NEWS: One k-economy framework for all to benefit

KNOWLEDGE economy, or k-economy, has been hyped up time and again in Malaysia, but unfortunately, to many it still remains a mystery both in fact and implementation. Add to that is the numerous action plans presented by a list of councils that seem to overlap.

Maximus says the Ministry is working on fine-tuning and placing all existing initiatives aimed at propelling specific fields such as science, ICT and biotechnology under one umbrella so they will be collectively focused towards one k-economy framework.

Against this backdrop, it is a relief to know that Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili has plans to create a clearer, more cohesive effort to realise the country’s goal of achieving k-economy.

Maximus, at a recent Press event in Kuala Lumpur, said the Ministry is working on fine-tuning and placing all existing initiatives aimed at propelling specific fields such as science, information and communications technology (ICT) and biotechnology under one umbrella so they will be collectively focused towards one k-economy framework.

“The Ministry co-ordinates a huge number of fields and groups, most of which have their own councils. Under the 9MP (Ninth Malaysia Plan), the main driver for the economy is knowledge, under which all these initiatives operate on. However, we’re a bit loose in many of these things, so we need to tidy up so there is a clear focus towards establishing k-economy for the country.”

This, he pointed out, may mean consolidationg some of the councils.

“We will be holding a whole series of seminars and discussions involving the private sector. That’s the area we want to look at in the remainder of the 9MP... that there be a consolidation under the knowledge aspect so that we look at science and technology in a broader sense. Of course, it will also mean linking with other Ministries that are dealing with knowledge (such as the Education Ministry and Human Resources Ministry).”

Maximus believes that there is huge knowledge at the lower level of society. While the Government encourages the development of science and innovation in the ICT and biotechnology fields that create award-winning products and discoveries, it also wants to encourage the lower level of society, he said.

After all, there is a lot of creativity among the poor, and innovation is about creating new ways of doing things that improve people’s lives. So, the Ministry wants to broaden this aspect.

Hopefully, the proposed consolidation will lead to effective implementation and realisation of the overall vision. It is high time that every level of society reaps the benefits from the greater plan.