Malaysia In Dire Need Of More Scientists And Researchers

By: Liz Hasseld

The deputy prime minister of Malaysia said on Thursday, that the country 'is in dire need of more scientists, researchers, innovators and pioneers in science and technology' The original goal under the Ninth Malaysia Plan was to have 60 researchers, scientists and engineers per 10,000 workforce. Currently Malaysia has only achieved 18% of that goal. The deputy prime minister did seem encouraged by the increased research and development in local universities. He believes by educating the youth, Malaysia will become a developed nation by 2020. Malaysia is pushing for a university-industry partnership. "The current economic crisis should not be wasted. We should embrace opportunities to nurture and generate value-added innovative measures to mend and move the nation to greater heights of economic prosperity," -Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, debuty prime minister.