Mapping Malaysia's Resource Centres

17 Technology and Innovation Malaysia has successfully transformed from an agriculture-based economy to one that straddles manufacturing and services. The country is committed towards realising the goal of Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030) which is aimed at further growing economic complexity and propeling the nation towards high value-added economic activities. Underpinning all initiatives is the critical role of partnership in science, technology and innovation in the modern economy. It is an important contributor to economic growth and a crucial factor in determining the competitiveness of firms in the marketplace, nationally and internationally. Research & Development (R&D) is widely recognised as the prerequisite for technological advancement, and levels and rates of growth of R&D expenditures are viewed as reliable indicators of innovative capacity. Achieving the targets will require a bold commitment and huge injection of funds from not only the public but more importantly, the private sectors. Across the world, approximately two-thirds of all R&D activities are carried out by the private sector. The involvement of the private sector in research-driven activities is thus crucial for Malaysia’s future economic growth and competitiveness. Toward this end, the Malaysian Industry- Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT), with a mission to promote the high technology development agenda, is instrumental in nurturing and encouraging private sector R&D. Through its prospecting initiatives and industrial consultations, MIGHT continues to provide a platform for key members of the Malaysian private sector to discuss and brainstorm with their counterparts from the Government, academia and research institutions. This collaboration in the planning and implementation of R&D and technology acquisition ensures optimisation of resources and enhanced deliverables. In a similar vein, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) was established to accelerate the commercialisation of new technologies and promote innovation- based economic growth. MTDC fund recipients can develop by way of access to a suite of innovation support services such as mentoring and coaching, networking and technical assistance. MTDC promotes and facilitates the commercial exploitation of R&D findings from research institutions and universities, eventually assisting in the application of these findings in the marketplace.