Latest news with #MinistryofScience
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah delegates gain strategic insights at Energy Asia 2025
Mohd Hanafiah (centre) visiting the immersive tunnel at the Energy Park — a three-day pop-up exhibition set up by Petronas in conjunction with Energy Asia 2025, showcasing its net-zero ambitions through interactive experiences. KOTA KINABALU (July 18): The Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur served as a valuable platform for Sabah delegates to gain insights into Asia's evolving role in the energy sector — particularly in the context of driving a just and inclusive energy transition. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, described it as a fast-track introduction to energy transition as speakers and eminent experts shared their insights during the three-day conference held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from June 16 to 18. Attending the conference for the first time, Mohd Hanafiah described it as an eye-opening and impactful experience. 'I believe this platform serves as a fast track for me to understand where we stand in our energy initiatives, particularly from the perspectives of innovation and strategy. The speakers were brilliant, able to articulate complex issues in 15 minutes, and respond to questions with clarity and depth. It's been an eye-opening experience.' He was particularly interested in the dialogues that touched on regulation and governance in dealing with energy transition. He noted that to develop effective and competent regulatory frameworks, a one-size-fits-all approach would not work. Another Sabah delegate, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Sabah Berhad Dr Firdausi Suffian said that Energy Asia clearly spelled out that there can be no net zero without Asia. 'The sharing here highlighted the importance of collaboration, diversification, and, of course, upskilling. These are not just buzzwords; they are strategic imperatives if we are serious about driving a just and inclusive energy transition in this region, ensuring that no one is left behind as we move towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future,' he said. Firdausi called on policymakers and industry players, as well as academics and civil society, to attend such conferences, saying they had a role to play in understanding and supporting energy transition, which requires a collective and inclusive approach to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience. 'If you look at the entire programme and discussions, they all seem to share a common consensus, which can be summarised very clearly: the energy transition must be approached through the lens of context,' he added. Energy Asia, hosted by Petronas in partnership with Knowledge Partner CERAWeek by S&P Global, wrapped up with a powerful call to accelerate a just, inclusive, and practical energy transition. The event gathered over 4,000 participants from 60 countries and 38 sectors, uniting policymakers, investors, innovators and energy professionals under one roof to exchange insights and drive forward-looking solutions. Through more than 50 strategic dialogues across seven sub-themes, Energy Asia explored the collaborative efforts among Asian nations to strengthen energy security, advance renewable energy adoption, implement decarbonisation solutions, enable technology transfer, and drive both economic and socio-economic development.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Mosti: National Technology Investment Framework in the works
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is developing a National Technology Investment Framework to tap into growing investor interest in the green economy and to position Malaysia as a key player in sustainable, future-focused sectors. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) deputy secretary-general (technology development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan said a major challenge lies in convincing investors that Malaysia has the capabilities, resources, and long-term vision to support and sustain green investments. 'While we are rich in natural resources, many of them are still in the development phase. This means we must present a compelling and credible roadmap to demonstrate our readiness,' he said during a panel discussion at the National Economic Forum 2025 (NEF 2025) today. He was speaking in a session focused on attracting investments into Malaysia's emerging economic sectors, especially in areas aligned with global trends such as artificial intelligence and clean energy. 'We believe that with clear and consistent steps, Malaysia can rise to the occasion and become a preferred destination for strategic, long-term investments,' he said. Mohd Nor Azman stressed the importance of demonstrating leadership in sustainability as the world shifts towards greener development. He said Malaysia must show that it is not just keeping pace with global trends but actively leading in areas such as responsible mining and the sustainable use of biodiversity and bio-based resources – sectors where the country holds an international comparative advantage. Using rare earth elements as an example, he explained that these materials are crucial in technologies such as electric vehicles and clean energy systems. However, the challenge is to ensure that the development of these resources is truly sustainable, not only in policy but also in execution. Malaysia, Mohd Nor Azman said, has already made strong global commitments. 'For instance, we've pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which anchors our national sustainability agenda. We've also aligned ourselves with international frameworks and developed national strategies like the New Industrial Master Plan and the National Energy Transition Roadmap.' He added that Malaysia is actively collaborating with global partners to ensure that its sustainability efforts remain credible, transparent, and impactful. 'Collaboration remains key. We are not doing this alone,' he emphasised. Through strategic frameworks, global partnerships, and a strong national commitment to sustainability, the country aims to build investor confidence and position itself at the forefront of the global green economy, Mohd Nor Azman said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Boosting R&D investment vital for Malaysia's high-income goal
KUALA LUMPUR: Increasing investment in research and development (R&D) is crucial for Malaysia to achieve high-income status and global competitiveness, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasised that MOSTI is focused on ensuring research outcomes move beyond laboratories to deliver tangible benefits. 'These solutions directly benefit the people, enhance the competitiveness of local industries, and drive economic growth based on innovation,' he said. While Malaysia's R&D spending still trails behind nations like South Korea and Japan, MOSTI aims to bridge this gap by 2030. The government has set a target for gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) to reach 3.5% of GDP under the MADANI Economy agenda. To strengthen R&D capabilities, MOSTI has introduced several strategic initiatives. These include expanding impact-based research funding, particularly in green, digital, and sustainable technologies. 'Among the strategic initiatives is the expansion of impact-based research funding by broadening access to R&D financing for companies and research institutions conducting high-impact work,' Chang explained. Collaboration is another key focus, with industry-academia research consortia fostering partnerships between government, businesses, and universities. The Semiconductor Research Consortium, led by MIMOS, is one example driving semiconductor advancements and positioning Malaysia as an ASEAN R&D hub. Infrastructure development is also prioritised, with efforts to enhance laboratory capacity and R&D networks nationwide. The National Technology and Innovation Sandbox, launched in 2020, provides a testing ground for pre-commercial technologies, bridging the gap between research and industrial application. Talent development remains central to MOSTI's strategy. Programmes like the Young Scientists Network nurture emerging researchers through training and global collaborations. 'The Young Scientists Network under the Academy of Sciences Malaysia develops young researchers through training, exposure to emerging technologies, and global collaboration networks,' Chang noted. Additionally, policies supporting open innovation and commercialisation aim to fast-track technology transfer. The technology commercialisation accelerator initiative helps startups by offering readiness assessments, mentorship, and investor access. - Bernama
Memri
3 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
'The State Duma Has Proposed Banning...'
"The State Duma has proposed banning..." – this phrase, like a broken record, has been topping the news about Russian legislative activity for years. It seems that there is nothing left that our parliamentarians could not try to ban, and with severe consequences for violators! But now they have set their sights on something sacred – everything! An initiative has been "wandering" in the corridors of the State Duma for a long time, trying to eliminate freedom of choice. Deputy Speaker of the State Duma and former ombudsman for children's rights Anna Kuznetsova is lobbying for a bill aimed at eradicating "destructive ideology as a whole." Can you imagine the scale? Two volumes of research have already been prepared with the support of the Ministry of Science! It turns out that all of this is laid down in presidential decree No. 809 "On approval of the Fundamentals of state policy for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." Until now, the decree was recalled to cite the list of "traditional values," so beloved by officials and clergy. And now, if Kuznetsova's initiative is implemented, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING can be banned! After all, "fundamentals" are not a joke, but a "strategic planning document in the sphere of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation." Everything is serious! Elvira Kikhareva They Intend To Ban Almost Anything The list of "traditional values" in itself, it seems, is quite decent: life, dignity, patriotism, family, humanism, justice... Who would argue? But, as they say, the devil is in the details! It turns out to be a cognitive dissonance: either this is a traditional value, or a tool of the West for the destruction of sovereignty (and everything Western, in the opinion of the Russian elite, is pure evil). After all, for some reason, the State Duma is in no hurry to discuss how to implement these values. It is much easier to ban something! And here comes the decree, which lists all the "enemies" that threaten our values: extremists (they are those who go out to the squares with a poster saying "no to war"), the media (numerous liberal publications that have been dispersed and banned by the authorities), the United States, and even some organizations and individuals within the country. Well, you get the idea – enemies are everywhere! At the same time, the very concept of "destructive ideology" is vague to the point of impossibility, which allows it to include absolutely everything that the Kremlin does not like. As a result, they intend to ban almost anything, and punish violations to the fullest extent of the law! Who benefits from this? Yes, everyone who wants to curry favor with the authorities, the "experts" of Putin's pool, and, of course, law enforcement agencies. After all, it is much easier to catch "violators of ideology" than real criminals! Sleight of hand – and no miracles! But in addition to the "bans" that Russians are accustomed to, there are also proposals. According to parliamentarians, they are very useful. Russian lawmakers, no doubt motivated by concern for the welfare of citizens, have recently decided to expand the practice of forced labor for those who have committed minor offenses. Of course, this has nothing to do with the desperate shortage of labor in the economy, which the government modestly estimates at two million people. Just a coincidence... So, the State Duma, in a fit of extraordinary generosity, on July 8 adopted a package of amendments that effectively introduce forced labor as a new type of punishment for as many as 45 articles of the code. Now, if you accidentally cause moderate harm to health or, say, involve a minor in innocent pranks, the court will happily give you the chance to work for the good of society in a correctional center for up to five years. It is especially touching that "corrective labor" will also be applied to economic articles. Did you delay your employees' salaries for three months? Welcome to re-education through labor! Did you falsify reports? No big deal, forced labor will help you realize the depth of your fall. The authors of this "brilliant" initiative claim that forced labor has an exclusively positive effect on crime prevention. Convicts, as one, demonstrate simply inhuman motivation to work, acquire valuable skills and, of course, are spiritually enriched. It seems that it is time to open a network of free labor camps – those who want to will certainly line up! We Get A Clear Example Of Slavery As Russian legislative practice shows, at least in these few seemingly sarcastic, but in fact very symptomatic examples, any expansion of state powers can lead not only to selective application of the law in relation to citizens of a particular country, but also to the desire to expand these powers in foreign, neighboring, sovereign territories. Undesirable officials, leaders of neighboring states, entrepreneurs, oppositionists or simply "wrong" citizens can end up in a correctional center for far-fetched reasons, be expelled from the country or forcibly sent to the front for the sake of someone's geopolitical ambitions. Today, there is practically no one to protect them from tyranny – they should have thought about this earlier. As a result, we get a clear example of slavery: people are forced to live according to pre-written rules under the threat of punishment and a constant feeling of anxiety. And this is completely incompatible with the proclaimed values of freedom, justice and humanism. The growth of state control over life and the suppression of dissent, which we see in the example of Russia, create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. In such an environment, a constructive dialogue between the authorities and society is practically impossible, and any disagreement is dangerous for "national security." It is especially alarming that such practices are increasingly justified by ideological cliches about "traditional values" and a "special path." These slogans serve as a cover for authoritarian methods of governance and suppression of freedoms under the pretext of the uniqueness of national character, allegedly incompatible with Western democracy. Leading The Multi-Million Nation Into A Dead End However, history proves that rights and freedoms are universal values, independent of geography or culture. The desire for justice, equality, and dignity is inherent in every person, regardless of nationality and beliefs. Attempts to justify restrictions on rights by referring to a "special path" and the adoption of dubious laws are just a disguise for the usurpation of power and the protection of the selfish interests of the ruling elite. Ultimately, a strong and prosperous state can only be built by respecting rights and freedoms. An open society with guaranteed freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judicial system is the basis of the economy, science, and culture. Otherwise, the country is doomed to many years of stagnation, and legislators have no choice but to continue to strengthen control, passing more and more odious laws that help to preserve and extend their influence, but lead the multi-million nation into a dead end. *Elvira Vikhareva is a renowned Russian opposition politician based in Russia. In 2023, she was poisoned with heavy metal salts.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Science
- Barnama
Malaysia Techlympics Emphasises Inclusivity And Participation For All
NILAI, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) continues to strengthen the culture of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through its Outreach and Inclusion Programme, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Central Zone edition. Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said more than 2,500 students from Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have participated directly in the outreach programme. 'Over 350 teachers have also taken part in Training of Trainers sessions. This initiative is crucial to ensure students, especially those in rural areas, have access to quality education in line with the country's technological advancement,' he said. He added that the programme, which is now in its fourth year, also aims to expand access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning, particularly for rural students and their teachers. Also present at the event was Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, chairman of the Negeri Sembilan State Action Committee on Heritage, Technology, Innovation, and Digital. Mohammad Yusof said in addition to formal classroom sessions, STI-based learning is also delivered through practical, hands-on activities where students gain direct exposure to technology from experts in the field. 'This approach allows for more interactive learning, especially in applying technology to everyday life,' he said, adding the programme is being held both in person and online nationwide from June to November to broaden access and participation. The programme adopts a practical, experience-based learning model to cultivate interest, creativity, and innovation in STI, as well as highlights emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), coding, drones, and computing. The Malaysia Techlympics 2025 Central Zone event involves students from 128 schools competing in several categories: 3.1R Global Skytech Challenge (G-SKY); 3.4R Global EZ Rover Combat Challenge (G-Rover); 4.2R Rocket Car Challenge; 5.1R 3D Printing Challenge; 6.1R World Engineering Challenge (WEC); 6.2R Forensic Crime Investigation Challenge and Viralytics: The Ground Zero.
