BANGI, Dec 17 — The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) yesterday launched the Social Innovation Policy (DIS) 2025–2030, as a comprehensive long-term strategy to overcome socio-economic challenges faced by Malaysians.
Its deputy minister, Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, said through the DIS, the government aims to create practical and high-impact solutions to solve social challenges at the grassroots level such as poverty, education disparity and health issues.
"DIS also functions to promote collaboration among various stakeholders such as government agencies, the private sector, research institutions and non-governmental organisations to develop creative and high-impact solutions.
"In implementing this policy, Malaysia needs to move towards becoming a technology developer and not just a consumer," he said during his speech at the policy’s launch and the Social Innovator Networking Appreciation Night in conjunction with the 2024 Social Innovation Convention here yesterday.
Mohammad Yusof said that recognising the importance of innovative and effective solutions, DIS will empower local communities through the 'Local Issue, Local Technology and Local Benefit' approach.
He said the effort is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Environment, Social, Governance principles set by the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
He added that DIS is a sectoral policy that supports the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021–2030, and serves as a strategic basis to address socioeconomic challenges through the empowerment of social innovation as an agent of change in driving the country's economic growth based on Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy.
"Mosti will play the role of leader, coordinator, facilitator and monitor of the implementation of DIS while the Malaysia Innovation Foundation acts as an implementing partner for social innovation initiatives," he said.
Also present at the event were Mosti secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim and Malaysia Innovation Foundation chief executive officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh.
— Bernama
