KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Strengthening research and development (R&D) infrastructure, especially in personalised medicine and digital healthcare will empower the country as a leader in global research and a hub for cutting-edge medical research.
Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang said investing in R&D drives economic growth by fostering innovation, creating high-tech jobs, and enhancing global competitiveness.
With over 1,200 sponsored clinical trials hosted in 2023, Malaysia has established itself as a significant hub for clinical research in Southeast Asia, he said.
“The outstanding work by RBS Research Grant recipients is pivotal to our national goals of advancing vaccine development, cancer research and public health.
“We are committed to building on this momentum to further strengthen our position in the global medical research community," said Chang in his speech at the 2024 RBS Research Grant Recipient Announcement, here today.
Also present were secretary-general to the ministry Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) President Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen Tengku Ibrahim who is also the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Advisor to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Chang said the achievements were aligned with the objectives and focus areas of the 10-10 MySTIE Framework launched in 2020 by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) alongside the National Policy on STI 2021-2030.
“Our goal is to increase Malaysia's gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) to 3.5 percent of the GDP by 2030, a testament to our commitment to innovation and economic growth.
“The Malaysia Science Endowment (MSE) is a critical initiative in achieving this target, enabling us to harness philanthropic contributions and strategic partnerships to support impactful research that meets the nation's needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen said ASM is honoured and privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the RBS Research Grant.
He added this year, ASM received 84 research proposals that address contemporary health-related challenges in genomics, biotechnology, and the treatment of diseases such as cancer and non-communicable diseases.
During the event, Chang delivered the 2024 RBS Research Grant, which amounted to RM50,000 to senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya, Dr Muhammad Farid Nazer Muhammad Faruqu.
Dr Muhammad Farid Nazer will pursue his research titled 'Investigating EVbodies - Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as Nano-Neutralising Agents Against EGF in Attenuating EGFR-driven Lung Cancer.'
The RBS Medical Trust Fund was an initiative by the late Dr Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh, a visionary and philanthropist in the medical and health sciences field and has funded 28 research projects and 11 technical workshops since its inception in 1997.
-- BERNAMA
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