• More than $80 million in business funding has been raised by the 1000 strong community of entrepreneurs supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme

• The Asia Innovates summit on 15-17 October in Kuala Lumpur celebrates the five-year anniversary, showcasing innovations from entrepreneurs across Asia who are supported by the programme

• An online community has been launched to provide at-a-glance information on the innovations created, route to market and investment sought by the entrepreneurs, as well as collaboration opportunities

16 October 2019 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) programme, which is run by the Royal Academy of Engineering and supported by the UK’s Newton Fund, is celebrating five years of providing unique support for entrepreneurs around the world. The Academy is marking the milestone by holding the Asia Innovates summit, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together the most promising engineering entrepreneurs from seven of the participating countries – China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – alongside notable business leaders and investors from the region and the UK. An online community showcasing the inspiring innovators supported by the LIF programme has also been launched to mark the anniversary. It provides investors and funders with an at-a-glance summary of the innovation created, route to market, and support sought from each entrepreneur. The community also provides a platform for the LIF engineers, researchers and innovators from around the world to collaborate and learn from each other to speed the commercialisation of products that will change the world for good.

Entrepreneurial training for research-driven innovators can be a powerful tool for expanding their businesses. Since 2014, the LIF programme has fostered innovation leadership by supporting 1000 of the world’s brightest engineering entrepreneurs from emerging economies. Between them they have secured over $80 million in business funding. The programme empowers its alumni to commercialise innovations that will contribute to economic and social development in their countries and beyond. Ranging from low-cost water purification and eco-friendly biofuels, to cataract treatment and assistive technology for disabled people, innovations developed by the LIF community are changing almost every industry, in all corners of the world.

The Asia Innovates summit demonstrates the role of the LIF programme in nurturing positive social change through entrepreneurship, and deepening partnerships between Asia, the UK and Europe. The 150 alumni in attendance will receive critical business training and support, from securing funding to developing a marketing strategy. As well as an inspiring opportunity for participants to network, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships through the rich programme, the summit features thought-provoking discussions, mentoring, intense workshops, a pitching competition and a showcase that aims to further develop and promote LIF alumni along their path to commercialisation.

· An online college and career readiness platform to help Indonesia’s 138m young people connect with educational programmes, vocational courses and jobs – developed by Rizky Muhammed, Youthmanual, Indonesia

· A DNA-based purity test that is up to 100 times faster than traditional methods, promising to revolutionise the seed industry by Wirulda Pootakham, HybridSure, Thailand

· IOT-ready units that filter out airborne pollutants, keeping the air inside buildings clean by Amol Chaphekar, StrataEnviro, India

Dr Mike Short CBE FREng, Chief Scientific Advisor at the UK’s Department for International Trade and keynote speaker at the summit, said “The LIF programme has made a huge impact in facilitating innovation since its inception five years ago. Almost 1000 promising inventors have benefited from the programme and being part of this global community, and the Asia Innovates summit provides a perfect place to celebrate some of the most exciting projects from across Asia that we are proud to support.”

The event is hosted in Kuala Lumpur by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and produced in collaboration with British Foreign and Commonwealth Office representatives in the seven participating countries. The summit presents the unique characteristics that make these seven Asian markets globally competitive, and showcases sectors where Asia pioneer’s world-leading innovations. It is delivered by the Academy as part of the UK’s Government’s Newton Fund which, through a variety of science and innovation programmes, supports the economic development and social welfare of emerging economies.

Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President & Chief Executive Officer, MIGHT said “Asia Innovates 2019 serves as a platform that brings together the “best of the best” innovation in the region and channels the latest and potential technologies to meet the demand of industry. It is high time we bring our innovators to the centre stage and show our capabilities to the world.”

HE Charles Hay MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia said “Strategic science and innovation partnership is increasingly important in shaping the modern-day relationship between the UK and Malaysia. The UK Government has committed to investing up to £35 million in Malaysia under the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund and this is matched by the Malaysian Government. The Fund supports 38 sustainability related

programmes in Malaysia and The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme is an excellent example of this. I am pleased to see budding Malaysian entrepreneurs being paired with UK industry experts to develop market-ready innovations in health and life sciences, future cities, agritech, environmental resilience and energy security, as well as digital innovation and creativity.”

The newly-launched LIF online community brings together alumni spanning the full five years of the programme, enabling a collaborative network for LIF alumni, mentors, trainers, programme managers and in-country partners to create, learn, explore and innovate together online. The community makes it easy to connect with other entrepreneurs who are passionate about tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges and transferring research into real-world applications. Profiles of these inspiring technologies and innovations demonstrate their social and economic impact to a global audience, connecting LIF alumni with potential investors and stakeholders ready to support their path to market. You can visit the community at https://lif.raeng.org.uk/.

17 April, Cyberjaya – An exhibition that showcases the journey and capabilities of Malaysia’s rail industry is being held at Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT). Known as the MIGHT Partnership Hub, the event is held via the Science to Action (S2A) – Science for Industry platform, another Malaysian Technology Solutions initiatives. The special exhibition is organised by the Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC); an industry-led consortium that represents the voice of local rail companies; and showcases the tracks that the nation has laid and the charted way forward for the nation’s rail industry.

Titled Special Rail Exhibition, the exhibition shall run from 17^th of April till 4^th May. It was officiated by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ir Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Joint Chairman (Industry) MIGHT together with Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and Chief Executive Officer MIGHT who is also President of MARIC. Also attended was MARIC and MIGHT members.

Malaysia is focused in creating a seamless journey in public transportation, connecting districts, towns and cities in ferrying passengers and cargo. Urban development is now parallel with the advancement of its rail network and new stations translate into new townships and new lines that will bring in new industry and urbanisation.

With government’s support through its localisation policy, the local rail industry has developed and achieved international standard and recognition. This is evident in local player’s involvement in three major projects under The Greater Kuala Lumpur Plan 2010. The projects were awarded based on the capabilities of MARIC members, together with each respective local and international rail partner.

Through these projects, MARIC members expand their expertise through knowledge transfer such as involvement in after sales, MRO and export capabilities. It also accorded MARIC members credibility as engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) partners to the international original equipment manufacturer (OEM), enabling smart-partnership between various parties, locally and abroad.

Going forward, MARIC has a vision of expanding its organisation that would further benefit its members. Amongst them are incorporation of MARIC Incorporated and MARIC Trading House, establishment of Rail Industry Zone that includes research and innovation centre, warehouse and heavy engineering storage, and establishment of Rolling Stock Anchor Company, Technology and Innovation Anchor Companies and MARIC Product Focus Group. Through these initiatives, MARIC is ready to achieve more with the government’s support and recognition. Through collaboration with international construction, engineering and financial giants, MARIC members can adapt easily to both western to eastern technology. Such exposure also inculcates awareness on the standards of quality and expectations of the local players and increase their capabilities such as managing high level maintenance, repair and overhaul of LRT Ampang Line, KLIA Express and KTMB ETS wagons. In addition, parts and components can also be produced locally with support and assistance from OEM and rail owners. Key operators such as Prasarana and KTMB has long embarked into vendor development programme where they identify special components to be locally manufactured while opening up windows of opportunities to grow abroad.

MARIC is now focused on five products with high opportunity to be explored –  Automated Fare Collection, Operation Control Centre, Design, Solution and Technology Manufacturing, Customer Experience Solutions and Narrow-casting and Mobile Entertainment and Advertising.

This special exhibition will bring together developers, brands, marketers, technology providers, designers, innovators and evangelists and set the pace in advancing our rail industry.

Cyberjaya, 27 February – The Malaysia Technology Strategic Outlook (MTSO) was launched today- a biennial publication that aims to inform and promote awareness on the latest development as well as challenges that are shaping the local and global high technology landscapes.

The launching was performed by Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, who is also the minister in charge of Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, accompanied by the Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and Joint-Chair (Government) of MIGHT, Professor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid, Joint-Chair (Industry) of MIGHT, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali and President and Chief Executive Officer of MIGHT, Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman.

MTSO is an initiative undertaken by MIGHT, an agency under the Prime Minister’s Office that serves to advance the nation’s competency in high technology towards sustainable development through public-private partnerships.

Industry 4.0 set the scene for this edition of MTSO. With that theme, descriptions of the technologies and platform involved including assessments on technological readiness in the face of rapid changes in high technology were presented. Also included are selected success stories of local and international companies in adopting these technologies, followed by government initiatives addressing these challenges whilst supporting progress.

The overview and in-depth analysis of various topics enable readers of the publication to relate to the current science and technology environment that is progressively transforming human lives around the globe, while serving as a guideline from whence the affected segments of society could chart their future; be it in policy, business or livelihood as a whole.

MTSO contributed as part of input to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s National Industry 4.0 Blueprint, complementing the efforts made my the ministry in preparing the local industry with the advent of Industry 4.0

The event took place at MIGHT’s new office, MIGHT Partnership Hub, as the agency also took that opportunity to celebrate its 25 years anniversary with the guests.

Newly extended Newton-Ungku Omar Fund paving way for greater UK-Malaysia collaborations

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 July 2017 – Malaysia and the United Kingdom are extending the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund – a collaborative effort between the governments of both countries to promote science, technology and innovation collaboration. The Fund has now been extended from 2019 to 2021 with up to 50% increase in committed funding and resources from both countries to promote larger-scale research calls, innovation-focussed activities and capacity building activities that support the development agendas of Malaysia.

The announcement was jointly made at the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund Open Day held today at MiGHT Partnership Hub in Cyberjaya, by Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid, Malaysia’s Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.

“Malaysia is one of the most active of the 18 Newton Fund countries, with one of the highest averages in respect of the quality of their applications. Currently 18 British and Malaysian funding organisations work together to offer funding opportunities for researchers. A total of 28 activities have been established and approximately 100 funding grants awarded since the Fund’s inception in 2014,” said Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid.

Her Excellency Vicki Treadell echoed this sentiment, “The Newton-Ungku Omar Fund secures UK and Malaysian collaboration in various areas in science, technology and innovation. It demonstrates the commitment by both countries towards sustainable development, promoting cross-cutting technology and innovative solutions, and building capacity in science and research. It is a key pillar of our bilateral partnership.”

The Newton-Ungku Omar Fund Open Day brought Malaysia’s science, technology and innovation community together to celebrate the success of the Fund thus far. The event saw the launch of the Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership (WCSSP) – a landmark collaboration between the UK Met Office and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Malaysia, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia. This project aims to harness Malaysian and British scientific expertise to improve forecasts for severe weather in Malaysia and the region, to save lives and protect livelihoods.

At the event, Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, President of Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) also presented approximately £4.6 million worth of research grants to twelve winning collaborative projects under the ‘Bilateral medical and health research in non-communicable diseases’ programme. Funded by ASM and Medical Research Council UK, this two-year programme sees Malaysian and British medical researchers working together on research to tackle non-communicable disease prevalent in Malaysia.

Academic researchers, small-medium enterprises, current Fund recipients amongst others attended the Open Day and participated in a series of talks, workshops and showcases by the Fund’s Malaysian delivery partners and successful awardees. Some of the activities included science communication skills training by British Council Malaysia and ASM, a talk on ‘How to write a good international collaboration proposal’, a talk and coaching session on intellectual property management by Malaysian Intellectual Property Office (MyIPO), UK Intellectual Property Office, and PlaTCOM Ventures Sdn Bhd, and briefing sessions for new funding opportunities. The Open Day was co-organised by Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MiGHT) and the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 October 2016 – Green technology for economic and environmental sustainability and resilience has been identified as a significant sector in Malaysia. The Eleventh Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 focuses on green growth and highlighted the need to increase the rate of renewable energy adoption, encourage low carbon mobility, smart cities and others.

Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), a program under the Science to Action (S2A) Initiative supports the greening of the future through entrepreneurial and innovation approach. This programme has generated significant business opportunities for Malaysians by capturing a slice of the $1.6 trillion market opportunity in clean technology. These businesses created jobs especially for those in the rural areas. The GCIP helps to facilitate entrepreneurship and innovation in four technology categories namely; renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste-to-wealth and water efficiency. GCIP Malaysia is a collaboration between MIGHT, Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

In conjunction with International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference (IGEM), MIGHT hosted a networking session branded as In-GREEN-D’Ent at MIGHT’s pavilion (booth 5422, Hall 5). In-GREEN-D’Ent is the finesse to GCIP program, a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among the current and past GCIP participants, and interaction with VCs and technology companies. Around 100 GCIP alumnus attended In-GREEN-D’Ent together with other 50 partner corporations, ministry and government agencies, industry players, investors and academia. It was officiated by the President and Chief Executive Officer of MIGHT, Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman.

Prior to In-GREEN-D’Ent, series of nurturing and enrichment sessions for participants were conducted through webinars, training, mentoring sessions conducted by both local and international business coaches and specialist/experts, including those from United States of America (USA). The programme also offers a special webinar session with a Coca-Cola representatives in technology scouting of the potential application in the beverage and drink Industry.

Top 10 finalists out of 25 organisations were announced during the session. The 10 finalist are Maeko, Yjack, Greenovations, IGL Coatings, Suncrox Solar, ICEE International, Ecoloo, Logikation, Neutrinos and Syngas. This 10 finalist will go through another round of pitching where the Top 3 winners will be selected to represent Malaysia at the Cleantech Open Global Forum in San Francisco in February 2017. The top 3 winners including the National Champion of the GCIP2016 program will be announced on 15th November 2016 during the GCIP Gala Award Ceremony.

Datuk Dr Yusoff said that the GCIP program has trained and nurtured about 200 entrepreneurs in the Clean technology segment. These entrepreneurs have successfully developed their ideas into products and are able to package them for the market. Clean technology offers unlimited opportunities, especially for young technopreneurs. He said, “We are thankful for the support given by KETTHA, NRE, MGTC, MOSTI, MOHE, MARA, SMECorp, Cradle, UNIDO, CTO, MAGIC and supporting ministries and agencies in helping us to implement this program successfully and develop a unique eco-system for clean technology and entrepreneurial development. We are also thankful to the highly motivated participants, dedicated trainers and untiring project management team, without which this program could not have been success, It is the hope of MIGHT that this program will be expanded to the ASEAN platform that will increase the pool of would-be entrepreneurs, financing institutions eager to invest in the products development and exposure to the 7th largest market in the world consisting of 620 million people.