Contact: Joshua Brown
Joshua@might.org.my
60-012-297-1352
Malaysian Industry‑Government Group for High Technology
Smart city, smart village proposals progress as Malaysia's global advisory council meets
Sustainable, high-value and inclusive projects under the Smart City-Smart Village initiative of Malaysia's recently-formed Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) were identified by leaders of international and local companies convened Oct. 27-28 in Kuala Lumpur. Originally mooted at the inaugural GSIAC meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister in New York in May, the Smart City-Smart Village initiative aims at balancing development in urban and rural areas, focusing on the use of green and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) that will help advance Malaysia's Vision 2020. Based on the Digital Malaysia Paper of Malaysia's Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the Smart City-Smart Village initiative is a flagship project being implemented through the GSIAC.Malaysia is banking on innovative science and technologies to help more than double per capita income from USD$6,700 to USD$15,000 in just nine years. As growth and urbanization continues at an unprecedented pace, the country hopes to stay ahead of the crowd by being a pioneer in the wide-scale deployment of ICT through urban and rural areas. The goal of the Smart City-Smart Village initiative is to improve everything from energy use to healthcare, education, traffic and shopping by doing it "smart" with the help of ICT.
In a written message to participants, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Tun Razak said initiatives such as these "excite us as they allow Malaysia to accomplish Vision 2020 by meeting many of the objectives outlined in the Government and Economic Transformation Programmes. From creating high income jobs to improving the health and wellbeing of the Rakyat, the Smart Communities initiative has the potential to create the revolutionary change in Malaysia we desire."
Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, Joint Secretary of GSIAC and co-chair of the workshop, echoed the Prime Minister's enthusiasm committing to early quick-win projects reflective of the New Economic Model's tenants of sustainability, inclusiveness and high-income growth.
"The group shares a common view that Smart Communities must be focused on the wellbeing of the Rakyat," said Zakri.
"The workshop reflected the value of sharing global and local science and technology experiences bringing unique capabilities to projects aimed at closing the socio-economic divide and bringing sustainable and inclusive high-income growth to Malaysia," he added.
"This week's workshop advances a project that will enhance the quality of life for the Rakyat, creating a safe, secure and conducive environment to live, work, learn and innovate," said Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and CEO of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), which shares the Joint Secretariat with NYAS.
The workshop was meant gather input on the implementation of Smart City projects in Malaysia, which could contribute up to RM95 billion and 310,000 jobs to the economy by 2020 and Smart Village projects that could create some 130,000 additional jobs.
"The integration of ICT in areas such as energy management and healthcare will increase Malaysia's efficiency, advance its human capacity, and bolster an atmosphere in the country that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation," added Ellis Rubinstein, President and CEO of NYAS and Joint Secretary of GSIAC.
GSIAC coordinated this multilateral initiative with the additional experience of local and international organizations such as, PEMANDU, PwC and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from India.
"The sharing of best practices among local and international participants contributes an immense amount of value for the Smart City-Smart Village initiative," said Rubinstein.
"This kind of collaboration helps accelerate economic and productivity growth across the value chain through connectivity, information and knowledge sharing," he added.
Participants included top management from international companies including Philips, Verizon, IBM, Cisco and General Electric and corporate leadership from local companies such as Iskandar Investment, UEM Land and Sime Darby Properties.
The Prime Minister, who chairs GSIAC, has endorsed this program with a vision to benefit and transform the living standards of the Rakyat. Smart community projects are expected to empower and connect communities with an inclusive socio-economic approach to growth based on the New Economic Model and Vision 2020 agenda.
Rakyat the main benefactor of GSIAC
Author : Ali Imran Mohd Noordin
Date of Publication : May 26, 2011
Source: BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 2011 (Bernama) — The Vision 2020 deadline is just nine years away, so Malaysia has to fast track many of its development programmes to reach the country’s true economic potential.
The country also needs to think of ways to achieve a more balanced development that takes into account equitable distribution of wealth and makes a transition to a green economy.
In charting the country’s future, the government engaged the best talents across the world through the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC).
Chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, himself, GSIAC brought together the best practitioners from diverse fields such as government, industry, academia and the public, both local and international.Partnering with the New York Academy of Sciences, the GSIAC is represented by 35 members from the academy with Malaysia’s ministers, academicians and leaders of government-linked companies (GLCs).
“The ‘rakyat’ are the main benefactors of the GSIAC effort,” said Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, the Science Adviser to the Prime Minister.
HIGH INCOME NATION IN THE MAKING
The World Bank reported Malaysia’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita at USD7350 (about RM22,300) in 2009, which was a 64.5 percent increase compared to USD4740 (about RM14,390) in 2004.
The GNI is a recognized indicator as to whether or not the country possesses sufficient resources to achieve the target of USD15,000 GNI per capita by 2020.
Should Malaysia succeed in doing so, the country would join the developed nations of the world.
A high-income country, as defined by the World Bank, is one that has GNI per capita of USD12,196 (about RM36,980) annually.
GSIAC’S ROLE IN ACHIEVING HIGH INCOME
The GSIAC council is expected to review and advise on possible measures to be taken in order to achieve a high income status and create opportunities for high value jobs.
Also, the council plays a role in attracting capital investment and public-private partnerships, and incorporates elements of science and technology to create innovation-led new economic initiatives.
“We are already taking steps towards achieving this goal through the introduction of the New Economic Model (NEM) and Economic Transformation Plan (ETP).”
“Thus, the GSIAC will complement efforts already taken by the government to ensure its success in line with their aspiration”, said Dr Zakri.
In spite of all efforts to create wealth and meet this goal, the council will also take into consideration efforts to promote social stability and better quality of life for all Malaysians.
This is where economic growth has to be aligned with sustainable development, ensuring that the country’s interest is protected in the long run.
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FUTURE
Implementation of the latest technology and extensive use of the ICT will be among the thrusts for developing the country within the GSIAC scope.
This development includes initiatives to improve facilities related to ICT in rural areas in order to achieve 100 percent broadband penetration nationwide by 2020.
Meanwhile, to provide a boost to the palm oil industry, the council will seek methods to diversify the industry’s potential by carrying out biomass projects using waste from the palm oil industry to generate energy.
“With this, businesses that cultivate palm oil will have diverse sources of income, instead of just selling the fruit branch. This in turn will help lift their standard of living,” said Dr Zakri.
Aside from this, there will also be studies to assist the palm oil industry in curbing pollution. The outcome of this study will be shared with the rest of the world.
“Among the steps that will be taken are studies to optimize the use of palm oil waste and development of smart cities and smart villages.”
“Automatically, this can become a form of education to the world, increasing the profile of Malaysia and silencing critics of the industry,” he said.
Council members of the GSIAC are expected to further drive the Green Technology Policy initiative adopted by Malaysia in 2009.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY MADE PRACTICAL
Within the scope of implementation, the GSIAC is a perfect agency for proposing and discussing the feasibility of any undertaking.
Through GSIAC, conflicts in policy, regulation and red tape can be avoided.
‘The well being of the ‘rakyat’ is our utmost priority. We really hope that GSIAC will be proven as an effective transformation agent and will do good to the country in the short and the long run”, said Dr Zakri.
Date of Publication : May 26, 2011
Source: BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 2011 (Bernama) — The Vision 2020 deadline is just nine years away, so Malaysia has to fast track many of its development programmes to reach the country’s true economic potential.
The country also needs to think of ways to achieve a more balanced development that takes into account equitable distribution of wealth and makes a transition to a green economy.
In charting the country’s future, the government engaged the best talents across the world through the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC).
Chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, himself, GSIAC brought together the best practitioners from diverse fields such as government, industry, academia and the public, both local and international.Partnering with the New York Academy of Sciences, the GSIAC is represented by 35 members from the academy with Malaysia’s ministers, academicians and leaders of government-linked companies (GLCs).
“The ‘rakyat’ are the main benefactors of the GSIAC effort,” said Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, the Science Adviser to the Prime Minister.
HIGH INCOME NATION IN THE MAKING
The World Bank reported Malaysia’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita at USD7350 (about RM22,300) in 2009, which was a 64.5 percent increase compared to USD4740 (about RM14,390) in 2004.
The GNI is a recognized indicator as to whether or not the country possesses sufficient resources to achieve the target of USD15,000 GNI per capita by 2020.
Should Malaysia succeed in doing so, the country would join the developed nations of the world.
A high-income country, as defined by the World Bank, is one that has GNI per capita of USD12,196 (about RM36,980) annually.
GSIAC’S ROLE IN ACHIEVING HIGH INCOME
The GSIAC council is expected to review and advise on possible measures to be taken in order to achieve a high income status and create opportunities for high value jobs.
Also, the council plays a role in attracting capital investment and public-private partnerships, and incorporates elements of science and technology to create innovation-led new economic initiatives.
“We are already taking steps towards achieving this goal through the introduction of the New Economic Model (NEM) and Economic Transformation Plan (ETP).”
“Thus, the GSIAC will complement efforts already taken by the government to ensure its success in line with their aspiration”, said Dr Zakri.
In spite of all efforts to create wealth and meet this goal, the council will also take into consideration efforts to promote social stability and better quality of life for all Malaysians.
This is where economic growth has to be aligned with sustainable development, ensuring that the country’s interest is protected in the long run.
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FUTURE
Implementation of the latest technology and extensive use of the ICT will be among the thrusts for developing the country within the GSIAC scope.
This development includes initiatives to improve facilities related to ICT in rural areas in order to achieve 100 percent broadband penetration nationwide by 2020.
Meanwhile, to provide a boost to the palm oil industry, the council will seek methods to diversify the industry’s potential by carrying out biomass projects using waste from the palm oil industry to generate energy.
“With this, businesses that cultivate palm oil will have diverse sources of income, instead of just selling the fruit branch. This in turn will help lift their standard of living,” said Dr Zakri.
Aside from this, there will also be studies to assist the palm oil industry in curbing pollution. The outcome of this study will be shared with the rest of the world.
“Among the steps that will be taken are studies to optimize the use of palm oil waste and development of smart cities and smart villages.”
“Automatically, this can become a form of education to the world, increasing the profile of Malaysia and silencing critics of the industry,” he said.
Council members of the GSIAC are expected to further drive the Green Technology Policy initiative adopted by Malaysia in 2009.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY MADE PRACTICAL
Within the scope of implementation, the GSIAC is a perfect agency for proposing and discussing the feasibility of any undertaking.
Through GSIAC, conflicts in policy, regulation and red tape can be avoided.
‘The well being of the ‘rakyat’ is our utmost priority. We really hope that GSIAC will be proven as an effective transformation agent and will do good to the country in the short and the long run”, said Dr Zakri.
FAQ on GSIAC
1) What is GSIAC and when was it set up and why?
2) What are the objectives of GSIAC?
8) As a council that was specially set up to advice the Government in Science and Innovation capabilities, what are the expected benefits to the industry, academia and even the general public?
- The GSIAC was specially set-up as a sounding board in the national effort to improve and optimize Malaysia’s capabilities in the Science & Innovation field.
- It was set up during a working visit to the United States by a Malaysian delegation led by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia from 25 to 30 September 2010.
- GSIAC will enable the Malaysian Government to make a quantum leap from a middle-income country to a high-income economy by the year 2020.
2) What are the objectives of GSIAC?
- Providing strategic advice and as sounding board on Malaysia’s aspirations of being a developed nation by 2020, through science and innovation
- Benchmarking Malaysia’s ranking and competitiveness in Science and Innovation against technologically advanced countries, and improving Malaysia’s capabilities in science and innovation
- Value adding to the achievement of Malaysia’s economic transformation programme objectives
- Intensify capacity building through industry-academia collaboration with world experts and globally renowned organisation
- Generating and increasing bilateral trade and investment value in short, medium and longer-term.
- GSIAC will be chaired by the Prime Minister and consist of key ministries, corporate leaders and academics and the New York Academy of Sciences President’s Council Members. Together, they will be involved in supporting high impact program and projects to achieve the objectives of the GSIAC. Members of the GSIAC will also consist of experts in many cutting-edge fields.
- Rakyat (Public)
- Business & Industries
- Government
- Academia
- NGO
- GSIAC will play a crucial role in shaping the local science and innovation landscape and link its activities across spectrum of society, including the government, industry, academia and the public. It will link up and tap both local and global expertise.
- The areas involved are as follows :
- New Business/industries and high-value jobs;
- Venture Capital Investments and Public-Private Partnerships
- Innovation-led new economic initiatives, particularly in Science & Technology;
- Propagation and Commercialization of Science and Innovation
- Quality Workforce and Knowledge base Infrastructure;
- A society based on Sustainable Growth through Gree Futures.
- One of the main deliverables will be to undertake an in-depth assessment of Malaysia’s state preparedness to achieve the NEM and ETP and provide recommendations with special reference to the role of Science and Innovation
- The target audience will benefit from a sustainable and balanced economic growth
- Immediate Outcome
- Medium-term Outcomes
- Long-term Outcomes
8) As a council that was specially set up to advice the Government in Science and Innovation capabilities, what are the expected benefits to the industry, academia and even the general public?
- Providing platform for global linkage and collaboration;
- Producing more innovative technopreneurs;
- Generating new modes of business practise;
- Creating a positive investment climate;
- Ensuring high quality human capital and centres of excellence
- Adding more high-value jobs.
- No, the GSIAC will not overlap with the efforts of other government agencies. Instead, we will value add, create synergies and complement such initiatives where strategic Science and Innovation inputs are needed.
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