YIM Strengthens Role Through High-impact Projects In Langkawi
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), continues to strengthen its role in driving grassroots innovation through the implementation of several high-impact projects that target inclusive and sustainable community development.
MOSTI Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad held a working visit to the foundation recently to observe the progress of the project implementation in Langkawi, Kedah.
YIM, in a statement today, said that the visit began with the Golden Sea Cucumber Rehabilitation and Conservation Programme at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Jetty at Sungai Chenang Landing, Langkawi.
During the visit, the delegation was taken to Pulau Singa Besar for live monitoring of the Restoration and Marine Life Framework, including the release of 20 sea cucumber broodstock and 200 sea cucumber juveniles.
"The main objective of this programme is to sustain the local sea cucumber industry through biodiversity conservation and the use of local technology for conservation purposes and community socio-economic improvement," it said.
According to YIM Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, the programme not only helps in biodiversity conservation but also benefits the local community through economic empowerment and technological innovation.
“Langkawi has great potential as a community innovation hub, and we at YIM will continue to support initiatives that bring technology closer to the community,” she said.
The Gamat Emas project proves that smart collaboration between researchers, agencies and industry can be realised with effective business model management.
Implementation of the project involves a collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), with YIM as the implementing and monitoring agency, while the Malaysian Academy of Sciences (ASM) is the coordinating agency.
The next visit was to the Crab Farm Langkawi to observe the implementation of two innovation projects in the field of aquaculture, namely the Smart Crab Farming System (SeppeK) and Soft-Skin Crab Farming (V-Crabs).
Also involved in the visit were Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, along with MOSTI officers and local innovators.
According to YIM, the SeppeK project was given a grant of RM180,000 under the Inclusive SME Ecosystem (i-SEE) Programme in 2022, while V-Crabs received a grant of RM50,000 through the MaGRIs/MyIS Grassroots Programme in 2024 and RM80,000 through the Social Innovation Commercialisation Pilot Programme.
“Both projects show great potential in empowering the community economy through innovative technological approaches in the aquaculture sector,” it said.
Meanwhile, Hasnol Zam Zam said the projects proved how innovation and technology can have a positive impact on community life.
“MOSTI is always committed to supporting and driving the development of local technology that directly benefits the people,” he said.
The delegation was also taken to visit the Langkawi Creativity Centre (RDC) located at the Langkawi Development Authority Complex (LADA) to observe the progress of the project implementation.
The RDC was set up to provide learning spaces, training and technical assistance to the local community.
According to YIM, the Langkawi RDC is equipped with Science, Technology, Innovation and Economics (STIE)-based equipment and applications, including 3D printers and robotics, in line with efforts to bring technology closer to the community.
“Since operating in August 2022, the RDC continues to play a role as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive grassroots innovation,” it said.
YIM said it also provided a 30-Day Social Media Content Inspiration Course (ChatGPT X Canva) for local entrepreneurs, as part of efforts to foster digital competence among the community.
-- BERNAMA
