KOTA TINGGI: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has set a target of helping 1,000 local innovators to fulfil their true potential in 2022 through the Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM).

       Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic) said since 2008, the foundation has channelled RM15mil to more than 5,000 innovation pioneers for their products and capacity developments.

       “For next year, YIM is targeting to aid 1,000 innovators throughout the country,” he said when met after presenting a coconut milk processing machine to trader Mohd Alif Sa’don at the Bandar Tenggara public market here on Saturday (Nov 6).

       The Tenggara MP said the ministry, through YIM, would always be committed to empowering social innovation through local innovation technologies.

       “The ministry and YIM, through our social innovation programme, encourage local innovators to design technology instead of depending on foreign technologies,” he added.

       Dr Adham said the programmes included Mainstreaming Grassroots Innovation (MaGRIS), Malaysia Social Innovation (MySI) and High-Impact Programme 6 (HIP6).

       He added that the programmes were under the ministry where it involved social innovation by any grassroots designer from among the B40 who wants to implement their innovation.

       “They need to submit the necessary documents to apply and an assessment will be made according to current needs.

       “The ministry is always committed to empowering social innovation through local innovation technologies. With programmes like this, it encourages local innovation pioneers to invent technology and not just become foreign technology users,” he added.

       Dr Adham said local innovations could elevate the B40 economy and improve the community's quality of life, besides saving time and energy.

       He also said that YIM would be opening two more design space facilities in Bandar Tenggara here at the end of this month and Bera in Pahang at the end of this year.

       Dr Adham said two more design spaces were already opened in Kuala Terengganu and Paroi in Negri Sembilan in April this year.

       “Those in the rural or public sector who have innovations or things that can be linked to science and technology can come to the design space, and if there is commercial value, we will develop their products,” he added.