Analytical science research needs innovation, job opportunities

KUCHING, 21 Oct: Research results in the field of analytical science need to be translated into innovation, products and employment opportunities, thus supporting Sarawak's aspiration to achieve high-income developed state status by 2030.

Sarawak's Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that scientific discoveries should not stop at the academic publishing level, but instead should directly benefit society and industry.

"Good measurements should not just stay in journals. Translate it into standards, products, startups and policies that create jobs and protect the environment", he said.

He said this through the text of a speech read by Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid at the inaugural session of the 38th International Conference on Analytical Science (SKAM38) here today.

According to him, analytical science expertise plays an important role in realizing the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly involving development of hydrogen industry, renewable energy, carbon storage, modern agriculture and semiconductor.

He said scientific measurement accuracy was essential to ensure hydrogen saturation, carbon storage safety, export food quality and monitoring of river health and the environment.

Meanwhile, Roland stressed that the development of science and technology talent must be inclusive so that young people including rural Sarawak are not excluded from educational, research and innovation opportunities.

"Inclusivity is not just a slogan for us, it's a development strategy. Sarawak will not reach its full potential if its scientists, engineers and innovators come only from a small segment of society", he said.

In this regard, he said the Government of Sarawak continues to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, expand scholarship access as well as higher studies, besides supporting research through related agencies.

He also called on higher education institutions, industry and professional associations including Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) as well as the Malaysian Association of Analytical Sciences (ANALIS) to strengthen cooperation, guide young researchers and ensure that research results are able to address real societal challenges and generate sustainable development in the state. - TVS