VIENTIANE/KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia emphasised the importance of Asean moving towards a more integrated and mission-oriented science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem to address regional challenges such as the energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience.
This was conveyed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang during the 22nd Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-22) in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday.
"Malaysia also shared efforts to strengthen regional innovation platforms, integrate the Asean startup ecosystem, and the importance of ensuring that research and innovation can be translated into tangible impacts for society,” he said in a post on Facebook.
Chang said Malaysia is committed to continuing close cooperation with Asean countries.
Meanwhile, Chang held a bilateral meeting with Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, where discussions focused on Malaysia’s preparations to host AMMSTI-23 and the 91st Meeting of the Asean Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-91) next year.
The discussions also covered efforts to ensure that Malaysia’s chairmanship will strengthen Asean cooperation in STI.
"Hopefully, these early preparations will help Malaysia play a more significant role in driving a resilient, sustainable, and competitive Asean STI agenda," he said.
He also held meetings with Singapore AMMSTI Chairperson Gan Siow Huang, Brunei AMMSTI Chairperson Datuk Mohd Riza Yunos, and Thailand AMMSTI Chairperson Yodchanan Wongsawat.
The discussion focused on efforts to strengthen cooperation in the field of STI, including potential collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, space technology, and nuclear technology.
"Hopefully, these discussions will open up more opportunities for strategic cooperation and strengthen a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive STI ecosystem in the ASEAN region," he said. -- Bernama
