KOTA KINABALU — The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) aims to ensure that science, technology and innovation are translated into practical solutions that address industry needs and drive national development, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal said.
He said initiatives such as the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation’s (MTDC) Road to Growth (R2G) 2026 Sabah programme play an important role in bridging the gap between national policy and commercial outcomes by connecting technology companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), investors and ecosystem partners.
“The next phase of Malaysia’s innovation journey must extend beyond our traditional economic centres. We need to reach the enterprises, industries and communities where technology is needed most.
“MOSTI’s top priority is to ensure that science, technology and innovation are translated into real-world solutions by supporting industry needs and driving national development,” he said when officiating the R2G 2026 Sabah programme here yesterday.
Mohammad Yusof said Malaysia’s economy expanded by 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, but emphasised that future growth must be driven by innovation and high-value activities, with the benefits reaching every state and region. He said the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 provides a clear direction towards higher-value industries, digitalisation and sustainable development, while Sabah has a crucial role to play through its strengths in agriculture, tourism and energy.
He said the Sabah Development Corridor Blueprint 2.0 complements national frameworks by translating national aspirations into initiatives tailored to the state’s priorities, while technology can help overcome geographical challenges, improve productivity and create opportunities for both urban and rural communities.
The deputy minister also highlighted MTDC XGROWTH, describing it as a key initiative that helps SMEs improve their financial and organisational readiness while connecting them with suitable financing partners.
He said stronger local enterprises, closer collaboration between industry and technology providers, and alignment of Sabah’s innovation agenda with national priorities are essential to building a more competitive technology-based economy.
Meanwhile, MTDC chairman Tan Sri Abd Rahman Mamat said the corporation has supported more than 850 companies across Malaysia’s technology ecosystem over the past three decades, helping create skilled employment, intellectual property, export capabilities and technology-driven businesses.
He said MTDC’s role extends beyond financing by supporting companies throughout their commercialisation journey and connecting them with industry, investors and markets.
Abd Rahman said this year’s R2G Sabah focuses on agri-innovation and food security, areas that align closely with Sabah’s economic strengths and development priorities.
He said technologies such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, automation, digital traceability and data-driven farming could improve productivity, strengthen sustainability and create greater value across the food supply chain, provided they are effectively connected with farmers, businesses and industry partners.
According to MTDC, the programme, organised in partnership with the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), connects innovators and industry players with funding, technology expertise, strategic networks and market opportunities.
The programme also showcased opportunities across six strategic sectors: electrical and electronics and semiconductors, Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, food security, green economy, healthcare and life sciences, and aerospace and future mobility.
