KUALA LUMPUR: With still no end in sight to the global petrol crisis, the government is pushing to conduct research and development (R&D) in several key sectors to strengthen national technological self-reliance.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang (pic) said the government was moving towards a more mission-oriented R&D approach following the recent National Science Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“We have decided to focus primarily on several national missions to which in-depth mission-oriented R&D will be conducted.
“The goal will be to build our capability and capacity in these sectors, which include food and medicine, among others,” Chang told reporters after launching the Hari Istimewa Sains (HIS) 2026 at the National Science Centre (NSC) yesterday.
On Malaysia’s potential nuclear ambitions, Chang said the country is still at an early stage of planning, with preliminary studies still underway under MyPower, the government’s Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation.
“The ministry will continue to be directly involved in the studies to ensure they benefit the people,” he added.
On the HIS event, Chang said it was an annual outreach programme organised by the NSC to encourage greater participation of persons with disabilities and underserved communities in science, technology and innovation.
This year’s programme, themed Inspirasi Impian Spektrum, adopts a play-and-learn approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects through various sensory-based activities.
Chang said the initiative reflected the ministry’s commitment to ensuring equal access to science education for all Malaysians.
