BANGI: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will lead the Asean Space Economy moonshot programme mega project this year which will involve all its sectors, agencies and divisions, says Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic).
"This regional space economy will drive the development of other sectors such as agriculture, communications, transportation and education, as well as developing downstream industries such as rare earth elements (REE) to produce products such as supermagnets,” he said when delivering the ministry's New Year message here on Tuesday (Jan 21).
According to Chang, with a combination of strategic location, technological expertise, strong policies and international cooperation, Malaysia is in the best position to become the leader of the space economy in Asean, as a holistic approach will not only provide economic benefits but also contribute to technological advancement and sustainable development in the region.
He stressed that a comprehensive mapping of the moonshot project needs to be detailed to know the actual resource requirements needed.
"This combination of initiatives, if realised, can make Malaysia an attractive country for domestic and foreign investment, making science, technology and innovation (STI) a pillar in national development and creating a balance in sustainable economic growth and the formation of a progressive society,” he said.
Chang said the ministry will continue to play a role as a key collaborator in advancing technology and innovation, with a focus on strategic sectors that can strengthen the country's economy.
Among the main sectors to be given attention are REE, artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology, which are aimed at attracting international investment as well as developing sustainable technologies that can address global challenges such as climate change and food security.
In addition, Chang said the ministry is also committed to encouraging innovations that directly benefit the people, especially through the implementation of initiatives such as Kampung Angkat Madani, which aim to bring technological solutions to rural areas.
At the same time, the ministry will strengthen its communication strategy to raise public awareness of the importance of STI in daily life, he said.
Touching on the governance aspect, Chang said he had asked secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim to hold briefings every six months on the implementation of all the ministry's roadmaps.
"Meanwhile, high-impact specific projects such as the Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station (MHRS), Remote Sensing Satellites and vaccine development need (progress updates) every three months,” he said.
At the same event, Chang announced a special RM10,000 Madani STI grant for every parliamentary constituency regardless of political alignment.
The allocation would be channelled to the respective MPs' offices in the first half of the year, he said. – Bernama
