Boosting a two-way link in research
ENERGY, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin recently voiced her concerns on the lack of researchers working in the industry. She said that research and development (R&D) in the country focuses on academic research but the outcome is not utilised in related industries.
As such, this has deterred the development of advanced technologies and products.
It was reported in the that some 78 per cent of the country’s fulltime researchers work at universities while only 12.3 per cent work in the industry.
Yeo added that the country has to work towards the direction where R&D will no longer be limited to academia but also through collaboration with the industry.
The ministry will be allocating at least 50 per cent of research and development funds to experimental research next year.
“The government wants to create an ecosystem that encourages industries to thrive and allows talents to grow.”
Last year, 70.5 per cent of R&D expenditure was spent on applied research, with only 8.6 per cent allocated to experimental research.
“If we have an ecosystem supportive of new technologies, which allow industries to develop quickly in this fast-changing world, we will be able to overcome the challenges we face in this disruptive world.”
The industry, particularly SMEs, and the university need to learn to trust each other and be more open. Then we can better work together and allow easy access and sharing of talents as well as facilities.
UM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation)
NOORSAADAH ABD RAHMAN
between them.”
UKM’s Institute of Systems Biology senior research fellow Dr Mohd Firdaus Raih said academic research has multiple aims which are usually long-term. Research into fundamental areas of science and translating findings into useful technology take time.
He added that such types of research are not sustainable in the private sector due to the nee and inv laysia.
“Aca techno petentsector. versityout res vate se sociate