Science Policy & Governance

Chair     : ‪Ts. Dr. Aslina Baharum

Co-chair: Chm. Dr. Siti Hawa Ngalim

Introduction

The main objective of this working group is to promote involvement of young scientists in the development of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.   Through the active involvement in the development of national policies, working groups, master plans as well as studies in various subject areas, we can develop a sustainable, supportive and healthy STI ecosystem.

Highlight (2021)

Science Policy Training Workshop

 

Activities Overview (2019-2020)

  1. Dialogue with YB Yeo Bee Yin
  2. Technology and Market Radar (TMR) Project
  3. 5G National Taskforce and 5G Bandwidth and Spectrum Working Group
  4. Machine Learning for TVET and Machine Learning Special Interest Group

 Activities Details

 Dialogue with YB Yeo Bee Yin

Dialogue on Effective STI Governance for a Progressive Malaysia with YB Puan Yeo Bee Yin, Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change was conducted on 12 February 2019 at Theatrette MECC, Menara MATRADE. This Dialogue aimed to highlight pertinent matters concerning the state of STI in Malaysia, and to address critical areas of concern. YSN-ASM members raised several questions to YB Yeo during the dialogues and among the topics discussed are STI Governance, data sharing, industry, research funding, education, integrity, and academia-industry collaboration. After the dialogues, six main recommendations are made upon STI Governance (e.g., establishing of Parliamentary Select Committee and Research Management Agency), industry-led collaborative network, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and research funding from the Industry. YSN-ASM felt that the dialogue is impactful and hence there is a strong need to continue more face-to-face communications between ASM-YSN and MASTECC.

Technology and Market Radar (TMR) Project

Reports from the previous SIRIM’s technology audits and the innovation survey with the collaboration of Fraunhofer Institute indicate that there are gaps on the SME’s ability to make strategic business decision based on technology and market trends that are relevant to their business. SMEs are less assured in making business decision to expand and further invest in local and regional markets due to lack of relevant information. Thus, SMEs are more likely to adopt a short-term solution and not taking into account the relevant understanding on technology and market trends to expand to new market segment. Hence, SIRIM Tech Venture Sdn Bhd has engaged the expertise of YSN-ASM members to contribute member’s knowledge and expertise to Technology and Market Radar (TMR) Project (as Trend Scout) which focus on the technology topics for Industry 4.0, Renewables Energy, Food Processing and Non-Technical Trend. SIRIM Tech Venture Sdn Bhd has embarked on a – an initiative developed under the SIRIM-Fraunhofer Programme with the overall objective of improving SME productivity through technology penetration and upgrading.

 

Members

  • Dr Chai Lai Ching
  • AP Dr Ahmad Taufek Abdul Rahman
  • AP Ir Dr Rosdiadee Nordin
  • AP Dr Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Khani
  • Dr Noor Ain Kamsani
  • Dr Khalisanni Khalid
  • AP Dr. Oi Boon Hong @ Ong Boon Hoong
  • Dr Heo Chong Chin

Figure 1: Assessment of Technology and Market Radar (TMR) on Food Processing

Figure 2: Assessment of Technology and Market Radar (TMR) on Industry 4.0

5G National Taskforce and 5G Bandwidth and Spectrum Working Group

YSN-ASM Representative: Prof Ir Dr Aduwati Sali

5G Bandwidth and Spectrum WG has weekly meetings with local telcos including suppliers and system integrators to discuss on issues related to bandwidth and spectrum for 5G. Some of the highlights are on the development of technical standards for operating procedures for telecommunication operators before the 5G standards are rolled out next year. The taskforce was also involved with 5G Malaysia Showcase which was held on 21 April 2019, officiated by the Prime Minister.

Machine Learning for TVET and Machine Learning Special Interest Group

YSN-ASM Representative: Prof Ir Dr Aduwati Sali

The taskforce was formed to help KPM to draft a policy on the use of AI, specifically machine learning, to be used by TVET institutions. Requirements and status of the use of AI are discussed and tabled. Several other Ministries and government agencies were also engaged, to get their feedbacks on expectations and challenges. These issues are essential especially on embracing IR4.0 in the very near future.