Technology · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia must build innovation capability, not just adopt technology
Malaysia needs to intensify its science, technology and innovation efforts to become a creator rather than consumer of advanced solutions, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia must shift from merely adopting existing technologies to developing homegrown innovation capabilities, officials said on Monday, underlining the country's need to strengthen its science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) emphasized that regional competitiveness increasingly depends on a nation's ability to generate original solutions and technological advances rather than simply importing or implementing foreign innovations.
The push reflects growing recognition among policymakers that Malaysia's economic future requires deeper investment in research and development, talent cultivation, and institutional support for innovation-driven enterprises across both public and private sectors.
Mosti's position aligns with broader regional trends in Southeast Asia, where countries are competing to establish themselves as innovation hubs and reduce dependence on foreign technology providers. Officials pointed to the need for coordinated effort across government, academia and industry to build Malaysia's indigenous innovation capacity.
The ministry's call comes as Malaysia seeks to diversify its economic base and maintain competitiveness amid rapid technological transformation in the region.