More Researchers And Scientists Needed

Written by Writer on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

More Researchers And Scientists Needed

MELAKA, Oct 28 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Higher Education has targeted to have 50 researchers, scientists and engineers for every 10,000 workers by the year 2010.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Idris Haron said presently Malaysia was estimated to have between 20 and 30 of such personnel for every 10,000 workers.

“To realise the target, the government has set aside RM500 million for the Science and Technology Human Resource Development Programme,” he told reporters after officiating the National Conference on Design and Concurrent Engineering 2008 (Decon) organised by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) here Tuesday.

Decon is a platform for discussing and disemminating ideas in design and engineering as well as to reinforce cooperation between academicians and industry personnel.

Eighty working papers will be presented in the two-day conference beginning Tuesday.

Idris said his ministry was confident of achieving the target.

He said among initiatives for the purpose was the “Brain Gain Programme” whereby several initiatives and facilities were made ready to attract science researchers and high-calibre engineers from abroad to come to Malaysia.

Idris said the government wanted to enhance human capital in research, innovation, and commercialisation.

On another matter, Idris, who is also Melaka Umno information chief and Member of Parliament for Tangga Batu, said it was not appropriate for the MCA to ask tho government to do away with the 30 per cent bumiputera participation requirement for public listed companies.

He said there were no problems since the ruling was made as non-bumiputeras had also benefited and enjoyed returns.

Newspapers today reported that the MCA called on the government to do way with the ruling for better competitiveness.

MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai was quoted as saying that an important element in a country’s economic development was strong competitiveness for the country to face the current adverse global economic situation.

– BERNAMA