Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must reinforce its technological sovereignty to navigate growing geopolitical uncertainty and avoid reliance on external parties in times of crisis, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the urgency of this need has heightened amid rising global tensions, supply chain disruptions, and intensifying technological rivalry among major powers, which could impact access to critical technologies. Chang emphasized the importance of domestic technological development to prioritize national interests, as foreign-owned technology may prioritize the needs of their own citizens first.
Chang referred to past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to highlight the significance of domestic capacity, particularly in vaccine development, to ensure adequate national supply during emergencies. He stressed that Malaysia must transition from being a mere consumer of technology to becoming a creator, thereby strengthening national resilience against future challenges.
Meanwhile, Chang announced that the 2026 National Science Week aims to engage 1.15 million participants nationwide, focusing on fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly among young people. The programme will be implemented in phases across five key zones-north, south, east, Sabah, and Sarawak-and will include science carnivals and community outreach initiatives.
Chang also pointed out the ongoing shortage of STEM talent, especially as Malaysia attracts high-tech investments. He expressed hope that initiatives like the National Science Week would encourage more students to pursue STEM, helping the country achieve its target of 60 percent participation in the field.
Regarding national technology priorities, Chang identified artificial intelligence (AI) and energy transition as key drivers of future economic growth. During his speech, he mentioned that the National Science Week is a flagship initiative aligned with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021-2030, aimed at embedding a culture of science and positioning it as a catalyst for economic development.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of such platforms in developing a skilled workforce capable of leveraging emerging technologies like AI, which is now a critical differentiator in the competitiveness of individuals and organizations.