MEXCO-STI Meeting Strengthens Federal-state Cooperation, Disseminates Technology

GEORGE TOWN, May 7 (Bernama) -- Cooperation between the federal and state governments in strengthening the science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem continues to be enhanced through the Meeting of Ministers and Members of the State Executive Council responsible for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MEXCO-STI) held here today.

In a statement, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) said that MEXCO-STI has considered and acknowledged several key matters regarding the dissemination of technology developed by MIMOS Berhad at the state level.

The meeting also took note of the involvement of start-up companies in the state through the implementation of the MyStartup Single Window by Cradle, as well as the roles of the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board and the Department of Chemistry Malaysia in the state.

In addition, the collaboration programme between the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and several states in the application of technology and information related to the culture of science, to be implemented by MOSTI throughout this year in the states, was also shared.

"The MEXCO-STI meeting has become an important platform for discussing and sharing the direction and developments of STI through the cooperation of the federal government and state government," said the statement today.

Meanwhile,  MOSTI Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia needs to continue strengthening its technological sovereignty and developing local talent and innovation capacity to ensure the country is better prepared to face global uncertainties in the future.

Platforms like MEXCO-STI play an important role in coordinating cooperation between the federal and state governments to strengthen the STI ecosystem comprehensively in each state.

"Through collaboration among various parties, each state has the opportunity to develop its own strengths and innovative capabilities, thereby supporting the nation's aspiration to become a creator of technology and not just a user of technology," he said.

In the meantime, MOSTI has also conducted a courtesy visit and engagement session with all MEXCO-STI members to share MOSTI's focus areas for 2026 and identify potential STI fields at the state level in line with the findings of the Malaysian Innovation Index (MII) report.

According to the statement, the meeting session also emphasised the strengthening of the importance of STI in the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) as a key pillar in achieving the MADANI Economy aspiration.

Earlier, MEXCO-STI members also conducted a working visit to the Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm) here.

-- BERNAMA