Chang (left) with USM deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Habibah Abdul Wahab (second from left) and symposium chairman Prof Dr K. Kumar (third from left). — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
MALAYSIA is struggling to commercialise its research and development (R&D) projects due to “weak” collaboration between industry players and the government sector, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
He said this had slowed down innovation and economic growth.
The minister said this while speaking at the opening of International Symposium on Biopolymers 2024 at Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
“We are trying to improve the situation.
“We hope this symposium will bridge the gap by enabling academic institutions such as Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to work with industry players as well as government agencies to connect the dots,” he said at the start of the four-day symposium.
Chang described the symposium as an important platform for exchanging ideas and fostering international cooperation.
These factors, he pointed out, were critical in overcoming global challenges.
“By working together, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” he said.
Chang said Malaysia had remained committed to fostering scientific innovation emphasising sustainability.
“Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) continues to invest in research and development through the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2030, emphasising collaboration between the public sector, academia and industry.
“We are committed to turning innovative ideas into practical, sustainable solutions,” he said.
Chang said as of this year, the global biopolymer market was valued at approximately US$19.46bil (RM85.66bil).
He said it was projected to reach around US$40.67bil (RM179.02bil) by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%.
He noted that biopolymer was also gaining traction in the automotive, medical and textile sectors for its role in reducing carbon footprint.
Chang said Mosti received a slight increase in Budget 2025.
“Many ministries had their budget allocation amounts reduced but not Mosti, which will still receive RM1.2bil.
“We will also see an increase in R&D funding from RM510mil this year to RM600mil next year.
“Of course, this will be shared with the Higher Education Ministry.
“This is a clear indication that the Government is serious about investing in R&D projects,” he said.
Earlier, Mosti had proposed an increase in Budget 2025 allocation for R&D to strengthen the nation’s innovation sector.
This increase, Chang pointed out, was crucial to achieving Malaysia’s goal of being in the top 30 of the Global Innovation Index (GII) by next year.
This year, Malaysia ranked 33 out of 133 countries, after being in 36th place from 2021 to 2023.
Chang said this funding increase was vital for the advancement of science and technology.
“I think this is a positive development given the current economic situation.
“If the government was not serious about R&D, it wouldn’t invest more in it,” he added.
The symposium was organised by USM School of Biological Sciences, National Biotechnology Institute of Malaysia and Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation.
A total of 300 participants from 33 countries, including China, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, were involved in the symposium.
The participants were from universities, research institutes, factories and the biopolymer industry.
