As we just celebrated Malaysian Independence Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16, it is a fitting time to reflect on the contributions of our nation’s scientists who have shaped the path of progress and innovation.
Among them are towering figures like Tan Sri B.C. Shekar, who developed and modernised the country’s rubber industry, and Tan Sri Augustine Ong, a chemist whose groundbreaking research on palm oil has had a lasting impact on our economy and global standing.
These individuals are part of a rich tradition of Malaysian scientific excellence, who have left behind a legacy that we must not only honour but also strive to rekindle in today’s rapidly evolving world. In our nation’s early days, unsung heroes worked in the shadows, building our scientific community’s infrastructure.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
Consider figures like Tan Sri Dr R. J. Wilkinson, an early pioneer in tropical medicine who played a crucial role in understanding and combating diseases prevalent in Malaysia’s tropical environment. Professor Ungku Omar Ahmad is a prominent figure in the medical field, whose research and contributions to the understanding of leprosy and other tropical diseases have had a lasting impact on public health in Malaysia.
Dr Lim Boo Liat is a renowned zoologist, whose extensive research on Malaysia’s wildlife and ecosystems laid the groundwork for conservation efforts that continue to this day. And of course, we cannot forget Dr Chua Kaw Beng who possibly rescued Malaysia from one of the most virulent viruses known to man: the Nipah virus while still a student.
Today, the Nipah virus is well known, having inspired the 2011 movie Contagion. However, in 1999, when it was confused for Japanese encephalitis (JE), Dr Chua broke all manner of rules to prove his discovery.
The contributions of these scientists, though not always recognised, were instrumental in the nation’s early development.
Yet, as we look around today, we must ask ourselves: are we doing enough to build on this legacy? The global landscape is shifting towards science-based, future-proofed, and risk-appropriate policies, particularly in the field of gene editing.
Countries in the Global North and even our neighbours in Southeast Asia—Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines—are moving forward, embracing the potential of biotechnology to address food security and climate change. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, there is a deafening silence on emerging genetic technologies. We continue to discuss food security and climate change, yet our actions do not match our words.
I attended the 7th Annual Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulations, and Communication (ASCA), a programme I founded in 2018. There, it was clear that Malaysia pales in comparison to nations like Pakistan, India, and even Thailand in terms of R&D in agriculture.
These countries are probably investing less than Malaysia in R&D, but the outcome is far bigger than us. Pakistan, India, India, Thailand and the Philippines are working on various crops and a wide range is ready for commercialisation. In Thailand, I saw research on corn that is carried out for 30 years to collect data on soil health, comparing tilling and non-tilling. I am wondering if we have any such long-term projects.
We allocate 0.9% of our GDP to R&D. When this figure is divided across various fields, the amount available for long-term, impactful research becomes alarmingly small. And when further split between basic and applied sciences, the funds for basic research—the bedrock of all scientific advancement—is meagre indeed.
Malaysia has no shortage of vision, policies, or expertise. We have articulated grand plans and developed strategies that, on paper, rival those of any developed nation. Yet, without the necessary investment and commitment to seeing these plans through, we risk falling further behind, becoming consumers rather than creators of innovation.
To bring back the glory of Malaysia’s scientific achievements, we must start by acknowledging the gaps and taking decisive action to address them. We must increase our investment in R&D, particularly in basic science, where the returns, though not immediate, are foundational for long-term progress. We must also foster an environment where scientific inquiry and innovation are not only encouraged but actively supported by risk-appropriate policies that allow our scientists to push boundaries and explore new frontiers.
Malaysia’s future, like its past, can be bright—if we choose to invest in it. Let us also commit to reclaiming our place as a leader in scientific and technological innovation. This is not just a matter of national pride but a necessity if we are to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Malaysians.
Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA) organised the Annual Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulations, and Communication (ASCA) for the 7th year, a programme I founded in 2018. There, it was clear that Malaysia pales in comparison to nations like Pakistan, India, and even Thailand in terms of R&D in agriculture.
These countries invest less than Malaysia in R&D, but the outcome is far bigger than ours. Pakistan, India, India, Thailand, and the Philippines are working on various crops and a wide range is ready for commercialisation. In Thailand, I witnessed research on corn that is carried out for 30 years to collect data on soil health and compare tilling and non-tilling methods. I am wondering if we have any such long-term projects in our farming research.
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