KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s technology commercialisation ecosystem is being strengthened to accelerate Malaysia’s transition into a regional innovation hub, says Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said this effort is being driven through key initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) and the Malaysia Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI).
“The ministry has a clear focus in 2026, which is to accelerate Malaysia’s transition from a technology user to a technology creator and exporter.
“This plan includes strengthening the nation’s commercialisation ecosystem through platforms such as NTIS and MRANTI, where more than 80 technologies have been supported, with a total value exceeding RM150mil,” he said when officiating the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2026 here yesterday.
Chang noted that these initiatives are essential to ensure that innovation delivers tangible benefits to the economy and the rakyat.
On the expo, he said it complements national efforts by providing a platform that connects key stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.
“MTE is a platform that reflects Malaysia’s broader aspirations in science, technology and innovation.
“By connecting government, academia, industry and society, MTE helps bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, ensuring that innovation delivers real value to the economy and rakyat,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
Since its inauguration in 2001, MTE has grown into one of the region’s most respected platforms for innovation, invention and technology commercialisation, he added.
“Over the past two and a half decades, MTE has enabled thousands of innovators, researchers and institutions to bring ideas from the lab to market, contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s development,” he said.
He added that more than 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Poland, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and China, were participating in the expo.
“This reflects strong international confidence in Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem.
“Global collaboration is increasingly important as countries with strong international research and development networks tend to achieve higher innovation outcomes,” he said.
Chang also said that MTE serves as a national platform that provides the country with access to engage with the global innovation community.
“MTE therefore serves not only as a national platform but also as a gateway for Malaysia to engage globally.
“It has consistently demonstrated its role as a catalyst in this journey, and its efforts are shaping not only innovation but also the future of our nation,” he said.
