Sarawak looking to innovate its way to being a developed state by 2030

KUCHING: Sarawak is emphasising innovation and talent development as it moves towards becoming a developed state by 2030.

State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah said innovation was an important element in driving the socio-economic development of communities and nations.

“Innovation is not restricted to physical items or machines, it also takes place to improve processes and services which can give us a competitive edge.

“Hence we need to identify how we can create an environment which fosters research and innovation,” he said when opening a science, technology and innovation seminar here on Thursday (Aug 11).

Sagah said the seminar was timely as the science, technology and innovation sector was still in its infancy in Sarawak.

He welcomed assistance from Federal agencies such as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia and Sirim Bhd, with their experience in driving technological and social innovation.

“They will share with us current guiding policies at the federal level as well as funds, facilities and services available,” he said.

The seminar will discuss policies, facilities and the way forward for Sarawak in science, technology and innovation.

It will also come up with a preliminary framework for promoting innovation in Sarawak.