MINISTRY AIMS FOR 10 PCT INCREASE IN PATENTS THIS YEAR

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Innovation and
Technology has set a target of a 10 per cent increase in patents this year, its
minister Dr Maximus Ongkili said here Wednesday.

Currently, there were 160 patents, he told a press conference after
launching the "Malaysia Innovative Year 2010" web portal and promotional bus.

On reports stating that Malaysia's innovation ranking might drop from the
No. 31 position out of 82 countries, he said he hoped Malaysia would at least
hold on to the position.

"Innovation requires four parts, which are education, research and
development, incentives and marketing before any external circumstances such as
the current economic situation can affect it.

"With Malaysia Innovative Year 2010, I hope we will be able to maintain our
position or better still, improve ourselves and get a better ranking this year,"
he said.

Maximus also said he hoped that the setting up of the National Innovation
Centre for Excellence scheduled to be launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak in
June, would aid in more patents being registered by Malaysian inventors.

According to Maximus, the centre would be able to provide a fertile breeding
ground to help local inventors flourish and gain international recognition
with their inventions.

Malaysia Innovative Year 2010 will see cooperation from 14 other ministries
to create public awareness on the importance of innovation, whereby innovation
will become a culture for Malaysians.
-- BERNAMA


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