THE Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) will intensify its focus on high-value innovation sectors through its upcoming 2026 Strategic Research Grant Call, which targets emerging industries such as sustainable petrochemicals, aerospace manufacturing and semiconductors.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said the specialised grant call is a key driver in aligning Sarawak’s research direction with future economic needs.
“The 2026 Strategic Research Grant Call is designed to push Sarawak into new frontiers of innovation by directing our research community towards sectors with strong global relevance,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Dec 1)
He said the initiative will help the state build long-term technological capability, strengthen its innovation ecosystem, and accelerate Sarawak’s transition into a knowledge-driven economy.
“We are moving beyond conventional research. Our focus now is on high-impact, high-value sectors that can generate new industries and high-skilled jobs for Sarawakians,” he added.
Sagah said this push forms part of SRDC’s broader strategy, which has already seen RM18.3 million invested into 80 research projects covering biotechnology, biomedical innovation, renewable energy development and sustainable industrial materials.
“These research initiatives are crucial for enhancing health security, advancing renewable energy and supporting circular bioeconomy applications,” he said, adding that the outcomes reinforce Sarawak’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He highlighted SRDC’s strong track record, including effective utilisation of research funding and growing contributions to intellectual property.
Among its notable achievements are high-impact research such as the SBC Spike Protein Inhibitor, which benefits public health, and Swinburne University’s Smart Efficient Buildings research, which supports infrastructure efficiency.
To further bridge research and commercialisation, Sagah said SRDC has launched INNEX Sarawak, an innovation accelerator framework.
“INNEX Sarawak plays a crucial role in ensuring that research does not stop at the laboratory stage but moves towards market application for the benefit of society and industry,” he said.
He added that SRDC is also strengthening early STEM talent development through programmes like BrightSparx and the Premier’s BrightSparx Innovation Award, while the KamekPintar IP Management System will streamline and modernise the intellectual property submission process.
“We want to nurture young innovators early and ensure a transparent, efficient innovation ecosystem for researchers,” he said.
On organisational improvements, Sagah announced that the Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) will be merged under SRDC to enhance efficiency.
“This integration allows for a more focused research environment and better resource allocation,” he said.
Meanwhile, he reported that the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) is 85.35 per cent complete and remains on track for full completion this month, with a soft launch expected in July 2026.
Ongoing programmes such as the STEM Catalyst Raspberry Pi 2025 workshops, Minggu Sains Negara and the Kembara Sains Borneo travelling exhibition have continued to expand student engagement, reaching 14 schools statewide.
To widen access to hands-on science learning, the Common Science Lab (CSL) initiative successfully piloted at the Sarawak Biovalley Pilot Plant—will be expanded under Projek Rakyat to Serian, Kapit, Betong, Sri Aman and Lawas.
“Through initiatives like the CSL, we are ensuring that students in rural and underserved areas are not left behind in STEM education,” he said.
