Former Cabinet member Law Hieng Ding has been conferred with the 'Great Mind' award by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (Minds).

The former science, technology and environment minister is the second recipient of the award, after Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The former premier, also Minds patron, was conferred the 'Great Mind' award several years ago.

Receiving the award at a Minds reception in Kuala Lumpur recently, Law thanked the society and its council members for faithfully supporting and encouraging him while he was in the Cabinet.

"All your support had enabled me to contribute in one way or another to our country and society," he told his appreciative audience.

Law also said that the 'Great Mind' award is an innovative way to encourage retired scientists and other professionals to continue contributing their great ideas and share their wealth of experiences with others.

"Physically, they may be considered retired. But their ideas and experiences remain the same, if not better. Therefore, due priority should be given to motivate and accommodate them to be continously active in the nation-building process.

Powerful motivation tool

"Besides incentives, recognition of one's contribution to society and their field of expertise is a powerful motivation tool," he added.

Law served in the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry for almost three decades, as parliamentary secretary, deputy minister and minister. He is also a five-term MP for Sarikei and had declared that he would not be seeking another term in Parliament.

Minds president Augustine Ong presented Law with the award during the event (photo).

Founded in 1986, Minds is the largest body in the country representing individuals, universities and companies who pursue excellence in invention, creativity, innovation, research and development, and industrial design.

The society is responsible for promoting high standards of invention and design, fostering professionalism and encouraging continuing professional development among its members.

Minds is active nationally and internationally and associated with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the International Federation of Inventors' Associations.

With support from the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Education and Sirim, Minds has established itself as the leading body to support inventions and designers in Malaysia.