School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
If Malaysia is to become a high-income country by 2020, it will have to
transform into a knowledge-based, innovation economy. This goal will be
achieved by developing an atmosphere conducive to experimentation and
entrepreneurship at home; while reaching out to partners across the
globe. One of Malaysia’s newest partnerships is with the New York
Academy of Sciences. The Academy has expertise in innovation and higher
education and a long history of promoting science, education, and
science-based solutions through a global network of scientists,
industry-leaders, and policy-makers. Malaysia’s Prime Minister,
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, leveraged the
Academy’s network to convene a science, technology, and
innovation advisory council. This council would provide practical
guidance to establish Malaysia as an innovation-based economy. Three
initial focus areas, namely palm-oil biomass utilisation, establishment
of smart communities, and capacity building in science and engineering,
were established to meet short-term and long-term targets