Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau yesterday stressed the importance of making progress in science, technology and innovation (STI) for Malaysia to become a developed nation earning high income especially when the country is moving toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution known as Industry 4.0.
“To become a developed and high-income nation, we must be able to have high ability in technology and at the same time become the contributor in technologies’ development,” he said in his speech during the launch of National Science Week yesterday night.
The National Science Week event, which is happening now at 13 locations across the nation from 1st to 7th April 2018, is initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and is aimed at “cultivating interest in science and place science as priority at all levels in society.”
According to Madius Tangau, Malaysia is no longer a group of consumers who gain from technology but also contribute towards progress in technology.
He also stressed that the interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among younger generation should be enhanced to ensure the nation will have a generation contributing to the advancement of technology.
He said the government has designated a National Science Week to organise this awareness programme in an integrated move on a grand scale. National Science Week is held for the first time and the ministry hopes to turn it into an annual event.
Madius Tangau is also delighted Malaysia scored good ranking this year among developing economy and developing nation in the world, citing that the World Happiness Index Report 2018 which was released by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network recently shows that Malaysia is ranked No.35 compared to 42 in 2017 in ASEAN – Malaysia stays at number two behind Singapore.
“The achievement and the recognition given to our country shows that the government has implemented effective policies that have given positive results to the people,” he said.
Replying to a question by Malaysia World News reporter, the Minister of Science said, Malaysia is now shining in many areas of science among which are – Electronic, Electrical, and Green Energy, besides ICT.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau presented three main awards at the ceremony. They are the Special STEM Award which is introduced for the first time, Young Scientist Award and Technologist Award.
The Special STEM Award is offered to recognise significant contribution in STEM and STI in the country. Young Scientist Award recognises the contribution and achievement of young scientists in research and development (R&D) and STI.
Technologist Award recognises the contribution made in science and technology by technologist and semi-professional staff.
The winners receive the following gifts:
1-National Young Scientist Award – RM20,000, plaque and certificate
2-National Technologist Award – RM10,000, plaque and certificate
3-Special STEM Award – RM2,000, plaque and certificate
The Minister of Science hoped “these awards would continue to motivate scientists to advance the country in science, technology and innovation more rapidly.
– Malaysia World News www.malaysiaworldnews.com
