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October 29, 2009 16:44 PM
Government To Establish National Innovation Centre, Says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The government will establish a National Innovation Centre and a network of Centres of Innovation Excellence as a step towards accelerating national innovation and commercialisation activities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said this after chairing the fourth meeting of the National Innovation Council here on Thursday.
"The establishment of both these centres will ensure that the measures towards innovation will be further strengthened and streamlined, leading quickly to products which can be commercialised.
Najib said in making innovation a part of the key national agenda, it is very important that the approach towards it, penetrates all segments of society.
"The innovation that we hope to implement embodies the quality of total innovation.
"In another sense, it is innovation which is not limited to the field of science and technology but encompasses innovation as a whole," he said.
Examples are, innovation in management, innovation in the community, innovation in towns and villages, corporate innovation, industrial innovation, innovation in education, healthcare, transport, social security network and branding innovation.
Najib also announced that from next year, the National Quality Day implemented at the level of Ministries in the public sector, will be replaced by the National Innovation Day.
According to Najib, any ministry or government agency which introduces creative and innovative solutions which lead to improvements in terms of efficiency in management and the delivery system for the people, will be given suitable incentives and awards.
He also disclosed that there was a proposal to establish an iconic National Innovation Centre of the same standing as the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).
"Whether this proposal is possible and suitable to be implemented from the point of viability, needs to be studied by the government through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation," he said.
On human capital, related ministries have been asked to take follow-up action to encourage and make innovation the culture, through the country's education system.
"It was also decided at the meeting today that nanotechnology development would be given priority and be made one of the resources of the country's new economic model.
"Nanotechnology represents a new, advanced technological field at present and for the future.
"Thus, it is important for Malaysia to not be left behind in the field of nanotechnology and we have decided to give it importance," Najib added.
The National Innovation Council comprises 18 government representatives, five from industrial associations and NGOs, two each from the academic sector and professional organisations and five local captains of industry.
Meanwhile, Najib declined comment when asked if Felda would be listed on Bursa Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
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