Malaysia still behind in scientific innovation

Malaysia still behind in scientific innovation, says PM
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani
Najib (centre) says more scientists are needed if Malaysia is to be a developed nation come 2020. — file pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak says Malaysia is behind in achieving the country’s target of developing high calibre science, technology and innovation (STI) human capital.
The target is to get 60 researchers, scientists and engineers (RSEs) for every 10,000 workers.
“We need more scientists and researchers. We need more innovators. We need pioneers in science and technology.
“At the moment, we have only achieved 18 RSEs per 10,000 workforce. Clearly this is far from satisfactory and something must be done to improve the situation,” he said.
He added that Malaysia must have continuous progress in STI to achieve the country’s aspiration to become a developed country by 2020.
Najib explained that it is vital for the country to strike a balance between strength in basic and applied sciences.
“The critical requirement for Malaysia would be to have a competitive edge by generating and owning indigenous technology platforms and scientific discoveries,” he said.
Najib pointed out that the country has a remarkable history in scientific research.
“We can be proud of our achievements and exploits in the rubber and oil palm industries, where we continue to lead the world in scientific advancement and innovation,”
He added that the country has now joined the ranks of nations that have ventured into space exploration.
Najib stressed that it is imperative that Malaysia prioritise STI into the “mainstream of economic planning.”
“We need to benchmark ourselves with countries such as South Korea, Japan, India and China. All of whom have made significant progress by embracing the full capacity of STI,” he said.
He explained it is important that Malaysia find a solution to the apparent “brain drain” in the workforce.
Najib was speaking at a function where he presented Professor Gurdev Singh Khush and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) with the 2008 and 2009 Mahathir Science Award for their contributions to tropical research at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last night.