1.0 INTRODUCTION

Innovation hotspot can be defined as urban areas that are a rich source of technological findings

and has the entrepreneurship to convert some of these findings into commercial innovations or a

place where companies can tap into exiting networks of scientific and technical expertise which

have good links to academic research facilities and provide an environment where innovation is

supported and easy to commercialize.

Spoken by Philip Schellekens, Senior Economist for the Asia and Pacific Department of The

World Bank, Bangkok, spoke on ‘Malaysia Economic Monitor: Repositioning for Growth’. He

declared, “Malaysia has a high share of hi-technology exports but innovation efforts by firms are

lacking.”

He said Malaysia must make its investment climate more attractive, and among the measures are

to provide hard and soft infrastructure for knowledge economy, improve the skills of the

workforce, make growth more inclusive so that nobody is left behind, and manage public

finances for long-term growth.

Malaysians rank relatively low in the Innovation index among countries surveyed in the Global

Competitiveness Report 2000. Table 1 shows that in economic creativity and technology,

Malaysia ranks below its Asian neighbors like Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This is also

reflected in the number of new ideas as reflected in the number of patent application in recent

years. As shown in Table 2, Malaysia lags behind innovators like the US and Japan but has

outperformed countries like Australia and the Netherlands in the past. The low levels of

innovation are frequently related to the education system.

The rote learning method practiced in the school system is seen to be traditional and teacher-

centered (Glad, 1998) potentially hampering creativity. In general, education targets tend to

focus more on quantitative targets. For example, high transition rates from primary school to

secondary school (Grade 6–7) are seen to be a key indicator of the education system’s efficiency.

However, in line with the national vision to pioneer a world-class quality education hub,

education policy-makers have initiated a Smart School Program, which encourages the use of

multimedia and other hi-tech equipment in the teaching and learning process.

In addition, after much debate between various religious and ethnic groups, the government has

decided to proceed with plans to introduce the teaching of Mathematics and Sciences in the

English Language with the hope that younger Malaysians will not fall behind in the acquisition

of technological and scientific knowledge.

TABLE 1: INNOVATION INDEX

Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2000, World Economic Forum.

TABLE 2: PATENT APPLICATION, SELECTED COUNTRIES, 1997–2002

Source: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Malaysia

TABLE 3: INNOVATION IN THE MALAYSIAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR, 1990-

2002

Table 3 summarizes the incidence of innovation in all four surveys covering the period from

1990 to 2002. Overall, there appears to be significant variations in the incidence of innovation in

the manufacturing sector. The percentage of firms surveyed that indicated they carried out

innovation ranged from 21 to 66 per cent. Given the biased nature of sampling in NSI-1, the

actual incidence of innovation is likely to fall to 21-42 per cent.2

TABLE 4: LATEST INNOVATION INDEX 2008-2009

Rank 2007 Rank 2009 Rank 2010

34 Malaysia 31 Malaysia 24 Malaysia

2.0 WHY MALAYSIA INNOVATION HOTSPOT WON’T WORK

First is attitudes, and particularly why small companies are so important in bringing new

innovative ideas to market. Let us contrast the behavior of large companies vs. small companies.

Large companies tend not to develop innovative technologies the way small companies do.

There’s a statement says that, “Radical innovation never originates with the market leader!”

That’s a very powerful statement, because often the market leader was the inventor of the radical

innovation, but refused to pioneer it, often fearing that it would cannibalize sales of their existing

products.

Second is the management talent which needed to make a company succeed. Malaysia has poor

producing human capital. The present of hotspot center in misaligned and has fault lines.

Malaysia also has a poor delivery in education system. Feeder institutions like universities,

research houses and institutional support organization including planner will also not be strong,

because of the main of human capital is poor. Malaysia already late into the game and education

system is still stuck in producing manpower for the industrial revolution kind of mode.

Last but not least, “Foreign direct investment can help, but thus far spillovers have been weak,’’

World Bank expert on development issues Dr Shahid Yusof said. This is an indictment of MITI

and MIDA. He has read their charter about technology transfers for years. Yet, there's nothing to

show in the form of bud grafting any technological prowess to Malaysians.

Huge investment over the years to create center like Cyberjaya and Iskandar Malaysia has yet to

produce the innovation hotspot. This is a clear of wrongheaded strategy pursued by Malaysia

because they has been only building the hardware but missing place of software

3.0 INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA

During 50 years, Malaysia has marked a significant development presented in their products,

ranking among other countries, achievements and innovations. Fifty years ago from agriculture

and mining economy based to technology, education, health, infrastructure, communication,

transport, oil and gas, plantation and industry.

These achievements were results of good plans from Malaysia to achieve certain level of

development which match with nowadays life and style. In addition, to grow economically,

Malaysia concentrate on grow globally and the keys were the development of technology,

knowledge and innovation. In eight and ninth Malaysian Plan, the effort were focused in

strengthen the science and technology, improve the competitiveness and promote

commercialization.

Referring to Ninth Malaysian Plan 2006 - 2010 that has published by The Economic Planning

Unit in Prime Minister’s Department, has showed that the nation is now at the mid-point of its

journey towards becoming a developed country by 2020. The purpose that the Government

presented the National Mission whereby showed a policy and implementation framework that

outlines the country’s priorities for the next 15 years, along with the Ninth Malaysia Plan. It is

because Malaysia will need to deal with great changes in the global environment, while

improving and upgrading the country’s domestic conditions.

Under National Mission that has presented by our Prime Minister, Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah

Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi on 31st March 2006 in Putrajaya has identifies five key thrusts in order

to achieve the country’s goals and objectives. One of key trusts is thrust two, has explained

about how to raise the capacity for knowledge and mentality that covered enhancing human

capital (Chapter 11), harnessing science, technology and innovation (Chapter 12), women and

development (Chapter 13), empowering youth for the future (Chapter 14) and fostering family

and community development (Chapter 15). Under Ninth Plan period, all services subsectors will

be further developed and promoted included tourism services, security service, health service,

financial service and others.

During the Ninth Malaysian Plan period, technology incubation was given emphasis to serve as

catalysts for the creation and nurturing of new technology-based enterprises. In this regard,

technology incubator programs were implemented by SIRIM Berhad, Technology Park

Malaysia (TPM), Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), Multimedia

Development Corporation (MDC) and Kulim Hi-Tech Park. Several institutions of higher

education such as Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

(UTM) also established incubator programs to commercialize their R&D output. During the Plan

period, a total of 400 companies benefited from the services provided such as shared facilities,

technical assistance and entrepreneur development (RMK9-12.21, pp. 268).

Taking into cognizance the increasingly challenging and competitive global environment, the

development thrust for the Ninth Plan period will be to harness science, technology and

innovation (STI) as a key driver in raising national capacity to acquire and utilize knowledge and

foster innovation. Towards this end, a holistic approach to strengthen the National Innovation

System (NIS) will be adopted to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The advancement,

dissemination and application of knowledge and technologies will be intensified to add value to

the nation’s diversified economic activities. Higher priority will be given to market-oriented

research and development (R&D) and increasing the rate of commercialization. Concerted

efforts will also be geared towards enhancing human capital to strengthen technological

capability and capacity to support innovation-led growth.” As a result of these good plans, many

innovation centers have been generated which will be review in the coming section.

National Innovation Model

As we mentioned before, Malaysia have been changed during 50 years from resource-based

economy to service oriented economy. Meaning that Malaysia has the experience in

transforming economy where knowledge and “know-how” become the main drivers for

economic growth.

This has led to the migration into Innovation base economy. Thus the factors of production in

traditional economy are not relevant in the Innovation Economy. Innovation-led growth is driven

by two models: technology driven innovation model and the Market-driven innovation model.

In a technology driven innovation model, scientists are funded for R&D, and technology will be

developed organically thus eventually commercializing their ideas for the global market.

In a market-driven innovation model, the market is determined before hand by knowledge

entrepreneurs who will acquire the best science and technology. This will provide rapid

commercialization to meet the needs of the market.

3.1 TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMMES BY

INSTITUTIONS

1) SIRIM

In line with the 9th Malaysia Plan's main thrust areas, SIRIM Berhad will continue to enhance its

role in industry development by becoming a strategic partner to the industry through Research,

Technology Transfer, Technology Incubation and Skill Development. In becoming a more

market-driven organization, SIRIM will focus on discovering and developing new technologies

to enable industries move up the value chain and aimed to expand from simply using technology

to solve technical problems to discovering technology that will help industries to reinvent their

products and business.

SIRIM also aims to promote the development of new sources for SMEs to tap and collaborate

with SIRIM in the quest for growth in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors as

SIRIM Berhad continues to set the foundations for the second phase towards Vision 2020 and to

become a key player in the broadening of Malaysia's knowledge-based economy. Together with

its industry partners, SIRIM Berhad has contributed tremendously to the dynamic national

economy, enabling Malaysian products and services to receive its due recognition of quality and

innovativeness. Continuous reinvention has enabled SIRIM Berhad to ensure that it is market-

driven, flexible, cost-effective and responsive to clients and customers. There are FOUR services

offered by SIRIM which relate to promote innovation in Malaysia:

Contract Research, which provides technology research services to companies for a fee,

based on time and material

Contract Development, which provides technology or product or product development

services on a fee-for-services basis

Technical Services, which provides solutions to specific problems on a fee-for-service

basis.

Entrepreneur Development Services, which promotes technology entrepreneurship in

industrial technologies by helping new entrepreneurs and inventors translate their ideas

into successful enterprise typically via a technology and business incubation route.

2) TECHNOLOGY PARK MALAYSIA (TPM)

Over the years, TPM has been home to more than 160 technology driven companies. 28 of those

have graduated to become some of Malaysia’s robust public listed companies. Overall, around

200 companies both local and foreign, including incubatees, have flourished within our grounds.

The only technology park that encourages mixed development in ICT, biotech and engineering,

TPM continues to be the prime locations to these technology-driven companies. TPM has to date

achieved a turnover of RM6.3 billion, created employment opportunities to over 9,000

professionals and has helped increase the nation’s economical Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by

a healthy 1.2%.  TPM aim to lead further in the innovation and technology-led economy and will

move towards becoming a vibrant, earth-friendly green technology hub.

Strategic Thrust

To incubate and nurture knowledge-based enterprises by providing facilities, equipment

and support services;

To facilitate Research & Development, Innovation and Commercialization activities by

providing advanced infrastructure, equipment and facilities;

To promote and stimulate an intellectual, creative and innovative community for the

development of knowledge-based economy by creating a conducive technology park

environment;

To facilitate government and private sector smart partnerships in technology development

and commercialization of research results;

To provide a platform for the establishment for strategic business and technology

linkages between research institutes, academia, financial community and industry, locally

and globally.

Business Activities 

There are 7 business activities that have been done by TPM such as:-

1. Rental of incubator premises for scientists, researchers, technopreneurs and SMEs and lease of

land parcels for technology knowledge-based companies; 

2. Technology and business incubation programs by offering business mentoring and coaching

services, business, marketing & financial consultancy services, technology & business forums,

workshops and business matchings to researchers, scientists, technopreneurs and SMEs.

3. Technology commercialization by offering advisory and consultancy services in technology

transfer facilitation, project management, strategic management advice, market research and

opportunity analysis and professional development programs;

4. Product development, contract research, laboratory services, contract manufacturing &

commercialization of neutraceutical and biopharmaceutical products through TPM Biotech Sdn

Bhd;

5. Engineering design and solution, CNC machining, rapid prototyping and contract

manufacturing services for the SMEs through TPM Engineering Sdn Bhd;

6. Provision of broadband services, data centre, project management & consultancy services for

ICT entrepreneurs through TPM IT Sdn Bhd;

7. Provide tertiary education and specialised skilled training programs through TPM College Sdn

Bhd to supplemant and complement the national requirement for human capital development

Spurring Innovative Growth

TPM provides a unique comprehensive balance of technology, support R&D capabilities.

Rental of Incubator premises is suitable for scientists, researchers, and technopreneurs and SMEs

and lease of land parcels for technology knowledge-based companies

Technology and business incubation programmes offerings include business mentoring and

coaching services, business, marketing & financial consultancy services, technology & business.

forums, workshops and business matching to researchers, scientists, technopreneurs and SMEs 

Technology commercialisation assistance and support is whereby provide assistance and support

in technology commercialisation which include advisory and consultancy services in technology

transfer facilitation, project management, strategic management advice, market research &

opportunity analysis and professional development programmes. 

TPM has 4 subsidiaries in order to support specific product and technology:-

a) TPM Biotech Sdn Bhd

Product development, contract research, laboratory services, contract manufacturing &

commercialisation of neutraceutical and biopharmaceutical products

b) TPM Engineering Sdn Bhd

Engineering design and solution, CNC machining, rapid prototyping and contract

manufacturing services for the SMEs

c) TPM IT Sdn Bhd

Provision of broadband services, data centre, project management & consultancy services

for ICT entrepreneurs

d) TPM College Sdn Bhd

Provision of tertiary education and specialised skilled training programmes to supplement

and complement the national requirement for human capital development

Centre for Technology Commercialization

Where high tech happens

The Centre for Technology Commercialization (CTC) is dedicated to stimulate the needs of the

country’s key stakeholders in harnessing technology for wealth creation.  Universities, research

institutes, venture financiers, technopreneurs, intellectual property specialists, governmental

regulators, researchers, business entities and industry players will come together at CTC to make

technology commercialization a reality.

The future of great ideas

The CTC offers advisory and consultancy services in facilitating technology transfer, R&D

commercialization, project management, strategic IP management advice, market research and

opportunity analysis as well as professional development programs to increase commercial

potential of projects.

 In collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)

CTC is working with the Innovation and Commercialization Division of MOSTI towards the

commercialization of products developed through R&D activities sponsored by the Ministry, by

way of MOSTI/TPM Products Commercialization Prospecting Sessions. CTC’s Project

Monitoring Team (PMT) has also been appointed by MOSTI to manage and monitor grants

given out under the Technofund, Sciencefund and Innofund grants. These grants are for the

Biotechnology, Agriculture and Industry Clusters, to encourage development of new products for

commercialization.

Technology & Innovation Business Incubation Program

TPM program caters specifically to fledgling technology and innovation-based enterprises. The

prospects may vary from graduates, researchers, start-up SMEs, professional employees &

subsidiary of MNC’s, LCI’s & GLC’s. This is to spur the development of innovative and

knowledge-based companies.

 Spectrum of Services 

One Referral Centre - The incubation program by Incubation and Innovation Centre

(IIC), is a One Referral Centre in nurturing start-up companies and technopreneurs from

ideation to full commercialization of innovative products and services. It offers furnished

offices, equipped with modern facilities and fully supported by secretarial and

administration services.

Handholding - Incubatees will be handhold for capacity building program with

comprehensive and integrated coaching, mentoring, consultancy and training by our

panel of appointed coaches, mentors, consultants & trainers.  Rental incentives by

relevant Government funding programs (e.g. from SME Corporation, SME Bank &

Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (MDTCC)) could also be

arranged.

Facilities - The incubatees are offered support facilities from TPM Subsidiaries; TPM

Engineering, TPM IT, TPM Biotech and MOSTI-related agencies (e.g. MIMOS and

SIRIM). They will be further facilitated with experts in technology and IPR-related

matters.

Financial Assistance - In financial aspects, the incubatees will be assisted to have access

to the comprehensive and integrated fundings by Government or the private lending of

commercial banks, venture capital institutions and angels. In the long run, there are also

opportunities for business networking with local and international incubation service

providers for greater market access.

Technology Experts - A pool of researchers and expert panel are available for advice on

the process development. Technology help desk also will be able to help the incubatees

on IPR matters such as IP Mining, IP Drafting, IP Filing, IP Strategy & IP Management.

Competitive Edge - Incubatees are associated with TPM image a vibrant community

with more than 100 technology-based companies which offers strong branding to

incubatees and serves as a marketing edge to international market exposure.

Network - In addition, as TPM is a member of various incubation associations, our

incubatees will enjoy a vast market linkages; domestic and global. Our incubation

network consists of National Incubation Network Association (NINA), Asian Association

of Business Incubation (AABI), Asia Pacific Incubation Network (APIN), Association of

University Research Parks (AURP) and a few others.

3) MALAYSIAN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MTDC)

Introduction

Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) was set up by the government in

1992 to advance the development of technology business in Malaysia through the provision of

venture capital financing, government grants, technical support and incubators. It is only one

stop agency where financing can be sources all the way from laboratory ideas to full

commercialization. There have four activities that have been done by MTDC which are venture

capital and investment, grants, incubator programs and also value added services that are

pertinent to the development of technology businesses. These include nurturing and business

advisory, capacity building and market research, and strategic planning.

The four activities are:

1) Venture capital investment- MTDC aims to promote and commercialize local research

and invest in new venture that can bring in new technologies from abroad to further the

country knowledge based industry.

2) Grants - to manage a number of special-purpose grants, which were created for

providing financial assistance to entrepreneur and companies involved in developing

promoted technologies in Malaysia.

3) Incubators programs – providing entrepreneur with reasonable rental rate, business

consulting service, network and access to capital.

4) Value Added Service - to help business organizations excel in their respective fields.

MTDC has approved grant (under 9th Malaysia Plan) totaling RM143.4 million to 95 deserving

local companies and participated in taking up equity stakes totaling more than RM350 million in

more than 50 companies both locally and internationally. MTDC’s search for hi-tech companies

has led us to invest in the United States, Europe and other countries in the region.

Incubation Programme

Technology Incubation Centre is embodied under Government`s Technology Development

Cluster (TDC) programme. The programme is designed to strengthen linkages between

universities or research institutions and industries. The main objective is to activate and promote

the acceleration of the commercialization activities of both the local universities and research

institutions. There are two major programs that have been implemented by MTDC in order to

encourage the involvement of students of both the local universities and research institutions in

commercialization activities. The programs are:

1) FMBIOSIS PROGRAMME

MTDC initially collaborated with FRIM to organize the FRIM-MTDC Graduate

Bioentrepreneur Development Programme (FMBiosis) in 2008. It is a joint programme to

develop qualified young graduates to become bio entrepreneurs by commercializing locally

developed research technologies. In this programmes, Forest Research Institute Malaysia

(FRIM) is the technology provider while MTDC is the sponsor as well as the business

development trainer. The programme was officially launched on 21st May 2008. All participants

have completed the first and second stage of programme and 10 best participants have been

selected to lead the FMBiosis companies. These are spin off companies which are primarily

involved in commercialization of FRIM’s technology.

Spin Off Companies

Uni Bio Plants Sdn. Bhd. - managed by Muhammad Malik Mapat Abdullah and Nazatul

Syaima Ismail

Phytotech Sdn. Bhd - Mohd Fairudzaki Abdul Rani & Roxhana Omar

Nature Profusion Sdn. Bhd. - Mohd Ramdan Parman & Wan Sabariah Shuib

Xtract Tech Sdn. Bhd - Mohammad Edziani Rosali

Ligni-Energy Sdn. Bhd. - Khairul Firdaus Mustafa & Marlia Alias

Bio-Nature Formula Sdn. Bhd. - Jurina Anwar & Dayang Filidia Abang Ahmad

Bolhassan

Poly-Xtract Sdn. Bhd. - Ahmad Karimi Mustaffha & Siti Fatimah Elias

AgriClone Tech Sdn. Bhd. – Nadia Hashim

Triangle Biotech Sdn. Bhd. - Ahmad Firdaus Ab Hadi & Mohd Khairul Anuar Mohd

Nazir

2) SYMBIOSIS PROGRAMME

The Symbiosis is a Graduates Entrepreneurship Programme initiated by Malaysian

Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) in its effort to promote commercialization of

public funded Research &Development (R&D). The Symbiosis programme is one of example

role by MTDC in order to create new entrepreneur among fresh graduate students that

encourage them to create the new ideas about technology product. MTDC will commercialize

their product by giving grants, if they are success to defend their ideas and product. MTDC

launched its Symbiosis programs in collaboration with local public universities and research

institutions.

The objectives of the Programme are:-

To promote the commercialization of R&D output of public universities and research

institutions;

To increase the number of technology based start-ups;

To equip fresh graduates with entrepreneurial skills; and

To provide employment for fresh graduates in a technology based industry set-up.

There were three public universities involved in MTDC’s Programme such as:

a) UPM-MTDC Technology Centre that more concerned to ICT, multimedia and Agri-bio.

The centre is located at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang, Selangor.

b) UKM-MTDC Technology Centre that more concerned to biotechnology. The centre is

located at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi, Selangor.

c) UTM-MTDC Technology Centre that more concerned to advanced Engineering and Life

Sciences. The centre is located at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai, Johor.

A) UPM-MTDC SYMBIOSIS

UPM-MTDC Technology Centre was established on November 16, 1996 and is a joint-venture

project between Universiti Putra Malaysia and MTDC. The former Prime Minister YAB Dato'

Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially opened the centre on April 3, 1997. It is the first of a series

of MTDC technology incubation centres established within universities campus in Malaysia. The

centre is strategically located within the vicinity of the Multimedia Super Corridor and was the

second area awarded with Cybercity status after Cyberjaya.

The UPM-MTDC Technology Incubation Centre One is being developed in stages and currently

comprises three phases with a total built-up area of 141,964 sq ft. Phase 1 covers a built-up area

of 24,600 sq ft, Phase 2 occupies 79,424 sq ft and Phase 3 covers 37,940 sq ft. These three

phases cover an area of 39 acres, and expansion programs are underway. Ultimately, this centre

will cover a total acreage of 167 acres.

The centre is also equipped with 34 Mb Bandwidth Communication Network.

Future Expansion:

Server Farm (15 acres)

International Technology Centre (50 acres)

MTDC Technology Centre (15 acres)

Data Centre

Computer Recovery Centre

B) UKM-MTDC SYMBIOSIS

UKM-MTDC Technology Centre is a joint venture between Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

(UKM) and MTDC. The centre is planned to attract companies mainly involved in

biotechnology. The centre is located on a 6-acre piece of land within the UKM campus in Bangi.

It will have enough space to accommodate 12-15 tenants. The centre will become a new growth

centre for industrial linkages between universities, industries and the private sectors.

The term Technology Centre is to describe the concept which has the following characteristics:-

Formal and operational links with a university or research institutes.

Designed to encourage the growth of technology-based businesses that are residing on

site.

Management functions which are actively engaged in the transfer of technology and

business skills to the industries.

C) UTM-MTDC SYMBIOSIS

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Malaysia Technology Development Corporation

(MTDC) launched a joint programme to help aspiring graduates become successful

entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurship programme, known as UTM-MTDC Symbiosis provides

opportunities to graduates to start companies and develop their entrepreneurial skills. Under the

collaboration, UTM acts as the technology provider while MTDC provides support in terms of

funding, nurturing programme and incubator space for selected UTM graduates. The

technologies are mainly in the area of advanced engineering and life sciences.

The UTM-MTDC Symbiosis programme is MTDC’s first series of technology

commercialization and entrepreneur development programmes conducted with public higher

learning institutions. The programme was launched at UTM ™s Technovation Park on March

21st by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Hou Kok Chung, who is representing the

Minister of Higher Education and also present was MTDC Chief Executive Officer, Norhalim

Yunus.

The objective of the programme is where the government has given the mandate to MTDC to

develop technology-based companies via our integrated activities namely investments, grants

management and management of technology centres.

Other objectives such as:-

• To promote the commercialization of Research and Development (R&D) output of public

universities and research institutions;

• To increase the number of technology-based start-ups;

• To equip fresh graduates with entrepreneurial skills; and

• To expose fresh, unemployed graduates to career opportunities in technology-based industries.

The MTDC-UTM Centre is located on a 4.24 acre piece of land within the Technovation Park

area with a total built up area of 31,200 sq/ft. The main thrusts for the development of an

Technology Centre are:

To develop a strong science and technology-based to enhance industrial competence and

competitiveness.

To develop indigenous technologies by increasing the nation capability to adopt, adapt

and improve technologies through R&D.

To develop a pool of skilled researchers capable of handling new and emerging applied

technologies.

To ensure that environmental conservation and protection are built into the overall

economic development process.

To develop a positive culture-based on integrity, discipline and diligence to equip

Malaysians for high productivity and commitment to quality.

4) MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (MOSTI)

Introduction

First establishment was in 1973 as the Ministry of Technology, Research and Local Government.

Additional responsibility as the lead agency pertaining to environmental matters, the ministry

then assumed its name Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) in 1976.

Formation of MOSTI was after the restructuring of MOSTE following the Cabinet decision on

March 27, 2004. With the new entity of MOSTI, several agencies came. In February 2007,

(Biotechnology, ICT, Industry, Sea to Space and S&T Services) were introduced. National

Innovation Model introduced in 2007.

MOSTI provides funds and grants to develop the innovation era which are ScienceFund,

TechnoFund, eContencFund, InnoFund and Community Innovation Fund:

ScienceFund is a grant provided by Government to eligible entities to carry out R&D

projects that can acquire and generate new knowledge in strategic basic and applied

sciences.

TechnoFund is serves work as a bridging fund to address the funding gap which exists

between the earlier basic research stage and the commercialization stage.

eContentFund is Content Industry Development fund, a new incentive which has been

introduced in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006 – 2010). The main aims of this incentive are

to spur the development of quality local ICT content for domestic and export market and

also to develop a more resilient and competitive local content industry in Malaysia. This

funding, namely known as eContent Fund, is for the content creation projects based on

innovativeness, social and commercial viability.

InnoFund consist of:

Enterprise Innovation Fund, which focus in increase the participation of micro

businesses, small businesses and individuals or sole-proprietors, in innovative activities.

To develop new or improve existing products, process or services with elements of

innovation for commercialization. It is to encourage technological innovation for product,

process and service improvement, to contribute towards the growth of the National GDP

through the generation of economy and to advance innovative activities for intellectual

properties generation.

Community Innovation Fund, which consist of assisting community groups to convert

knowledge and idea into products, processes or services that improve the quality of life of

communities.

Strategic Focus Areas In Line With Thrust 1 & Thrust 2 of National Mission 2006 – 2020:

Thrust One: Move the economy up the value chain.

Thrust Two: To raise the country's capacity for knowledge, creativity and

innovation and nurture first class mentality.

5) MSC MALAYSIA NATIONAL ICT INITIATIVE

Introduction of MDEC

MDeC has been given the mandate by the Malaysian Government for the coordination,

promotion and development of the information technology (IT) industry and selected services in

MSC Malaysia Incorporated under Companies Act of Malaysia, owned and funded by the

Government, Mdec advises the government on IT legislation and policies, develops MSC

Malaysia-specific practices and set world-class standards for MSC Malaysia information

infrastructure and urban development.

In addition, MDeC accelerates the growth of MSC Malaysia as a global IT hub by attracting

world class companies and nurturing Malaysia's SME's, globally markets MSC Malaysia and

works with the governments entities and private organizations to ensure that MSC Malaysia

continues to be the nucleus for innovation in the region for the creation of outstanding IT

products, solutions and services.

As a performance-oriented, client-focused agency, MDeC facilitates applications MSC Malaysia

Status. MDeC also assists in expediting permit and license approvals, and introduces companies

to financiers and high value business partners.

In high potential markets, MDeC has set up overseas offices such as in Dalian, Beijing and

Shanghai, China and Bangalore, India

Introduction of MSC

Formerly known as the Multimedia Super Corridor, MSC Malaysia is Malaysia's most exciting

initiative for the global information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Hosting

more than 900 multinationals, foreign-owned and home-grown Malaysian companies, MSC

Malaysia is rapidly becoming a dynamic hub for the ICT industry in the region.

MSC Malaysia's vision is to transform the nation into a knowledge based economy driven by a

knowledge society. With this commitment, MSC Malaysia is determined to spearhead this

transformation through ICT via industry and capacity building and socio economic development.

One of MSC Malaysia's key efforts has been to provide the necessary facilities and technical

skills for local and foreign businesses through its flagship applications and business services that

it offers within MSC Malaysia's capability development.

1-Business Plan Competition 2008/2009

In line with the MSC Malaysia vision to transform Malaysia into a knowledge economy (K-

economy), the MSC Malaysia – IHL Business Plan competition (MIBPC) continues to be the

nation’s foremost business plan competition that attracts the innovative minds of Malaysia’s new

generation.

Challenging their creativity and capacity in business, science and technology, the aim of the

competition is to create a new genre of successful technology entrepreneurs (Technopreneurs)

that takes charge of their own destinies and create employment opportunities for the good of the

community.

The Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) in alliance with the Institutions of Higher

Learning (IHLs) in Malaysia founded the competition in 2004 under the National Unipreneur

Development Programme (NUDP), which is anchored by MDeC's Technopreneur Development

Division (TeDD). TeDD carries the mission of building an ecosystem for the growth of a critical

mass of sustainable K-based ICT companies that will contribute to high economic growth.

2-National Incubator Network

The National Incubator Network (NIN) is one of the three key components of the Start-up

Programme under the Technopreneur Development Division initiative. The NIN plays an

important role towards fulfilling one of the main objectives of the Division that is to "capture and

cluster" technopreneurs nationwide and to spawn as well as nurture a critical mass of

technopreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-up companies involved in

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and biotechnology industries.

The National incubator Network will also comprise a unique “community” where incubators

throughout the country will be part of a network sharing and providing opportunities foe new

ventures, knowledge and expertise on a common platform.

To this end, the Multimedia Development Corporation spearheads the initiative to create

sustainable incubators nationwide that would provide a conducive environment to nurture

budding technopreneurs. Built within the NIN also is the knowledge-based Centre of Expertise

which helps in developing best practice incubation models, programmes and talent to mentor and

nurture successful start ups, such as mentoring programmed, business advisor and business plan

enrichment services.

3- INCEBIT (Innovation Centre for Bio-IT and Telehealth)

Special incentives and privileges will be awarded to incubator operators under the NIN

programs. These incentives include MSC-Status and special privileges under the Bill of

Guarantee, namely:-

Incubators that are members of the NIN would present technopreneurs with the ideal

environment to nurture their ideas and transform them into successful business.

Incubator operators will provide strategic guidance, mentoring and assistance to

technopreneurs

Employment of foreign knowledge workers

Freedom of ownership

Income tax exemption

Intellectual Property protection

4-National Unipreneur Development Programme (NUDP)

The world over as a great source of research, innovation and creativity, Institutions of Higher

Learning (IHLs) are the architects of our human capital which will shape the great minds of our

future generation.

Building on this notion, the NUDP aims to harness the abundance of talent existing within

Malaysian IHLs in developing university entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary

resources and opportunities to realize their full commercial potential. Through the NUDP, we

offer technopreneurs development support programs and industry collaboration within public and

private IHLs in Malaysia to encourage technopreneurship and institutionalize the

technopreneurial skills development process amongst the IHL community.

5-MDEC Microsoft Programmes

Through the MSC Malaysia Start-Up Development Program, TeDD aims to generate a rich pool

of business and innovative technology ideas and boost technopreneurship, thus encouraging

entrepreneurial activity in Malaysia. Towards this end, TeDD actively engages the industry and

investing community, and collaborates with public and private sector initiatives to draw out

budding technopreneurs with viable

Ideas which can be nurtured into sustainable ICT SMEs

6-Bumiputera ICT Technopreneur Development Programme (BITE)

The Bumiputera ICT Technopreneurs Development Programme (BITE) was initiated in

November 2005 and under purview of Technopreneurs Development Division (TeDD) of

MDeC. The thrust of the BITE programme is to increase Bumiputera participation in the ICT

sector, promote technopreneurship as a career choice and to reduce unemployment among

Bumiputera graduates. BITE is organized in a 2-pronged approach, Partnerships and Business

Development.

The main targets are graduates and existing start up Bumiputera ICT companies. The BITE

programme concentrates its effort on disseminating the information to identified colleges and

universities where Bumiputeras are high in numbers. In addition, MDeC also collaborates with

relevant associations to attract more players from the industry to join the programme.

7-Start Your Own Business (SYOB)

The Start Your Own Business is a five-day programme organized by the Multimedia

Development Corporation to help graduates from the disciplines of ICT to become

technopreneurs. The programme is carried out in the form of a workshop consisting of six

modules.

The modules are a balance of both technological and business knowledge. Upon completion of

the workshop, the qualified participants attend other relevant significant programmes that could

better prepare them for the business start-up. Among them are a three-month industrial

attachment with the MSC-TDF, business plan preparation and advisory, and other necessary

technopreneurship skills development. Hence, having acquired both technological and business

knowledge, the programme believes that the participants will be able to set up their own ICT-

based businesses. Indirectly, the SYOB programme has enabled the participants to create their

own employment opportunities. Indeed, the SYOB programme is in line with the nation’s drive

towards vision 2020, that is, the setting up of a vibrant ICT industry in Malaysia.

6) KULIM HIGH-TECH

Introduction

The Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) which was officially opened in 1996 is the first high

technology industrial park in Malaysia. The Park is situated in Kulim, Kedah Darul Aman, in the

north-west of Peninsular Malaysia and comprises total land area of approximately 1,700 hectares

(approximately 4,000 acres). The Park is strategically located about 27 kilometers from the

North-Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) and about 45 kilometers from Bayan Lepas

International Airport by road.

One of the primary aims of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park is to propel the country towards realizing the

goals of the Vision 2020, for Malaysia to be a fully industrialized nation by 2020. The park is

envisioned by KTPC to be the ‘Science City of The Future’, an integrated science park

targeting technology-related industries primarily in the fields of advanced electronics,

mechanical electronics, telecommunications, semiconductors, optoelectronics,

biotechnology, advanced materials, research and development and emerging technologies.

As Malaysia's first and fully integrated high-tech park, KHTP incorporates the following

functions - industrial, research & development facilities, amenities, medical and educational

institutions and recreational facilities into 6 dedicated zones covering the Park's 1450 hectares.

TARGETTED INDUSTRIES

In the Malaysian context, "high-technology" companies are defined as companies engaged in

promoting activities or in the production of promoted products in the areas of new and emerging

technologies.

The identified broad areas of high-tech companies/activities are:

A) Advanced Electronic Industries

B) Manufacture of Medical and Scientific Instruments

C) Product Testing and Analysis Services

D) Optical & Electro-optical Application

E) Biotechnology

F) R&D in Biotechnology

G) Manufacture of Process Control & Automation Equipment

H) Manufacture of Optoelectronics

I) Advanced Materials

J) Contract R&D Services

Commercial

The commercial building KHTP have in order to flourish the technopreneur programs such as:

KHTP Techno Centre

The 2-storey building with a total area of 120,000 sq ft consists of two wings. One wing houses

technological facilities and laboratories while the other houses incubator companies. The

facilities available are:

a) Robotics & PLC Lab

b) CNC Programming Lab

c) CNC Engineering Centre

d) Metal Fabrication Centre

e) Virtual CIM Lab

f) Biotechnology Lab (Quality Control & Standardisation Lab for Herbal)

g) Incubator Unit

h) Rapid Prototyping

KHTP IT Centre

Realizing that there is a need for development of entrepreneurs in IT in the Northern Region,

Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) has established an IT Centre to function as a one-stop centre for a

wide range of IT activities. The building is equipped with the following facilities:

a) Network Security Centre

b) Network Operating Centre

c) Interactive and Multimedia Lab

d) PC and Computing Training Lab

e) Smartcard Centre

f) IT Networking Infrastructure

g) CAD/CAM Lab

h) Incubator Unit

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The R&D zone comprises a 91.5-acre parcel earmarked for R & D activities that includes

Techno Centre, which is equipped with facilities for electronics testing, human resource

development, biotechnology and industrial collaboration network.

Companies, organisations or individuals performind R & D activities in Kulim Hi-Tech Park can

leverage on the availability of high technological tenant companies. Products, services or

research findings of the former could go a long way to support the operations of these latter

companies. There is also the great opportunity of networking with other industrialists, R & D

institutions and local technopreneurs in the park.

R& D Centre

IT Centre

Realizing that there is a need for development of entrepreneurs in IT in the Northern Region,

Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) has established an IT Centre to function as a one-stop centre for a

wide range of IT activities.

Techno Centre

Techno Centre, another state-of-the-art technological facility in Kulim Hi-Tech Park is now

operating and ready to serve organisations and technopreneurs in the country. Set up by Kulim

Technology Park Corporation (KTPC), the centre is the "New Technology Hub" for research and

development (R&D), invention and innovation activities.

MIMOS

Mimos has taken up an area of 2.02 hectares land to develop an electronics centre and as a

nothern branch office for MIMOS.

SIRIM

SIRIM Berhad is operates an Advanced Material Research Centre (AMREC) on 4 hectares of

land, serving as a catalyst for technological developments of the Park.

7) TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES BY

HIGHER EDUCATION

There are number of public and private higher learning institutions in Malaysia that have

initiated entrepreneurship programmes and courses that are technology based. For example,

MARA is collaborating with two public universities, namely the University Utara Malaysia

(UUM), and the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) to offer technology based

entrepreneurship programmes at post-graduate level, ‘Master of Science in Technopreneurship’.

The University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) also conducts relevant technology based

entrepreneurship courses but at diploma and degree levels at its various branch campuses to

develop a ‘technopreneurial’ mentality and attitude among the youth. A different type of

technology entrepreneurship programme was carried out by the Multimedia University (MMU),

namely the business plan competition on a yearly basis to encourage student and public

participation in technology entrepreneurial activities.

8) MALAYSIA VENTURE CAPITAL (MAVCAP)

MAVCAP was incorporated on 19 April 2001 by the government of Malaysia, and was

established as a venture capital firm to invest in technology-based companies and as an engine to

spur the growth of the venture capital industry in Malaysia. MAVCAP is committed purely to the

technological sectors and invests in a mix of local and overseas businesses to bring together a

successful blend of technologies and entrepreneurial skills. The assistance provided comes in

various forms: entrepreneurial partnership, seed provider and early stage venture capital and

innovative financing for ICT companies.

In September 2001, MAVCAP disbursed RM100 million in funds to selected local investee

companies involved in high tech sectors. The fund was invested mainly in companies involved in

ICT and related businesses, including electronics, computer hardware and software, applications,

information services, and other sectors such as internet related e-services, e-commerce and e-

content, bio-technology and life-services, and industrial and advanced materials. MAVCAP has

also invested another RM100 million in the Cradle Investment Programme in May 2003. The

allocation is used for developing creative and innovative ideas of the successful applicants, who

are given a grant of up to RM50, 000 each. Thus, as a venture capital firm, MAVCAP is

dedicated to empowering the innovative entrepreneurs to create new wealth and generate returns

to their stakeholders.

Cradle Investment Programme (CIP)

The Cradle Investment Programme (CIP) was launched in May 2003 by The Ministry of

Finance, and is managed by MAVCAP with the aim of stimulating the growth of technopreneurs

and generation of ideas for an innovative and knowledge society. MAVCAP appointed

Technopreneurs Association of Malaysia (TeAM) as its official Community Partner for CIP to

spearhead seed investment, nurture entrepreneurship development, create a pool of technology

oriented ideas, and generate new opportunities on Information and Communication Technology

(ICT). Specifically, the CIP programme provides pre-seed funding and entrepreneurial support to

generate new ideas and innovations from individuals, research and higher learning institutions;

creates employment through venture development; and commercializes products. MAVCAP also

acts as a catalyst to new areas of economic growth; addresses the capital gap and industry

expectations between pre-seed and seed funding; creates a critical mass of entrepreneurs and

technopreneurs; and builds a foundation for entrepreneurs and technopreneurs to spin-off a

global company.

The focus of CIP’s technology investment is in the areas of ICT and high growth that includes

software and information services; internet: e-services, e-commerce and econtent;

communication and networking-mobile data; high technology consumer and business products;

electronic and semi-conductors; medical devices and advanced materials; and biotechnology and

life sciences. MAVCAP provides assistance to the CIP technopreneurs to develop, refine and

commercialize their technology ideas that are built and supported on the Microsoft platform

based on the partnership collaboration between CIP and Microsoft.

Monthly workshops are organized by CIP and held in Kuala Lumpur, while road shows are held

in other states of Malaysia to facilitate the application process. Besides, the workshops and road

shows are also intended to provide some guidelines and tips to the interested candidates. With

the aid of CIP, ideas are transformed into innovative products or services. Indeed, the CIP

provides the essential platform for the conversion of raw ideas, for example from pre-seed into

viable and commercial ventures.

9) MALAYSIA’S INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY YEAR IN 2010

The launch of 2010 as Malaysia's Innovation and Creativity Year is seen as a start to the

government's efforts in inculcating innovation as part of our culture. Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia (UKM) deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation Affairs) Dr Rahmah

Mohamed said, with continuous implementation of the programme, Malaysia would be able to

produce a new generation which practiced such a culture. "The launch is a move towards

culturing innovation to enable the community to improve the economy and be more

competitive," she said in an interview with Bernama recently.

In Budget 2010, Najib had stated that a new economic model based on innovation, creativity and

value-added activities would multiply the people's per capita income in the next 10 years. Dr

Rahmah said it was important for the programme to be held continuously to ensure the country

enjoyed the benefits promised. "If this programme is to increase innovation among the younger

generation, they must begin in schools," she said. She said the Permata Pintar programme

initiated by the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was capable of fostering and

increasing creativity among students.

The innovation culture could be developed and made into a module in schools nationwide, as

there were smart children in schools but no programme to bring out their competitiveness, noted

Dr Rahmah. "They (smart children) may feel that at times, there is no challenge, but if such

modules are present with special teachers to teach them, each school will have innovation."

CONCLUSION

Malaysia is embarking upon a new phase of development towards realizing its aspiration of

becoming a developed nation by 2020. Given the changing domestic and global economic

landscape, initiatives to enhance national competitiveness and resilience will be given priority.

One major thrust of the country’s Development Plan is to move the economy up the value chain,

and inherent to this is the need to develop more innovation driven enterprises.

For innovation to occur, something more than the generation of a creative idea or insight is

required: the insight must be put into action to make a genuine difference, resulting for example

in new or altered business processes within the organization, or changes in the products and

services provided.

RECOMMENDATIONS

A key ingredient to develop hotspots is to have centers of basic and applied research that

generate surplus ideas and entrepreneurial talents to commercialize them. Above and, absolutely

beyond everything else is the quality of Malaysian education. There's really nothing more

important than education. Without education there is no thinking mind, no inquisitive mind. But,

education must encourage a culture of questioning, a spirit of inquisitiveness. Besides that, our

nervous Malaysian government is not confident enough and intelligent enough to open the

Pandora's Box of academic freedom in local universities that will push young Malaysian minds

towards an innovative mindset. Without local universities being permitted to push the envelope

in all respects, not just in science, and technology but equally so in sociology, economics, socio-

economics and political science for, all these fields are interconnected, there will be no light at

the end of the tunnel.

Besides that, the establishment of National Innovation Centre (MyNIC) would be launched in the

first quarter of next year in developing further the country’s science and technological

capabilities including fields of biotechnology, information communication technologies (ICT),

animation and agriculture. Thus, it is important for the nations to know and for the government

to promote the establishment of such centre. For example George Town can be turned into an

innovation hub if it houses universities and research institutes that help to retain the intellectual

assets which when the development to take place and with the educational institutions that open

to 15% - 20% of foreign students.

Furthermore, the people itself must change their mindset and culture to avoid Malaysia moving

slowly innovatively.

Malaysia must outgrow technology dependency and increase the role of home-grown technology

and home-grown firms. Malaysia could also focus its innovation in resource-based and medium-

technology products in which the country has a comparative advantage such as palm oil and

rubber. Apart from that, it could actively pursue a strategy of diversification into high-tech

products and services with better export and productivity prospects.

An innovation hotspot is an important aspect of producing high-technology products that can

contribute to a country's economic growth. Innovation hotspot would probably take five to ten

years to achieve and must be polished the three basic things:

Strong political commitment from the Government

Raising the quality of education and

A generous research funding policy

Creating one or two elite universities

A culture open to new ideas

Highly supportive of technological change

Recommendation 2:

Aggressively pursue market-driven innovation to capture short-to-medium term opportunities to

create jobs and wealth. And continue supporting and facilitating technology-driven innovation

for medium-to-long term benefits.

Recommendation 3:

The government continues to lead research in basic science (supply-side), while private sector

drives market-driven innovation (demand-side). Role of government will now emphasize risk

mitigation for private sector’s drive for market-driven innovation;

(a) Government to drive basic science & research (supply-side)

(b) Government and private sector to actively collaborate to drive in a purposeful way

technology-driven innovation with Government mitigating risks

(c) Private sector to drive market-driven innovation, with facilitation and support through

risk mitigation from the Government (demand-side).

Recommendation 4:

Government to adopt a dual approach: Technology acquisition and organic development of

technology from science; specifically:

(a) Technology acquisition: Facilitate acquisition of technology by private sector (both

locally and globally) through mitigation of funding risks (e.g., provision of a portfolio of

incentives & grants); Also, establish a global institutional mechanism to make available

technology intelligence to domestic stakeholders

(b) Technology development from basic science: Government to continue to drive organic

technology development from science, with a focus on raising the yield of taking science

to technology; in particular by encouraging merit-based allocation of funding among

public research institutions for S&T research; Priorities on basic research to be set based

on national technology needs and the need to maintain national technology security

(c) IP and Patents: Modernize and make more efficient the process of IP/patent

registration, including outsourcing where needed for efficiency, and increase the newly

established technology grants and other incentives to facilitate conversion of IP to

technology.

Recommendation 5:

Private risk capital (CAPITALrisk) is the lifeline for innovative entrepreneurs to create products

and services using technology as a tool. Organized CAPITALrisk hardly exists in Malaysia

because of the high risk. The private sector (and not the Govt.) should directly manage risk

capital; Govt. should mitigate risks (such as the acquisition of technology) by providing

incentives (including the provision of risk capital and grants where needed). Equally important is

an ecosystem which rewards entrepreneurship, risk capital providers and risk managers.

Recommendation 6:

Success in market-driven and technology-driven innovation to create income growth and jobs

will require the private sector to actively lead in identifying market opportunities, and taking

innovative products and services to market; government to facilitate this effort by mitigating

market risk specifically:

(a) Facilitate “take to market” activities (especially global) by providing a portfolio of

incentives (e.g., fiscal, equity participation) to support production, logistics, trading and

distribution, sales, and branding, and where needed to assist through acquisition

(b) Expand existing services already being provided to the private sector to facilitate

access to global markets, including collaboration with foreign companies and experts,

and ready access to extensive and up-to-date market intelligence

(c) Introduce “Buy Malaysia First” in its procurement policy, and to encourage the

private sector to do the same (for competitive Malaysian innovation products).

Recommendation 7:

SMEs are a substantial part of the economy but are mainly in the services industry, where

technology use is basic. The innovation economy demands a new breed of SMEs that can help

drive market-driven & technology-driven innovation to create jobs and wealth. Unlike traditional

SMEs, these new Innovation SMEs (I-SMEs) need to manage risks associated with market-

driven and technology-driven innovation, namely technology risk, funding risk and market risk.

Hence Government support is urgently needed to mitigate these high risks in order to achieve a

critical mass of this new breed of I-SMEs, especially in information and communications

technology (ICT), biotech and other growth areas.

Recommendation 8:

Human Capital, in particular entrepreneurship, is the driving force of the Innovation-led

economy; its use pervades both the market-driven and technology-driven innovation approaches.

Serious gaps exist in critical skills and expertise reflecting rising demand for quality human

capital and a shortage of quality supply, exacerbated by increasing talent outflow. The

Government has a critical role in addressing the wide range of skills shortage, which can be

mitigated in the short-term through a friendly regulatory regime and smart use of incentives, to

attract global talent and aggressively upgrade human capital through training and mentoring.

a) Realign resources to support efforts to:

(i) Include entrepreneurship (including cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary, interactive

communication) into the education curriculum, and

(ii) Develop further key technical disciplines (specifically researchers, scientists,

prototype engineers and designers), as proposed in the recent National Higher Education

Action Plan. In addition, expand the Plan’s focus to

(iii) Include change of mind set, and

(iv) Develop key financial and management disciplines (specifically innovation risk

managers, production managers and brand managers) to add depth to entrepreneurship.

b) Provide in particular a portfolio of incentives (including fiscal) and other measures to

create a conducive environment to attract global talent to fill critical gaps, and transfer

skills and knowledge (train and mentor). Specifically, retirees with relevant skills should

also be targeted in this initiative.

c) Conduct new programs targeted at entrepreneurship, innovation risk management, and

mind-set change with university/industry, starting with Harvard and MIT (as offered by

them) to all stakeholders, and extending program offerings through collaboration with

specialist global institutions.

REFERENCES

Why Malaysia lack innovation hotspot, Retrieved from

http://ctchoolaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/lack-of-innovation-hotspots.html

2010 Is Malaysia Innovation and Creativity (2010), Retrieved from

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=471265

9th Malaysia Plan, Retrieved from www.epu.gov.my

http://ww.tpm.my

http://www.mtdc.com.my

http://www.raidah.com.my

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), (2006), Retrieved from www.waitro.org

www.khtp.com.my