Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi calls for ASEAN to break down silos and collaborate across sectors to become a global innovation hub, highlighting the trillion-dollar space economy as a key frontier.
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN must strengthen its collective innovation ecosystem and avoid working in silos to sustain growth and resilience in the coming decade, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said innovation has become the new currency of competitiveness and the engine of regional growth.
The ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035 is central to aligning policy, research, capital and talent towards a shared agenda.
“This shows ASEAN is maturing into a community that invests in talent, science and technology as strategic assets,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He noted that Malaysia has risen to 33rd in the Global Innovation Index, signalling a region “rising not by chance, but by choice”.
He emphasised that governments must work hand in hand with universities, industry, investors and civil society.
“Only then can ASEAN move from being an emerging innovation region to becoming one of the world’s most dynamic centres of science and technological excellence,” he said at the Cyberjaya Conversations Summit 2025.
Ahmad Zahid said ASEAN must also prepare for new frontiers like the emerging space economy, projected to exceed USD 1 trillion globally.
He cited the region’s favourable geography for launches, growing talent base and expanding digital infrastructure as key advantages.
“By harnessing satellite technology, geo-spatial intelligence and downstream applications, I believe ASEAN can leapfrog traditional development constraints,” he said.
He stated this progress would unlock new economic value and enhance everyday life for millions across the region.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang was also present at the summit opening.
