THE R&D LANDSCAPE IN MALAYSIA
Research & Development (R&D) refers to activities that comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, which could then be used to devise new applications. While R&D has always been synonymous to universities and research institutions, it also plays a critical role in the long-term success of companies which in turn, translates to the growth of their respective economies.
Top 5 R&D National Priority Areas by Expenditure, 2020 (%)
R&D Expenditure by Three Types of R&D Activities
28.1% Energy Security
1
Basic research 27.7%
16.4% Medical & Healthcare
2
There are three types of R&D which are categorised by the nature of activity as follows: • Basic research • Applied research • Experimental research
14.8% Food Security
3
Applied research 26.8% Experimental development research 45.5%
10.5% Others
4
9.5% Environment & Climate Change
5
The National Priority R&D Areas are areas that have been of major concern to Malaysia over the past many years as they affect our economic growth and the people’s well-being, i.e. energy security, healthcare, food security, and climate change. Hence, research in these areas need to produce beneficial impact to the society and nation, providing pragmatic solutions to pressing economic needs and social issues.
National Survey of Research and Development (R&D) in Malaysia 2021
According to Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the Minister of Higher Education, the following five guiding principles determine the value of the research: • All types of research are important, but some are more critically strategic • Research fundings need to be sourced through strategic collaborations and not solely be dependent on the government • Consortiums of research, transcending disciplinary boundaries, and that are implemented on a much longer term, are of higher impact
• Research should be conducted responsibly and be accounted for • Research should be among the key aspects of a university’s income
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