KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 – Malaysia needs to aim to be one of the top 10 countries in the global competitiveness index and global innovation index.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was possible to achieve this following the implementation of the Science-to-Action and the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2013-2020 initiative.
“The policy is overseen by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry,” he said in his speech at the Conferment of Fellowship of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Top Research Scientists Malaysia 2014 announcement, here, Monday night.
Also present were the prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin and Academy of Sciences Malaysia president Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali.
At the ceremony, Najib was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia 2014 in recognition of his strong advocacy in science and technology as the epicentre of the economic transformation programme.
A total of 34 scientists was announced as the 2014 Top Research Scientists Malaysia, as well as 21 new fellows and two senior fellows.
Najib said the Science-to-Action (S2A) initiative launched in November last year was aimed at intensifying the application of science and technology for industrial development and the people’s well-being.
The S2A iniatiative has three components – science to industry, science to well-being and science to governance.
Therefore, the government would continue to assist Malaysian science researchers, whether in the government research institutes and the public universities, in realising the targets set, Najib said.
“Today, the world and Malaysia are impacted by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as ebola and dengue, global warming, landslides and many more.
“With all these calamities, I call on the scientific community via the Academy of Sciences Malaysia to lead studies on the issues and making analyses and scientific facts in finding lasting solutions grounded in science and technology,” he said.
Najib also called on the scientific community to lead studies on issues such as water, food, and haze and provide inputs to the government on the strategies and measures needed in mitigating risks.
The prime minister hoped the Academy of Sciences Malaysia continues its excellent record of delivering its objectives and working closely with the government towards building a better nation and brighter future for all Malaysians.
Under the Conferment of Fellowship, a Senior Fellow appointed is entitled to be addressed as “Academician” while Fellows are entitled to use the title of Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (FASc).
These distinguished individuals are selected through a stringent selection process based on their exceptional work, commitment, passion and creativity in science, technology and industry.
