Guidance

UK Science & Innovation Network Summary: Malaysia

Updated 24 April 2024

1. Science and Innovation Landscape

In 2020 Malaysia’s gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) was around 0.95% of GDP. The Malaysian government aims to increase GERD to 2.5% of GDP by 2025 and to reach 3.5% by 2030. Malaysia also aims to commercialise 500 products and solutions through the National Innovation and Technology Sandbox (NTIS) and, to increase the business expenditure on research and development (BERD) to 70%. (see source).

Malaysia remains in 36th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 Report, with its overall score improving to 40.9 from 38.7 in the year of 2022. In ASEAN, Malaysia ranks 2nd behind Singapore for most innovative country. Malaysia also aims to breaks into the top 30 countries in GII by 2025, (see source).

1.1 Government policies and priorities

Malaysia’s primary policies to promote science, technology, and innovation (STI) includes the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2021- 2030 and the Malaysia Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (MySTIE 10-10). The framework integrates 10 global science and technology drivers with 10 socioeconomic drivers in Malaysia.

Malaysia has also established five national-level roadmaps, in priority S&T sector aiming to growth as a technology developer, reducing reliance on foreign technology and labour, and ultimately achieving high-tech status by 2030. These roadmaps are Electrical and Electronics (E&E), National Blockchain Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), National Advanced Materials Technology, and National Robotics, spanning from 2021 to 2030.

Malaysia emphasises local technology ecosystem development activities, encompassing supply and value chains, research, and development, as well as commercialisation and innovation.

1.2 Research Institutions

Malaysia is also home to various research institutions including;

• Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI),
• Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),
• Malaysian Institute of Nuclear Technology Research (MINT),
• National Institutes of Health Malaysia (NIH),
• Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS),
• National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM),
• Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (MICET),
• Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT)
• National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)

2. UK partnership with the country on ST&I

The UK-Malaysia partnership in ST&I is characterised by collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives across various sectors.

In 2014, the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund (NUOF) was launched to promote collaboration between researchers from both countries in health, environment, agriculture, and sustainable urbanisation sectors. The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), launched in 2023, continues the legacy to foster UK and Malaysia collaboration in research and innovation. ISPF focuses on themes such as planet, health, technology, and talent, aiming to unlock potential and promote prosperity.

Knowledge exchange and capacity building are promoted through workshops, and training programs to strengthen research capabilities, and foster innovation ecosystems. In October 2023, the UK-Malaysia Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference was organised, marking Malaysia’s first national and international AI-themed conference. The event aimed to strengthen technology diplomacy and identify strategic areas for future UK-Malaysia partnerships in AI. In March 2024, the Roundtable for Effective Flood Management and Responses in Cities was organised to share UK experiences and discuss adaptation measures and resilience strategies for climate-proofing Malaysian cities from floods.

3. SIN contacts

Poorani Krishnan

Science and Innovation Advisor, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur

Email: Poorani.Krishnan@fco.gov.uk

Siva Prakash

Science and Innovation Officer, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur

Email: Siva.Prakash@fcdo.gov.uk