This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on December 30, 2024 - January 12, 2025

As Malaysia stands on the threshold of a new era of global competitiveness, the concept of becoming an “innovation nation” has never been more relevant.

At its core, it represents a society where creativity, technology and knowledge converge to drive economic growth, solve societal challenges and improve quality of life. But transitioning to this status is no small feat — it requires navigating challenges, seizing opportunities and charting bold new directions.

To me, an innovation nation is one where ingenuity is celebrated, solutions are born out of collaboration and the ecosystem is designed to support continuous progress. It’s about harnessing technology and creativity not only to bolster economic growth but also to address societal issues — whether it’s climate change, food security or public health.

Malaysia has the building blocks to achieve this vision. We have a rich cultural diversity that fuels creativity, a strategic location in Southeast Asia that opens doors to emerging markets and a growing pool of talent eager to contribute.

Yet, becoming an innovation nation requires more than potential; it demands deliberate action and an unrelenting commitment to foster an ecosystem where innovation thrives.

One of the greatest challenges we face is a gap in mindset. Innovation requires a willingness to take risks, embrace failure and continuously iterate — a cultural shift that takes time to embed. For instance, our education system has long been oriented toward rote learning, which stifles the curiosity and critical thinking needed for innovation.

Another challenge is the ongoing brain drain. Many of our best and brightest leave for opportunities abroad, drawn to better compensation, infrastructure and research environments. To address this, we must create an ecosystem where talented individuals feel valued and see clear pathways to growth within Malaysia.

On a broader scale, balancing rapid tech­nological adoption with ethical considerations poses a significant challenge. Artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and other advanced technologies present transformative opportunities, but they also raise questions about privacy, equity and governance.

Amid these challenges lie immense opportunities. Malaysia’s strategic location gives us access to booming Asean markets, while our diversity fosters creativity — a key driver of innovation. We also have emerging strengths in areas such as green technology, biotechnology and digital innovation.

Our efforts in green hydrogen, for example, have the potential to place Malaysia at the forefront of the global energy transition. Similarly, our progress in biopharmaceuticals, including the development of halal vaccines, positions us to address global health challenges while creating high-value industries locally.

The rise of AI is another opportunity we cannot afford to miss. By investing in AI governance and sandboxes, we can ensure that Malaysia is not just a consumer of AI technologies but also a contributor to their development.

To realise these opportunities, we must rethink how we approach education, policy and collaboration. First, innovation begins in the classroom. We need to move beyond rote learning and foster curiosity, critical thinking and a problem-solving mindset from a young age. Programmes like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Camps and Malaysia Techlympics are steps in the right direction, but we need to make these approaches the norm, not the exception.

Second, fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government is crucial. Innovation doesn’t happen in silos; it thrives in ecosystems where ideas, funding and talent flow freely. Malaysia must break down barriers that prevent this cross-pollination and actively encourage partnerships.

Third, we must address the funding gap for start-ups and innovators. While initiatives like MyStartup and National Technology and Innovation Sandbox are crucial, more needs to be done to ensure that innovators have access to the resources and mentorship they need to scale their ideas.

As Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), my role is to ensure that we create the right environment for these changes to take root.

This involves fostering partnerships, as we’ve done with the Malaysia Science Endowment Fund, which attracted RM220 million in matching funds. It also means ensuring ethical governance, like through the AI Ethics Guidelines launched last year, so that technological progress benefits everyone.

But perhaps most importantly, it’s about creating a vision for Malaysia’s future. One where start-ups like ALPS Holding, our first biotechnology unicorn, are not exceptions but part of a thriving ecosystem. One where innovation is not confined to urban centres but reaches every corner of the country.

Looking ahead, I envision a Malaysia where innovation is a way of life. By 2030, I hope to see our children excelling in STEM disciplines, our start-ups leading globally and our industries embracing sustainable practices. This future is within our grasp, but it will take the collective effort of government, private sector and civil society to make it a reality.

Innovation is not a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about continually pushing boundaries, learning from setbacks and striving to do better.

Malaysia has the talent, the resources and the potential to be an innovation nation. Now is the time to act decisively and embrace the challenges and opportunities before us.

Together, we can transform this country into a beacon of innovation, a hub of technological excellence and a nation ready to lead in the 21st century.

Chang Lih Kang is the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

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