Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Oct 17 — Selangor remains extremely committed to promoting its innovation and research agenda with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of its citizens.
Deputy State Secretary (Development) Dato’ Johary Anuar said this is apparent in the various efforts undertaken by the state administration in recent years, including the formulation of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), the first of its kind in the country.
Johary, who is also the State Economic Planning Unit director, noted that under the policy’s second thrust, the Selangor government gives particular focus on improving social inclusivity and wellbeing of the people.
“Under this thrust, there is one aspect we prioritise, which is digital technology development. The state government’s commitment on this front is clear for all to see,” he said on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme today.
“We note that under the Madani Economy framework, there is the overarching objective to empower the rakyat through cooperation between governments and with industry players and regular citizens.
“We are always committed to further developing the research industry, including through collaboration with the private sector.”
Johary said these cooperation are not limited to domestic companies, pointing out that the state has also worked together with major international entities like Apple Inc and Technical University of Munich to promote the culture of research and innovation.
Commenting on the upcoming fourth Selangor Research and Development and Innovation Expo (SRIE), Johary said the programme is aimed at promoting new ideas and researches that can further push innovation in the state.
The expo provides the opportunity for experts to highlight ideas in their respective fields, besides offering the chance to small and medium enterprises, as well as young researchers, to participate and present new innovations, he added.
SRIE will be held in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2023 from October 19-22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the theme ‘Embracing Disruption, Capitalising Change’.
Meanwhile, Johary said for the first time, SRIE will feature 10 winners from the Inovasi Anak Selangor competition, showcasing innovative projects from among community members.
The best projects with the highest commercial values were selected from over 100 entries by an expert committee, with the winners given a booth each at SRIE 2023, where they can meet potential investors and industry players.
Additionally, the expo will feature the fourth International Innovation, Technology and Research Exhibition and Conference and a SRIE Idea Bank competition, to gather fresh ideas from the public on potential ways of improving their daily lives.
