2022 Budget: UMS researcher applauds R&D allocation

 By Olivia Miwil - October 30, 2021 @ 12:40pm

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Innovation and Commercialisation Management Centre director Dr Jidon Janaun said the allocation showed that the government valued the importance of R&D to drive the nation forward. - NSTP/EDMUND SAMUNTING
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Innovation and Commercialisation Management Centre director Dr Jidon Janaun said the allocation showed that the government valued the importance of R&D to drive the nation forward. - NSTP/EDMUND SAMUNTING

KOTA KINABALU: The 2022 Budget allocation on research and development (R&D) could help spur Sabah's economy, a university researcher said.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had said RM423 million would be allocated for R&D, from which RM295 million is slated for public universities.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Innovation and Commercialisation Management Centre director Dr Jidon Janaun said the allocation showed that the government valued the importance of R&D to drive the nation forward.

"This amount is significant, and we are thankful to the government for supporting R&D despite the slow economic activity due to the prolonged pandemic.

"The R&D budget is very important for Sabah. Sabah is a growing state with tremendous resources and talents.

"Furthermore, IR4.0 has been identified as a strong enabler for improvement in many economic and social activities.

"R&D is needed to spur the current economic activities such as palm oil, rubber industries, manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, among others," he told the NST, adding that the budget was also crucial to support efforts in social entrepreneurship in Sabah.

Jidon also added that the creative industry and innovation were currently booming in Sabah could be sustained by a continuous R&D.

"Hence, it is hoped that Sabah will get a sufficient portion of the allocated R&D budget."

UMS is currently working on 141 on-going innovation projects.



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