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YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman bin Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), convened a pivotal meeting session with participants who successfully completed the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) programme for the year.
The culmination witnessed 20 companies showcasing 21 projects and technologies that concluded the NTIS programme for 2023, encompassing a diverse spectrum spanning drones, healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other groundbreaking domains. Each participant grasped the opportunity to present the milestones achieved in their respective projects, accompanied by insights shared by NTIS Secretariat representatives on available agency programmes poised to further enrich each participant’s journey.
During the session, YBhg. Datuk TKSU emphasised the pivotal concept of the 4C framework – Collaboration, Co-Creation, Co-Location, and Co-opetition – underscoring its significance in elevating the product and technological capabilities of NTIS participants to new heights.
Such programmes serve as a beacon to introduce successfully tested technologies and innovations fostered under the aegis of NTIS. Beyond this, they serve as dynamic networking platforms, fostering potential collaborations among participants. These collaborations hold the promise of pooling expertise to tackle larger, more intricate challenges faced within the nation.
The initiative not only marks the culmination of technological advancements but also signifies a platform for mutual cooperation among participants. The event is poised to usher in a new era of collaborative efforts aimed at addressing substantial and complex challenges that lie ahead, further cementing the role of NTIS in nurturing innovation and technology for Malaysia’s future.
Launched as a pivotal component of the Short-Term Recovery Plan (PENJANA) in June 2020 and subsequently unveiled by the Prime Minister on August 19, 2020, the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) embodies a transformative platform for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to trial their products and services within a live environment, paving the way to qualify for grants essential in bringing these innovations to market.
At its core, NTIS operates by easing specific regulatory requisites, expediting the transition of innovations from the research and development (R&D) phase to commercial viability. Bolstered by an RM100 million allocation, its overarching mandate focuses on propelling Malaysia towards an innovation-centric economy.
Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), and led by MaGIC as the primary secretariat, NTIS stands poised to forge high-skilled job opportunities, augment Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Income (GNI), and foster social inclusion. It also aims to invigorate private sector involvement, investment, and collaborative research efforts.
The genesis of NTIS was underpinned by a dual-pronged vision. Firstly, it sought to champion indigenous innovation, streamlining pathways for Malaysian technology to penetrate the market seamlessly. Secondly, it aspired to serve as a testing ground for disruptive technologies, arming Malaysia with solutions to combat the profound challenges exacerbated by the global pandemic.
Endowed with a mandate entrusted by the Prime Minister, NTIS embarked on a spectrum of missions aimed at transforming Malaysia’s economic landscape:
- Drastically diminishing reliance on foreign labour
- Augmenting employment prospects for Malaysians
- Elevating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Income (GNI)
- Fostering increased private sector engagement, investment, and collaboration in research
- Elevating the country’s commercialisation rate
The multifaceted objectives reflect NTIS’s dedication to catalysing innovation, enhancing economic sustainability, and fortifying Malaysia’s resilience amid transformative global shifts. As NTIS continues to evolve, its impact promises to shape Malaysia’s trajectory towards a more resilient, innovative, and globally competitive nation.
