KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Science Council Expert Advisory Panel and the National Science Coordination and Monitoring Committee aims to ensure the National Science Council remains relevant, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the formation of the advisory panel and committee was an essential institutional reform measure to revitalise the fields of science, technology, and innovation (STI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the necessity for broader coordination of research and development (RandD) by including government-linked investment companies (GLICs) alongside universities. This initiative is intended to ensure that planning aligns with national agendas, thereby strengthening the ecosystem supporting scientific and technological advancements.
Anwar expressed hope that the initiatives under the National Science Council will position Malaysia as a leader in foresight and a catalyst for STI transformation within ASEAN. He envisions Ma
laysia becoming a primary reference in developing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035, particularly as the country prepares for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The Prime Minister chaired Meeting No. 2/2024 of the National Science Council, which was specifically established to set policy directions and reinforce the STI ecosystem in national development. This meeting represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to assert its role as a leader in science and technology innovation across the ASEAN region.