KUCHING: Malaysia must nurture innovators to transform into a producer nation rather than remain merely a consumer, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He stressed that innovation is the foundation of a developed and competitive nation, serving as a means to educate and raise public awareness on its importance.
“It is crucial that we produce innovators so that Malaysia is no longer merely a consumer nation. At times, we must become producers — producers of products, processes, and ideas that can solve problems not only in Malaysia but also across the world.
“I believe Malaysia has the capability and strengths in science and technology. What we need is to open up and broaden the involvement of the whole society,” he told reporters after officiating the state-level Jejak Inovasi Sosial programme by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia at Al-Amin Mosque, Kampung Gita Baru, here today (Sept 7).
Fadillah said innovation initiatives driven by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) must be supported and embraced by all levels of society.
“This programme may seem small, but it carries great significance — not only for the local community here but also for Malaysians as a whole.
“I thank MOSTI for bringing Jejak Inovasi Sosial to Sarawak, beginning here at Kampung Gita Baru in the Petra Jaya constituency,” he added.
He noted that MOSTI’s innovation efforts are guided by four approaches, namely Discover, Develop, Disseminate, and Diffuse.
“First, we must identify (discover). Then, the idea is expanded and developed before it eventually becomes a product that can be used not only locally but also more widely — in other words, commercialised.
“This way, once an idea is discovered, it can be refined and enhanced with the help of experts, ensuring that the innovation grows to meet broader needs,” he said.
