LETTERS: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry launched the new science policy called the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2021-2030 (DSTIN 2030). Its minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, officiated the virtual launch on television. The event was a good platform to herald the contributions of the Academy of Science (ASM) to crafting the policy, as well as a new framework linking science to society and the economy.
Fellows at ASM were excited about the publicity.
For more than 20 years, ASM, the nation's leading think tank on science, has been behind the scene contributing ideas on science to the nation. This time, thanks to the ministry, ASM's excellent work has been brought to light. Hopefully, the publicity will inspire much public interest in science.
In this era of digitalisation and innovation economy, we should think about how science can better serve the nation. Most of all, we should engage the youth and inspire them to be innovative. We also need to be competitive to survive in the world market, which continues to see new players. The Internet has empowered many communities around the world in a bid for a share of the global wealth.
What is interesting about the new science policy is its link to society and the economy. Many quarters are positive that the science and technology, innovation and economy (STIE) ecosystem framework, called the STIE 10-10 Framework, unveiled during the launch, would instil new vigour in making science more relevant to the nation's efforts to empower society and share in the economic prosperity.
Many sectors can benefit from embracing science to achieve shared prosperity for all. The rubber sector comes to mind.
Rubber farmers are in desperate need of support for a strong dosage of science, technology and innovation (STI) to lift them out of their doldrums. The agriculture sector also craves for a similar injection of STI to bring progress. The food security sector deserves priority.
While the plan is well and good, serious thought must be given to how to bring the ideas to fruition. This has always been the nation's weakest link — the implementation of plans, blueprints and policies.
We need what economists call the special purpose vehicle (SPV) to realise the good motives of the plan. And since the success of this plan does not rest on one ministry, the SPV must cut across all ministeries. The job of the SPV is not only to put the plan into action but also to monitor, evaluate, analyse and report on its implementation.
Since ASM, through its fellows, has been the principal contributor of the policy and framework, it may be pertinent to align the SPV with ASM. The SPV will have to spell out the processes to implement and monitor the plan. Research and development are the critical elements of the plan.
It is encouraging to note that fundings would be raised to 3.5 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product by 2030, not far behind developed economies. The more crucial matter is the choice of research to be funded. It should comprise fields that bring benefits to the economy and society.
PROFESSOR DATUK DR AHMAD IBRAHIM
Fellow, Academy of Science, UCSI University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times