Malaysia short of researchers, scientists and engineers

Malaysia is still short of researchers, scientists and engineers with the ratio of scientists at 58.2 for every 10,000 workers to achieve the developed-nation status by 2020.

Secretary-general of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Datuk Dr Rosli Mohamed said the ratio was low compared to that of developed countries.

In this regard, he said the ministry was carrying out various programmes including continuous talent development, besides seeking the best platform to commercialise the existing research outcomes.

Rosli said the government targeted the scientists:workers ratio to be at 70:10,000 by 2020 and the ministry had been proactive in trying to meet the target by unearthing new talents through its own programmes or those of its agencies.

"Malaysia is seen as having good potential of achieving the target if the commercialisation of the research inventions could be boosted to reach international standards," he told reporters after opening the National Space Research Symposium 2013, at the National Space Centre, here, Thursday.

He said this would require, among others, close cooperation from various government agencies and the private sector, as well as reviewing and improving of the existing research ecosystem.

At the event, Rosli also presented prizes to the winners in science research and innovation for the primary school, secondary school and tertiary institution categories, organised by the National Space Agency, to promote interest in science among the public.