Research and development in M’sia still lacks funding - minister

The lack of allocations and investors in the field of research and development continues to be an obstacle to Malaysia achieving a high-tech nation status by 2030.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said this is because research and development funds in Malaysia still remain at one percent of the gross national product (GDP), compared to other countries such as South Korea at four percent.

Therefore, he hoped his ministry would be given a larger allocation, or at least an additional 10 percent, through Budget 2024, which will be presented today by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“This is because it takes a long time for results and achievements to be seen. If our investments in research and development are not large enough like other countries that reach three to four percent of the GDP, we will be left behind.

Chang said this at a press conference after officiating the state-level National Science Week Carnival 2023 and Malaysia Techlympics 2023 South Zone Level at the Melaka International Trade Centre.

He said an increase in budget would also open up more research and development opportunities in vaccine development and space exploration as allocations for those fields were currently unsatisfactory.

He said additional funds will also enable various programmes to be organised, especially in attracting children’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem).

- Bernama

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