KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) has announced the resignation of its chief executive officer Dzuleira Abu Bakar.
Mranti said Dzuleira has decided to pursue other career opportunities although her contract was renewed early this year, and will continue to serve until early September.
"The Mranti board of directors recognises Dzuleira's dedication, outstanding leadership and invaluable contribution over the years.
"During this time, she has effectively raised the visibility and value of Malaysian technology and innovation by addressing societal and sectoral issues locally and globally," it said today.
Dzuleira was originally appointed by the chief executive officer of Malaysia Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and chief executive officer of Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) to lead the merging of MaGIC and TPM, which resulted in the incorporation of Mranti.
It was part of the government's endeavour to restructure and consolidate its agencies, better its position to carry out the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) and the Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economic Development Framework (MySTIE 10-10).
Under Dzuleira's leadership, the launch of the Mranti Park Master Plan has set the stage for developing a 4IR hub and has achieved significant milestones.
This includes securing RM1.12 billion in land lease value and 132.56 acres for new land sublease, with the aim of creating 8,000 jobs by 2027.
Dzuleira is also credited with developing Malaysia's drone industry.
"Malaysia's drone industry is rapidly advancing, currently ranked 21st in the global Drone Readiness Index," Mranti said.
The local drone sector is expected to contribute RM50.71 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) and create 100,000 jobs by 2030.
"I am humbled and honoured to have pioneered and positioned Mranti as the nucleus for R&D and C&I in Malaysia.
"Having established the core pillars of talent, infrastructure, operational systems and processes as well as our strategic plan, I believe Mranti can now advance in creating new socio-economic value through the commercialisation of research and development (R&D), which will strengthen the country's trajectory to become a high-income, high-technology nation," she said.
Mranti said as part of the transition plan, a management committee will be formed to monitor the agency's operations while a new CEO is appointed.