KUANTAN: Innovation is vital to help the country boost economic growth by creating new industries, products and services that generate jobs and income.
Pahang investment, industries, science, technology and innovation committee chairman, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, said investing in innovations helps the country stimulate entrepreneurship, attract foreign investment, and increase their competitiveness in the global market.
"Innovation helps promote sustainable development by addressing environmental challenges and promoting resource efficiency in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan which aims to change the country's conventional linear economic model to a sustainable circular or recycling focused economy.
"Cultivating innovation is the current challenge in Malaysia and we are grateful to Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) for always adopting the culture of innovation as their main agenda in the university's achievements," he said in his speech during UMPSA's Cendekia Bitara Award-Prowess Craftsmanship at a hotel here last night.
Meanwhile, Nizar said the federal and state government will continue to support UMPSA's efforts to help achieve its research and innovation aspirations through various incentives and financial assistance, which includes the innovation value chain, from the planning stage to the commercialisation stage.
"UMPSA and the Pahang government are currently working together on the food security, mineral resources, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM) education agenda," he said.
On the Cendekia Bitara Award which recognises UMP academicians who have achieved outstanding success in the research, innovation, commercialisation and publication fields, Nizar described it as a stage that gives recognition to researchers who have contributed extensively to both the university and country.
Meanwhile, UMPSA vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin said partnership between the Pahang government and the university will be further strengthened.
"As a leading technological university in Malaysia and Pahang in particular, UMPSA is prepared to share and contribute staff expertise and researchers depending on the focus areas of the Pahang government.
"Based on the expertise available, UMPSA always focuses on ensuring that it is the reference point or first referred when providing solutions to issues related to innovation and technology.
"The university will continuously support the government's agenda in ensuring the country remains competitive to face Industrial Revolution 4.0, changes in the job market due to the use of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the development of digital technology," he said.
During the award ceremony yesterday, 109 individuals including 101 Cendekia Bitara, six University e-Learning Awards and two University Academic Award recipients were recognised.
Also present was UMP's board of directors chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman and deputy vice chancellor (research & innovation) Professor. Ts. Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli.