Over 180 Local Tech Projects Get Support Under NTIS Programme - Chang

BACHOK, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Over 180 local technology projects in areas such as drone technology, digital health and smart agriculture have received support under the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) programme, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said.

He said the NTIS facilitates the testing and commercialisation of local innovations through financial support, regulatory facilitation and technical guidance.

Chang said his ministry fully supports the effort through initiatives that serve as a bridge between laboratory research and the commercial market.

“This approach forms the core of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN), aimed at steering Malaysia towards becoming a high-tech nation by 2030,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Kelantan State-Level Festival of Ideas (FOI @ Kelantan) 2025 at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Bachok Campus, here today.

Chang said his ministry is also committed to developing future generations of talent through various human capital development programmes.

“Among the main areas of focus are the organisation of the Malaysia Techlympics and the National Science Week, which take place throughout the year to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among primary and secondary school students.

“We want to ensure that every student, whether from urban or rural areas, has an equal opportunity to contribute to the country’s development through science and technology. This spirit of inclusivity and well-being forms the backbone of Malaysia MADANI,” he said.

Chang said that in a world increasingly driven by data, innovation and creativity, Malaysia could no longer rely on traditional approaches and needed to move towards a knowledge-driven society that places science, technology and innovation at the heart of socio-economic progress.

On the FOI @ Kelantan 2025, he said the programme provided a platform for participants to share ideas, develop innovative solutions and showcase the creativity of local talent.

“Such programmes are crucial in reinforcing the country’s innovation ecosystem by demonstrating the ability of universities to translate knowledge into real impact on society, the economy and national development,” he said.

--BERNAMA