Deputy PM Fadillah urges MOSTI to boost research funding, attract global talent and position Malaysia as ASEAN’s innovation gateway and testbed.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and relevant agencies should enhance strategic research funding to catalyse world-class scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this would accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of frontier technologies.
It would also attract global researchers, scientific institutions and high-impact talent into Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
“Malaysia stands ready to serve as a gateway, a testbed, a launchpad and a thriving hub for global innovators to scale transformative solutions for the region,” said Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.
He delivered these remarks during his keynote address at the ASEAN Technology Cooperation and Development Summit 2025 opening ceremony.
The summit is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Fadillah noted that ASEAN is entering what many have described as its “defining decade”.
“We stand at the intersection of shifting global dynamics, rapid technological advancement and evolving economic landscapes,” he said.
“In this environment, unity, resilience and shared innovation are no longer optional; they are essential.”
He highlighted ASEAN’s population of more than 680 million people, vibrant digital economy and forward-looking young generation.
The region holds tremendous potential to rise as a global centre of innovation, technology and sustainable progress.
“Technology is no longer just an enabler,” Fadillah stated.
“It has become the very foundation of regional resilience, prosperity and security.”
He emphasised that science, technology and innovation must be placed at the heart of ASEAN’s long-term regional strategy.
The summit’s theme, “Uniting Innovation, Connecting the Future”, reflects a powerful aspiration shared across the region.
“This summit serves as a vital platform to strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration, policy harmonisation, investment networks, technology transfer and regional innovation ecosystems,” Fadillah said.
He added that with strong involvement from MOSTI, UNESCO, the diplomatic council and other partners, ASEAN is taking meaningful steps toward a more integrated, agile and innovation-driven future.
