KOTA TINGGI: About 1,000 local innovators will have the opportunity to fulfil their potential next year through the Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM), said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

       He said the foundation has channelled RM15mil to more than 5,000 pioneers for their products and capacity developments since 2008.

       “For next year, YIM is targeting to provide aid to about 1,000 innovators throughout the country,” he said after presenting a coconut milk processing machine to trader Mohd Alif Sa’don at Bandar Tenggara public market here yesterday.

       He added that the ministry, through YIM, would continue to work to enhance social innovation through local technologies.

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

       Dr Adham said the programmes were Mainstreaming Grassroots Innovation, Malaysia Social Innovation, and High-Impact Programme.

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

       “Programmes like these encourage local innovation pioneers to invent technology and not just become foreign technology users,” he said, adding that local innovation could help improve the lives of the B40 group.

       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.

       He added two design spaces have been opened in Kuala Terengganu and Paroi in Negri Sembilan since April this year.

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