Science, Technology and Innovation Bill to be tabled

KOTA KINABALU: A Cabinet Memorandum of Approval for the Enactment of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Act will be tabled this year after the engagement session with stakeholders is completed.

Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) Chang Lih Kang, stated that they aim to present the Science, Technology and Innovation Bill to Parliament for consideration in 2025.

“As an update, MOSTI is actively working towards drafting the STI Bill to safeguard the government’s interests in the field and activities related to STI, ensure innovation-based economic growth. The initiative to establish the Science, Technology and Innovation Act will be a game-changer for strengthening the STI ecosystem in all aspects,” he said.

Chang said this in response to a question from Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (UPKO – Tuaran) during a Special Chamber Address in the House of Representatives) recently.

According to him, the draft STI Bill is expected to enhance the overall STI ecosystem of the country.

“This STI Bill will cover aspects such as Empowering the STI Ecosystem; Strengthening the implementation and management of research; and the country’s development and commercialization. It also includes Human Capital and STI Talent; Financial Allocation and Management, including industry collaboration; and Data Partnership Enhancement,” Chang explained.

Earlier in his address, Madius emphasized the importance of the STI Act in shaping the legal foundation that regulates and encourages the development of science and technology in the country.

The former MOSTI minister noted that the Act also helps align legal norms for research and innovation, ensuring the safety and ethical standards of science are adhered to, and stimulating economic growth through technological development.

“I initiated the STI Bill when I was the MOSTI minister. It should have been presented to Parliament in 2018. This bill is crucial as it helps align legal norms for research and innovation, ensuring safety and ethical standards in science, and stimulating economic growth through technological development. Therefore, there is a need to reintroduce this STI Bill to Parliament,” he said.