KIS 2025 Features Wider Participation, Fresh Elements To Boost Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Social Innovation Convention (KIS) 2025, taking place at GMBB Mall from today until Saturday, features wider participation and new elements including business matching, KIS Resolutions and strategic networking among innovators, industries and government agencies.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said this year’s edition, which drew the participation of 150 innovators, was more dynamic and results-oriented, focusing on commercialising social innovation products, high-impact community initiatives and enhancing the social innovation ecosystem.

“This initiative demonstrates the maturity of KIS as a national social innovation platform that is evolving in line with the country’s aspirations towards prosperity and social sustainability,” he said in his speech at the launch of KIS here today.

His speech text was read out by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad. Also present was Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) chief executive officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh.

Jointly organised by MOSTI and YIM, KIS 2025 carries the theme “Social Innovation Living Lab: Connect, Collaborate, Creative, Changescape!” and aims to attract more than 3,000 visitors.

Chang said the organisation of KIS 2025 was significant as it served as the main platform to strengthen the initial implementation of the Social Innovation Policy (DIS) 2025-2030 in an integrated and inclusive manner, in efforts to empower social innovation for the benefit of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

“KIS 2025 not only provides a platform for innovative solutions but also contributes to realising the aspirations of DIS through impactful projects, collaboration matching, community participation and the cultivation of social innovation values,” he said.

Chang said MOSTI would continue to play its role as the lead agency, coordinator and facilitator in implementing DIS at the national level.

He said YIM, on the other hand, would continue to serve as the implementing agency, drawing on its vast experience and expertise in developing grassroots social innovations since 2008.

“YIM has proven that community-driven innovation, when supported by active stakeholder involvement, technology, expertise and appropriate financing, can make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.

Chang said that in conjunction with KIS 2025, MOSTI had provided a platform for the public to raise socio-economic issues, which would later be refined and shared with innovators to formulate science, technology and innovation-based solutions for implementation in the community by 2027.

The ceremony also witnessed the announcement of the formation of the Malaysian Innovators Cooperative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation among innovators, create opportunities and boost income-generating innovation activities through cooperative funds.

Also held was the presentation of the Social Innovation Product Development Fund and the Social Innovation Project Replication Fund to recipients.

--BERNAMA