Malaysia Eyes Top 30 Spot In Global Innovation Index By 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to reach 30th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) by 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that after maintaining the 36th position for two consecutive years, Malaysia has now advanced to 33rd among 133 countries in the 2024 GII rankings.

He said Malaysia’s commitment to innovation extends beyond infrastructure as, according to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the digital economy contributed 23.5 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 and is on track to surpass the projected 25 per cent contribution by 2025.

“With digital investments exceeding RM70 billion in 2023, this growth underscores Malaysia’s standing as a technology-driven economy,” he said at the launch of the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 here, today.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) with the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI). Also present was Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said renewable energy is another cornerstone of Malaysia’s innovation journey.

“Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the nation has set a progressive target of increasing renewable energy capacity to 40 per cent by 2035 and 70 per cent by 2050.

“Additionally, the share of renewables in the total primary energy supply is projected to expand from the current four per cent to 23 per cent by 2050.

“These initiatives are expected to contribute RM220 billion to GDP by 2050 and create 310,000 new jobs, demonstrating how sustainability can drive economic prosperity,” he said.

Fadillah said as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the government is also committed to advancing the region’s agenda through leadership in technology, innovation and energy security.

“Our focus includes enhancing regional collaboration to address shared challenges and opportunities, particularly in achieving ASEAN’s target of 23 per cent renewable energy in the region’s energy mix by 2025.

“Initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid, promote cross-border electricity trade and renewable energy integration, exemplifying Malaysia’s commitment to regional sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the I-Nation Global Summit 2024, Fadillah said it is a manifestation of Malaysia's shared aspirations for a future built on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity for local, regional and global societies.

He said the summit demonstrates Malaysia’s aspiration to elevate its influence within ASEAN and globally, aligning efforts with international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ASEAN agenda for 2025. 

-- BERNAMA