KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Budget 2026, the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), lays a robust foundation for Malaysia’s aspiration to become a globally competitive digital and deep-tech nation.
MIMOS Berhad said the increase in total budget allocation, alongside targeted investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, as well as green and digital technologies, demonstrated the government’s clear intent to strengthen Malaysia’s innovation economy.
“While there is a measured reduction in Development Expenditure (DE), the higher Operating Expenditure (OE) will enable the creation of more jobs, nurture new talents, and sustain Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem,” the agency said in a statement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2026 last Friday, announced an allocation of nearly RM5.9 billion to strengthen the AI sector, covering research, development and innovation across ministries.
MIMOS said as a strategic agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), it would continue to serve as a strategic enabler of advanced technology, innovation policy and talent growth, working closely with national stakeholders to drive an inclusive, sustainable and innovation-powered future.
MIMOS president and group chief executive officer Dr Saat Shukri Embong was quoted to have said in the statement that the government’s bold emphasis on research, technology commercialisation and digital capacity-building, including a RM2 billion allocation to establish a Sovereign AI Cloud infrastructure, reflects a strong national intent to future-proof our economy.
“As the National Applied R&D Centre, MIMOS will continue to bridge scientific discovery with real-world application, ensuring that every innovation developed by Malaysians serves Malaysian industries and communities,” he said.
Saat Shukri said MIMOS’ initiatives, including the recent Technology Preview 2025 held in conjunction with its 40th anniversary, showcased over 25 local technologies in semiconductors, advanced electronics, green innovation and quantum intelligence, many of which directly aligned with Budget 2026’s strategic priorities.
Meanwhile, MIMOS chief technology officer Dr K. Pannirselvam in the same statement said that Budget 2026 provides opportunities for Malaysia to accelerate technology adoption among local industries, covering areas such as smart manufacturing, data-driven solutions, sustainable energy and advanced materials.
On the other hand, MIMOS chief strategy officer Ramesh Kumar Nadarajah noted that Budget 2026’s public-private partnership approach provides a solid framework for co-development, commercialisation, and foreign investment in deep tech sectors.
“Innovation thrives where ideas meet industry. The allocation of RM200 million for Strategic Co-Investment Funds and RM750 million for venture and startup financing opens up new avenues for collaboration, giving industry players a stronger competitive edge and enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness to global investors,” he said.
Meanwhile, MIMOS chief commercial officer Razman Jaafar said that measures to enhance market access, streamline trade and regulatory frameworks, and strengthen SME capabilities under Budget 2026 were timely in driving sustainable growth.
As for MIMOS chief operating officer Abdul Rashdee Abdul Kadir, he emphasised that operational excellence and execution discipline are key to maximising the impact of government investments in technology, as Budget 2026 reinforces MIMOS’ commitment to good governance, high-performance execution and value creation.
In parallel, its group chief of staff Nurezmy A. Majid said Budget 2026’s strong focus on upskilling, reskilling and talent development, particularly in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors such as AI, semiconductors and digital technologies, is timely and aligned with MIMOS’ continuous talent-building agenda.
“Through the MIMOS Academy, we are committed to delivering reskilling and upskilling programmes in advanced technologies while partnering with industry and academia to nurture the next generation of innovators and researchers.
“With RM7.9 billion allocated for TVET and RM3 billion through HRD Corp for training, the Budget clearly underscores Malaysia’s commitment to developing talent for the innovation economy.
“MIMOS is proud to support this visionary agenda by expanding opportunities for Malaysians to master cutting-edge digital and technology skills that will drive innovation and elevate national competitiveness,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
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