KOTA KINABALU: Academicians and scientists in Sabah were encouraged to come up with inventions that would develop and value–add the country’s existing resources.
Stressing that research is the higher learning institution’s roles and tasks, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said that a nation cannot develop without stiff competition to create new technologies and innovative products.
“Some of the existing technologies do not suit our needs because it was invented based on the conditions at their country. Plus it is expensive and manipulative. Our dependency on outside technology also proves to be unworthy,” said Masidi when officially closing the research and innovation competition at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, yesterday.
His text of speech was read by his assistant, Datuk Kamarlin Ombi.
“Rich countries such as the Middle East have the ability to buy technology but are unable to fully utilise it. Nothing beats inventing your own technology and using the resources available in your country. Take Singapore, for example, they have limited resources and yet they are able to come up with great inventions,” he said.
Masidi said Malaysia’s bold move to enter the automobile sector deserves thumbs up, because after receiving lots of critics, the country has proven to be successful.
“UMS, as a centre of academics and academicians, has a heavy responsibility to ensure that our resources are put into good use,” he said.
He added that today, the nation is entering the competition in the regional and international sector.
“Conventional approach to develop the nation is seen to bring less impact, what more with us still using traditional approach. Our dependency on the export of natural resources and raw materials does not stay long. So we need new approaches to ensure that the products produced are relevant,” he said.
On the event, this year, a total of 367 products, comprising 215 research-based products and 152 innovation products, took part in the competition.
The winning product will be representing UMS at the national and international levels.
At the event, Kamarlin also witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between UMS and Maya B Farm, Brunei and UMS and Mukti Bina Sdn Bhd as part of the effort to support the research and development programmes.