MOSTI focuses on developing high-impact R&D startups in strategic fields like semiconductors and AI to enhance Malaysia’s global tech competitiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will prioritise developing startups conducting high-impact research and development to improve national competitiveness.
Minister Chang Lih Kang said this new strategy is vital to ensure Malaysia emerges among the best technology creators in ASEAN and remains competitive globally.
“The country’s main challenge lies in the fact that only 0.25% of 1.1 million businesses in Malaysia actively conduct R&D,” he said during his winding-up speech on the Supply Bill 2026 in Dewan Rakyat.
He emphasised that the government needs to transition toward increasing startups involved in high-impact R&D nationwide.
Chang stated that R&D financing should focus on strategic fields including semiconductors, electric and electronics, biotechnology and artificial intelligence to generate comparable economic value.
The government has mobilised the Malaysia Science Endowment Fund with an allocation of RM20 million for 2026 to boost innovation financing.
Private investors have committed up to RM110 million in semiconductors, aerospace, medicine and deeptech sectors, he added. – Bernama
