KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Technology Development and Innovation Council has been set up to become an enabler for tourism, industry and agriculture in the state.
State Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Yakub Khan said the council was also approved by the state cabinet to support its Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
"The Ministry can strengthen its functions and roles in formulating policies, strategies and high-tech training.
"This will give a mandate to the Ministry to implement matters related to science, technology and innovation that go beyond all ministries and sectors in Sabah," he said in a statement.
Yakub said there would be three technical sommittees for the council.
For the council's Research and Innovation technical committee, it will be chaired by Universiti Malaysia Sabah Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr Ramzah Dambul.
Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Center (SCENIC) will chair the Technology Application technical committee, while UiTM Sabah Research Division, Industry Network, Community and Alumni will lead on Human Capital Development Technology Application.
"The membership in the Committee in this Council also consists of ex officios from the ministries and departments concerned, academic figures, industry players and the community so that the interests of the community at various levels can be included and fought for.
"We hope that with the establishment of this council, we will be able to increase the results of research and innovation that can be used for more sustainable development in the state," he said.