 2021Based on the recommendations in the Malaysia Policy and Master Plan on Science, Technology & Innovation 2021-2030, ASM translated its mission into action with continuous engagement with the government to strengthen the STI Collaborative Ecosystem and Governance through several interventions, as follows:
a) 10-10 MySTIE Framework
On 3rd February 2020, the National Science Council (NSC), chaired by then YAB Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, convened its first meeting. During this meeting, ASM presented the paper on the 10-10 Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE) Framework to Identify National Niche Areas and Mechanism for the Research Fund Allocation based on National STIE Niche Areas. The meeting approved the adoption of the proposal.
On 14 July 2020, during the second NSC meeting which was chaired by YAB Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the 30 National STIE Niche Areas (2021-2025) were endorsed for adoption by all relevant ministries to collaboratively transform each of the identified 10 socio-economic sectors of the 10-10 MySTIE. The meeting also endorsed the establishment of a STIE Task Force that consists of relevant ministries to identify high impact projects that complements the shifts outlined in the new National Policy for Science, Technology and Innovation (NPSTI) 2021-2030 to create impact in all Malaysian localities.
Since the presentation to NSC, more than 80 stakeholders engagements have been conducted involving various ministries, government agencies, industry players, international bodies and higher learning institutions to forge collaborative networks. This also ensures strategic plans are aligned with national aspirations based on the National STIE Niche Areas.
Furthermore, the intensification of STIE investment was also put forward as a strategy under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The 10-10 MySTIE Framework was recommended to be a strategic guide to build vibrant and agile ecosystems for each socioeconomic sector. This Framework leverages on the strengths of the top 10 Science and Technology drivers to empower the top 10 Malaysia’s Socioeconomic drivers. This will transform Malaysia into a sustainable, progressive, prosperous and harmonious developed nation. The Framework and NPSTI2021 – 2030 were officially launched by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Khairy Jamaluddin on 8th December 2020.
b) STI Act
ASM supports MOSTI in strengthening STI Governance through the enactment of an STI Act for a dynamic, collaborative STI ecosystem. The Task Force convened to draft the STI Act per strategic input outlined in the Malaysia Policy and Master Plan on Science, Technology & Innovation 2021-2030.
The MOSTI Task Force led by Professor Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin FASc
The main legal provisions for the STI Act are:
a. Appointment & role of National Science Advisor
b. Institutional framework
c. Establishment of PSC on STI
d. Resource allocation
e. Public-private partnership
f. Physical & digital infrastructure
g. Ethics & integrity in STI practices h. Intellectual properties (IP)
i. STI database & repository management
j. Talent development & management
k. Promotion & enculturation
l. International linkages & networking
c) Establishment of Technology Commercialisation Accelerator (TCA)
An independent body called the Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA) is recommended to spearhead economy-oriented research. The TCA will bring together industries, researchers, and financing entities to realize demand-driven research and market-driven delivery. Serving as the commercialization arm of the RMC, it will identify the necessary mechanism of intervention and facilitation (finance, design, incubation, advisory services, etc.) for products to achieve commercial readiness. With its focus on demand-driven R&D, market-driven delivery, talent development for the industry and technology-based start-ups, TCA will also monitor and report the performance of commercialised products and services. It will also play a significant role as a conduit to connect business and investors with research institutions and the government. ASM also presented the proposal titled Forging Local Innovation Ecosystems for a High-Tech Nation through TCA at MOSTI’s first High-Tech Nation Council (HTNC) meeting on 17 December 2020, chaired by the Minister YB Khairy Jamaluddin. Subsequently, several discussions were held to gather more support from relevant parties, including EPU and MOF.
d) Malaysia Science Endowment (MSE)
MSE is a vital component of the STI Collaborative Ecosystem to enable sustainable R,D,C&I financing in the nation for basic and applied research, experimental development (pre-commercialisation) and strategic initiatives across the national priority areas. It would function in tandem with the current RMA and the TCA to bridge knowledge and innovation frontiers through diverse and sustainable financing for R,D,C&I. The approval from Cabinet was sought in December 2020 for the rebranding and further extension of the Kumpulan Wang Amanah Majlis Sains dan Penyelidikan Kebangsaan (KWA MSPK) MOSTI to MSE and ASM as the implementing agency.