BANGI: The close cooperation between Sime Darby Foundation and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through the establishment of the UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability is exemplary as it complements the nation's agenda, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said.
Khairy said the establishment of the UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability was in line with the six strategic thrusts outlined in the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2021-2030 (DSTIN 2030).
These, Khairy said, include advancing scientific and social research; advancing scientific and social research, development, and commercialisation; developing, harnessing, and intensifying talent; energising industries; transforming science, technology, and innovation (STI) governance; promoting and sensitising STI, and enhancing strategic international alliances.
"DSTIN 2030 also emphasises on the importance of networking and cooperation among the public sector, private sector, industries, and the community to stimulate the country's STI-based economic growth," he said in his speech during the virtual launching ceremony of the UKM-YSD chair for sustainability today.
Present were Sime Darby Foundation chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, and deputy vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Imran Ho Abdullah.
Khairy said the UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability would apply both the socioeconomic and STI drivers identified in the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (MySTIE) framework to materialise the DSTIN 2030.
"I am confident that by using this framework, it will be able to meet the needs of the country's development and the people."
Meanwhile, Tunku Imran in his speech said on top of the endowment of RM15 million for UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability, the Sime Darby Foundation is also committing another RM1.5 million to provide 15 postgraduate scholarships, with half of the candidates coming from underprivileged backgrounds.
UKM and YSD had been collaborating since 2010 through the establishment of UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainable Development: Zero Waste Technology and UKM-YSD Chair for Climate Change, with both focusing on various aspects of sustainability such as climate change, water recovery, and renewable energy.