MALAYSIA'S S& T POLICY FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Science, technology and innovation are central to success in today's modern economy. They are vital resources and strategic investments for building a more innovative and vibrant economy in order to face the challenges and uncertainties of the 21st century. The Second National Science and Technology Policy will put in place programmes, institutions and partnerships to enhance Malaysia economic position including the quality of life of the people.

The National S& T Vision

To become a nation that is competent, confident and innovative in harnessing, utilizing and advancing S& T towards achieving the goals of Vision 2020.

Policy Statement

Maximize the utilization and advancement of S& T as a tool for sustaining economic development, the improvement of quality of life and national security.

Goal

Accelerate the development of S& T capability and capacity for national competitiveness.

Objectives

• To increase R&D spending to at least 1.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by year 2010 in an effort to enhance national capacity in R&D; and
   
• To achieve a competent work force of at least 60 RSEs (researchers, scientists and engineers) per 10,000 labour force by year 2010 in order to enhance national capability in S&T

NEW DIRECTIONS OF THE SECOND NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

The Second National Science and Technology Policy provides a framework for improved performance and long-term growth of the Malaysian economy. The policy aims to:

• Increase the national capability and capacity for research and development (R&D), technology development and acquisition; 
   
• Encourage partnershiPs between public funded organizations and industry as well as between local and foreign companies for the co-development of technologies with a view to increasing indigenous technology capability: 
   
• Enhance the transformation of knowledge into products, processes, services or solutions that add value across every industry for maximum socio-economic benefit: 
   
• Position Malaysia as a technology provider in the key strategic knowledge industries such as biotechnology, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, information and communication technologies, aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology and photonics: 
   
• Foster societal values and attitudes that recognize S&T as critical to future prosperity, including the need for life-long learning: 
   
• Ensure that the utilisation of S&T accords emphasis towards approaches that are in conformity with sustainable developmental goals including alignment with societal norms and ethics: and 
   
• To develop new knowledge based industries.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES IN S& T DEVELOPMENT

In order to provide direction in the quest to achieve the S& T objectives, the following guiding principles should be adhered to:

Commitment

Ensure that there is national commitment to S&T that translates into solid investments by both Government and industry and the widespread adoption of new technologies to enhance export competitiveness. A supportive and responsive institutional framework is critical if S&T is to flourish.

Concentration

Optimise the utilization of resources in strategic priority areas.

Capabilities

Improve the nation's capability in appreciating, acquiring and applying S&T knowledge and skills through education, training and life-long learning.

Capacity

Strengthen the nation's capacity through expanding and upgrading of the S&T infrastructure.

Collaboration

Promote smart partnerships and synergy among public research institutions, universities, industries and nations to enhance its effectiveness.

Commercialisation

Enhance nation's ability to commercialise R&D outputs into competitive products and services that meet market demands.

Culture

Foster a pervasive culture of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in S&T through creation of an environment that encourages risk taking, rewards market-driven ideas, supports science and innovation and inspires interest in S& T careers.

Community

Enhance support and active participation of the community in S&T development relevant to their daily lives and in accordance with acceptable norms and ethics.

STRATEGIC THRUSTS FOR S& T DEVELOPMENT

As a nation with relatively limited resources, Malaysia has to ensure the desired results and high rates of return from every investment made in developing S&T. The allocation of resources should therefore be closely aligned to national priorities for the country's transformation into a knowledge-driven economy so as to maximize economic and social returns.

The Second National Science and Technology Policy therefore addresses seven key priority areas:

I. STRENGTHENING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY

Investments in Science and Technology by the Government have increased tremendously since the introduction of the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (/RPA) programme in 1988. Despite such increases, Malaysia's investments in research and development (R&D) pale in comparison to that of the advanced countries. The gross expenditure in R&D up to year 2000 is 0.5 per cent of GDP, a figure that compares unfavourably with other more developed countries. Absolute R&D expenditures by both government and industry have increased in recent years especially by the latter and this trend is encouraging. But, Malaysia needs to invest more in order to keep abreast with the explosive pace of changes in scientific and technological developments.

Success will go to countries and firms that continuously invest in knowledge intensive activities. R&D is a key activity in enhancing the generation of new products, processes, services or solutions. Proficiency in R&D, however, is not automatic. The Government's role is to establish an environment conducive for industry to invest in R&D and other technological development activities. Industry too must complement the Government's efforts in commitment and accept responsibility for R&D in order to reap for itself the resultant benefits.

To remain competitive in the future, the Government must support the development of critical bases for future specialisation and competence in carefully selected areas.

Specific Initiatives

1. Increase public and private sector investments in R&D including infrastructure development targeting for gross national R&D expenditure level of at least 1.5 per cent of GDP by 2010
    
2. Research and technology development programmes including basic research in the new and emerging technologies to be prioritised regularly through initiatives such as Technology Foresight / Technology Mapping and other similar methodologies to ensure focus in areas which can yield highest socioeconomic payoffs.
    
3. Invest in upgrading the infrastructure for S& T development including establishment of new major research / technology development institutions / facilities / initiatives e.g. BioValley Initiative in the Multimedia Super Corridor.
    
4. Launch, jointly with industry associations. new programmes in selected sectors to strengthen indigenous technological capabilities oflocal corporations in existing as well as new and emerging technologies through partnerships with universities and public research institutes (PRls) as well as through creative engineering.
    
5. Stimulate private sector investment in R&D I technology development through:
   • Enhancing access to public research facilities;
   • financial contribution from the private sector;
   • Ensure that the fund is used solely for R&D purposes for that particular industry;
   • Yearly report to ensure accountability;
   • Supporting industry initiatives including those of industty associations to develop specific facilities to strengthen technological capabilities;
   • Promoting competitiveness through science, technology and innovation;
   • Review existing fiscal and financial incentives for R&D so that they would promote greater industry investments in R&D as well as attract significant R&D projects to Malaysia; and
   • Enlarge allocations for industry grant schemes e.g. Industry Research and Development Grant Scheme (lGS), Multimedia Super Corridor Research and Development Grant Scheme (MGS), Demonstrator Application Grant Scheme (DAGS).
      
6. Aggressive and strategic implementation of existing Technology Acquisition Programme under the smart partnership framework with Malaysian companies and government-controlled agencies.
     
7. Establish strong linkages with regional and international centres of excellence in collaborative R&D as well as co-development of technology. 
   
   
   II. PROMOTING COMMERCIALISATION OF RESEARCH OUTPUTS
   
   Success in innovation is determined by the ability to transform ideas and knowledge into products and processes that are demanded by market.
   The Government plays a key role in forging linkages between the generators of knowledge and the users of knowledge. Government funded research organisations must playa more proactive role in making connections with industry. Such an active stance, incorporating the introduction of new mechanisms and incentives is consistent with the mission of conducting research for the benefit of the nation especially when the outputs are commercialised.
   
   Specific Initiatives
8.  Establishment of Business Development Unit within MOSTE to develop strategies and programmes aimed at enhancing the commercialisation and diffusion of research findings generated from public funded research organisations. Such programmes include, among others:
    
   1. The introduction of a new Reach Out programme to support the efforts of Business I Innovation units in universities and PRls;
   2. Establishing new mechanisms (e.g. IMCNation Centres I Best Practice Centres) to provide universities and PRls with support in commercialising research outputs;
   3. Establishment of a pre-seed capital fund for universities. PRls and Innovation / Best Practice Centres which are to be allocated on a competitive basis;
   4. Study on establishment of holding company under MOSTE to promote commercialisation of research findings from universities and PRls; and
   5. Improving incentives for researchers to commercialise their findings.
9. Introduce, in collaboration with Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a Public Sector-Industry PartnershiP programme where researchers will spend some time providing technical assistance to companies.
10. lncorporate within existing procurement practices, programmes to support innovation and development of indigenous technology development.
     
11. Apply self-financing targets (operating budget) for all public research institutions (30 per cent by 2005) and universities (/5 per cent by 2005).
    
    
    III. DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY
    
    Investments in the "intangibles" such as education and training, R&D and new managerial skills are very crucial. Investments in these intangibles must achieve two main objectives:
       
    
    • Achieving the numbers; and
    • Attaining quality.
      
      
      While Malaysia's Information Technology (IT) and Multimedia agenda are powerful initiatives for economic advancement, the broader scope of the S& T agenda encompasses a wider range of activities that include the Biosciences and Engineering. The development of these areas will further enhance the wealth creation processes consistent with the expansion of the knowledge-driven economy. A specialised core group of scientists and engineers should be developed in tandem with the expansion and setting up of new research centres and laboratories.
      
       
      Current statistics indicate that Malaysia has to expand the human resource base in S&T to fulfil the requirements for scientists and engineers in ten years time. This means that there will have to be a substantial injection of investment in human resource development in the setting up of more S& T institutes and universities.
       
      The shortage of S& T personnel is estimated at between 20 percent to 30 per cent across all levels of scientific, engineering and technical areas. The situation is particularly acute for small and medium scale industries. Malaysia therefore has to adopt a broad-based approach to human resource development to support its S&T agenda.
       
      In the long term, Malaysia requires a much more effective delivery system for human resources to drive economic growth and progress. This must translate to a high component of Science and Technology graduates as well as a culture of life-long learning.
       
      Specific Initiatives 
       
12. lntensify development of critical mass for S& T through: 
     
    
    • Adoption of 60:40 ratio of students pursuing science, technical and engineering disciplines in upper secondary schools and universities;
    • Adopting a different approach to education that is, from an examination oriented and rote learning to hands on and innovation oriented approach;
    • Increasing the number of post-graduate students in science, technical and engineering disciplines to at least 10 per cent of the undergraduate population by 2005 through measures such as:
      • Establishment of a post-graduate research S& T university; and
      • Introduction of attractive incentives to entice more students to pursue science, technical and engineering disciplines at under-graduate and post-graduate levels.
      • Introduction of Book Allowance Support programme for students pursuing science at upper secondary school level; and
      • Review of syllabi and teaching approaches for science and technical/ vocational subjects in primary and secondary school levels with emphasis accorded to development of creative thinking and problem solving skills. 
         
13. Expand implementation of S&T Human Resource Development (HRD) Fund to:
    • Enhance Human Resources Development and other incentives to achieve national S& Thuman resource objectives;
    • Increase the number of post-doctoral fellowships;
    • Initiate brain pool programme through collaboration with renowned researchers; and
    • Establish, in collaboration with industry, Distinguished Visiting Scientist programme in universities and PRls. 
       
14. Strengthen and expand Teaching Company Scheme and other student attachment programmes to build long-term relationships for technology transfer and training between university and industry. 
     
15.  lmprove the career prospects and mobility of scientists and research workers. 
     
16. Re-examine programme on Retuming Malaysian Scientists to make it more attractive through targeted fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. 
     
17. Review the Skills Development Fund to finance industry-training programmes. This would be jointly managed by the private sector and the Government, with manufacturing industries contributing one per cent of their total payroll to the Fund. Existing facilities at industrial training and other institutes can be made available for fUnd-supported programmes, and in-house training programmes may also qualify for support. Serious consideration can also be given to private sector organisations opting to set up their own separate training facilities under this scheme, as well as to the privatisation of existing government training facilities.
     
18. .Enhance and modernise the existing system of certification of technical personnel and classification of skills. This will greatly facilitate the development of a technically proficient and mobile workforce.
     
19. Expand adult and continuing education programmes, particularly in technical subjects, to upgrade the skill base in specific areas. The provision of adequate facilities has to go hand in hand with an enlightened management and the realisation that personal fulfilment leads to greater job satisfaction and a positively motivated employee.
     
20. Strengthen the effectiveness of mechanisms to allow industry to contribute to course design and curriculum review in institutions of higher learning and industrial training
    institutes. Each institute should set up a committee with adequate representation from the public and private sectors. Continuous consultation will ensure that course content does not become obsolete with changes in technology. or irrelevant with respect to industry needs.
21. Ensure that Malaysian graduates acquire training and skills that are fully relevant to national needs, particularly with respect to the choice of elective subjects and post-graduate programmes and fields of research.
     
22. Enhance and institutionalise linkages for industrial training between industry and educational establishments. Courses at institutions of higher learning should include a high degree of exposure to practical situations through relevant practical training opportunities.
23. Strengthen the role of tertiary institutions in advanced technology research and innovation. This could be achieved through:
     
    • Providing special development budget allocations in areas related to targeted new and emerging technologies; and
    • Increasing the industry orientation of post-graduate courses related to Science and Technology.
      
      This would help provide effective support for the acquisition of competence in the new key technologies.
       
24. Ensure an effective role for institutions of higher learning in all proposed technology parks and innovation centres. Special attention must be given to the cultivation of skills related to technological reproduction, adaptation and innovation. Universities must adopt a more commercial stance in developing technologies.
     
    
    IV. PROMOTING A CULTURE FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNO- ENTREPRENEURSHIP
     
    Developing a supportive attitude in society for change through increasing S& T awareness and appreciation programmes is crucial towards engendering a climate for invention, innovation and techno-entrepreneurship.
     
    Techno-entrepreneurship is one of the major driving forces behind technological advancements. Malaysian society tends to be averse to risk in technology. But, taking no risk is the greatest risk of all. It closes the door to a new and more rewarding future. The Government will do more to share the risks with industry and individuals in new technological developments.
     
    Specific Initiatives
     
25. Expand the scope and coverage of S& T promotion activities in collaboration with S& T NGOs and industry. Such measures to include, among others:
    • Blending S& T with the performing arts; and
    • Support for professional and scienceoriented organisations.
26. Establish five Regional Science Centres by 2010 to elevate S& T awareness among the populace.
     
27. Promote techno-entrepreneurship through:
     
    • Provision of technoentrepreneurship courses to all science, technology and engineering undergraduates;
    • Conduct, in collaboration with Malaysian Technology Venture Association or other sponsors. annual technoentrepreneurship competition;
    • Amendments to university / PRI personnel service scheme that enable selected staff to take sabbatical leave with no loss of seniority in order to commercialise a research finding;
    • Ensuring existing public venture capital funding and banking system to provide window for early seed financing as well as support for technology development;
    • Establishment of Malaysian Technology Credit Guarantee Scheme through existing mechanism to support formation of new technology based firms (NTBFs);
    • Introduce a more innovative mode of financing such as debt ventures funding with flexibility in the lending facilities;
    • Encourage local corporations to set up Angel investment funds by publicising the incentives through seminars, workshops and newsletters;
    • Create an avenue to showcase companies to Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists; and
    • Review achievement of ventures capital fund and other incentives to encourage commercialisation of R&D output.
       
28. Inculcate Science and Technology awareness and appreciation at all levels of government. The objective is the permeation of a Science and Technology consciousness into the structure for national decisionmaking and implementation of development programmes. This can be achieved by a wide ranging series of measures, including special courses on S & T at public seNice institutes and the appreciation on the S & T dimension in general courses at such institutes.
     
29. Raise S&T awareness and appreciation by inculcating S&T culture in the education system. This would involve:
     
    • programme to intensify creative thinking and problem-solving skills. in primary education;
    • Research grants to schools;
    • Redesigning of syllabi to achieve a balance of S&T. the arts and humanities;
    • Increasing the vocational and technical skills content in secondary schools; and
    • Intensifying efforts to increase S&T language competence to facilitate the flow of information.
       
30. Use the mass media to heighten public awareness and appreciation of Science and Technology. This will involve not only an expansion of the S&T content in the mass media, but also steps to improve the standard of science journalism.
     
31. Enhance the scope and coverage of the Science and Technology Week programme and other promotional activities. Such promotions not only raise S&T awareness, but also provide the S&T community with a definite focus and identity. The National Science Centre should aim at being one of international standard to heighten the image of Science and Technology as an exciting and relevant facet of everyday life.
     
32. Encourage the formation and development of centres of excellence in science. The government should promote the development of viable professional and science-oriented societies by providing them with financial assistance.
     
33. Promote the formation of guilds for technical personnel with activities that are specially focussed on technical and professional issues. These associations represent an important part of informal education and training framework. They can help upgrade skills and promote sound industry-wide codes of practice through a wide range of industrial activity. They can also elevate the social standing of blue-collar skills.
     
34. Support the Malaysia Design Council that aims to create and maintain a fund to be used for encouraging the creation. design. development, financing.manufacture and utilisation of Malaysian inventions, research results and other intellectual property. In addition, a series of award could be implemented to provide additional impetus to specific target groups, or in specific areas of technology including product design, invention and innovation. This would raise the prestige of scientific accomplishments generally.
     
    V. STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND MANAGEMENT FOR S&T AND MONITORING OF S& T POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
     
    Proficiency in S& T does not happen by chance. It must be made to happen. Decisions on S& T developments must be taken based on well-informed options and not on exigencies. The current institutional framework for S&T is characterised by a lack of resources devoted to S& T policy analysis and the diffusion of responsibilities throughout various arms of government. A well-defined system for the management of national S& T agenda needs to be set in place. Ability, agility and adaptability must underpin the efforts in enhancing the National Innovation System. Towards this direction consideration will be given to strengthening the National Innovation System.
     
    The National Innovation System (NIS) will involve a set of distinct processes involving institutions that jointly as well as individually contribute to the development and diffusion of new technologies. It will provide the framework within which government forms and implements policies to influence the innovation process.
     
    Developments in S&T cannot be undertaken in a vacuum. They must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of society, which ultimately influence the quantum of resources devoted to the development of S&T. Rapid advances in the new technologies especially in the field of genetics, are raising serious moral and ethical concerns. These issues have to be addressed in consonance with acceptable societal norms and ethics.
     
    Specific Initiatives
     
35. Strengthen the Ministry of Science. Technology and the Environment (MOSTE) by endowing it with necessary resources to ensure effective S&T policy formulation and implementation.
     
36. Review the role of Majlis Penyelidikan Kemajuan Sains Negara - MPKSN (National Council for Scientific Research and Development) to ensure effectiveness of S & T advisory and coordination system.
     
37. Expand efforts to develop effective information gathering. monitoring and evaluation and transmission mechanism to track the nation's performance in S & T as well as development of new technical developments I technologies.
     
38. Promote adoption of sound research management practices including intellectual property management and commercialisation of research outputs in all PRls and universities.
     
39. Enhance the management of intellectual property rights including patent advisory and other services. To review existing legislation or to develop new legislation related to policy. Enact legal provisions to allow for the securitization of intellectual property where intellectual property rights can be used as collateral for loans.
     
40. Develop mechanisms and codes of practice to ensure that development of S& T accords emphasis to preventive approaches as well as being consistent with acceptable societal norms and ethics.
     
41. Enhance the management of the technology intelligence and information system. This would facilitate rapid and effective dissemination of information on research within the country. The system would also be a source for information on international research. The existing system already in place in various research institutes, universities and colleges, and specialised and general libraries, would be the nucleus on which to build the National Science and Technology Intelligence System.
     
42.  Require public sector R&D institutes to draw up five-year budget plans detailing research programmes and priorities. The budget should be reviewed annually by the ministry responsible for Science and Technology. This will help create greater awareness in key public and private sector organisations, about research programmes underway or being
    planned.
     
43. Enhance the system of contract research as a first step towards corporatisation of all industrial research institutes. The objective is to encourage market-driven research through a clear understanding of priority areas, the monitoring of R&D performance. and the introduction of a degree of competitiveness in research activities.
     
44. Aim for a greater degree of financial autonomy for R&D institutes. The decision-making process could thus be speeded up. manpower and skills would be better utilised. and R&D programmes would be more clearly geared towards performance.
     
    VI. ENSURE WIDESPREAD DIFFUSION AND APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY, LEADING TO ENHANCED MARKET-DRIVEN R&D TO ADAPT AND IMPROVE TECHNOLOGIES
     
    Dissemination of technology is vital in creating the infrastructure and environment within which the needs of the technology and business communities can work together to mutual benefit. For maximum effectiveness, the private sector has to be encouraged to take the long-term view of business ventures through investments in R&D, and the research community has to reorient its activities in line with industry needs.
     
    Specific Initiatives
     
45. Enhance quality awareness and design in industry through on-going programmes. Quality and Standards play an important role in building up international competitiveness, and the level of quality awareness must therefore permeate the full range of activities in Malaysian industry. Competence must also be built in industrial design, engineering design and product design so that ideas can be translated into workable systems or products to improve efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing activities.
     
46. Form a special technical committee to propose specific and concrete measures to enhance the capability of the engineering and technical services sector. This would help in the development of a system of commercially driven engineering support services to meet the requirements of industrialisation.
     
47. Ensure the effectiveness of the Industrial Technical Assistance Fund. This can be achieved by extending its scope to include a larger range of activities including automation and R&D in targeted areas; broadening coverage to include all firms, while retaining the emphasis on small and medium scale enterprises; increasing the maximum level of matching grant for R&D.
     
48. Gear public procurement policy firmly to stimulating innovation and product development for local firms to help them be more competitive in regional and international markets. Close dialogue between suppliers and procurement agencies would encourage forward planning. Procurement agencies should also be more supportive of innovative local firms.
     
49. Strengthen linkages between firms by encouraging R&D and product development programmes between purchasers and suppliers and developing vendor support systems. International Procurement Operations (IPO) centres should be given incentives to set up in Malaysia.
     
50. Undertake a detailed scrutiny with a view to implementation of the product group Action Profiles in the key industry sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Electronics, Information and Communication Technology and Multimedia Technology, Biotechnology, Energy, Aerospace, Nanotechnology. Photonics as well as other key technologies.
     
    
    VII. BUILD COMPETENCE FOR SPEClALlSATION IN KEY EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
     
    Technology is never static. Markets are constantly changing. New technologies and applications are surfacing. A forward-looking approach to the key technologies of the future is crucial to sustain an active and competitive industrial economy
     
    Specific Initiatives
     
51. Develop a secure knowledge base in the key technology areas to sustain technology support for Malaysian industry:
     
    • Advanced Manufacturing;
    • Advanced Materials;
    • Microelectronics;
    • Biotechnology;
    • Information and Communication Technology;
    • Multimedia Technology;
    • Energy;
    • Aerospace;
    • Nanotechnology;
    • Photonics; and
    • Pharmaceuticals.
       
52. Prioritise research programmes in the new and emerging technologies to ensure focus in areas that yield the highest economic pay-offs. Malaysia cannot afford to support a full range of skills and capabilities in all these fields. Specific areas must be selected based on relevance, a demonstrated need, the availability of a natural advantage and constraints of manpower and budget allocations.
     
53. Institute special measures to encourage the formation and development of new technology-based firms engaged in the promotion or commercialisation of technological innovations. These small to medium sized firms, highly entrepreneurial in nature, will emphasise knowledge intensive R&D activities allied to business skills.
     
54. Set up national focal points for each of the new and emerging technologies. These would serve as the hub of R&D activity in the respective fields.
     
55. Enhance exposure to international developments in the new technologies, and exploitation of foreign research expertise where necessary.
     

CONCLUSION

""We have to be brave enough to explore new pathways and new destinations. To do this we must have more faith in ourselves and be more hardy and determined. If we do so, we may come out ahead of those who went before us."
Data' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad Prime Minister of Malaysia

The implementation of the Second National Science and Technology Policy will involve a large financial outlay by the Government. In order to implement fully this policy the Government will have to be committed to provide the financial allocation needed for such purposes. The quantum of financial requirement to implement all the proposals is estimated to be RM9.5 billion.

To read the PDF version of this policy document at the MOSTI website, please click here

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