Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal stressed the important role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in driving Malaysia’s economic growth at the recent MTDC Road to Growth (R2G) programme, here.
He spoke about recent initiatives such as the Malaysian Venture Capital Roadmap 2024-2030 and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030, both aimed at transforming Malaysia into a high-technology nation by 2030.
“These policies are designed to strengthen the development and use of high technology to transform our industries and society.
“We aim to move from being technology consumers to technology developers,” he said.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says young business professionals' inputs needed to develop Sabah Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he welcomed inputs from young business professionals to assist in policy formulation. Read more He also introduced the MySTI programme, a government initiative to increase the commercialization of local R&D products and services.
MTDC has been appointed as the implementing agency for MySTI, managing two key funds, the Facilitation Fund and the Trial Fund.
MTDC’s CEO, Mohammad Hazani Hassan, presented the corporation’s new tagline, “MTDC Partners with Tech-experience” reflecting its commitment to supporting the growth of technology industries in Malaysia.
He said MTDC has extensive experience in supporting technology-based companies, having funded and invested in over 850 local firms through various government-managed financing programmes.
He noted that as Sabah sets its sights on becoming a technology hub, the MTDC R2G 2024-Sabah programme is poised to play a crucial role in empowering the local workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a technology-based economy.
“This initiative is expected to boost productivity and competitiveness across various industries in Sabah, paving the way for a future where innovation and technology drive the state’s economic growth,” he said.
Hazani said the launch of the programme signals a new chapter in Sabah’s development story, one where technology and innovation take centre stage in shaping the State’s economic landscape.
“With strong government support and strategic partnerships in place, Sabah is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital age and emerge as a leader in technological innovation in the region,” he said.
The event witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Sedia and MTDC, as well as between MTDC and the Malaysian Cocoa Board, further strengthening the collaborative framework for technological advancement in the State.
Sedia Chief Executive Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing the event as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the exploration of new opportunities that will drive Sabah’s economic transformation.
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