M'SIA NEEDS TO PRODUCE NICHE ICT PRODUCTS & SERVICES - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs to shift from an average
producer of general ICT products and services to a niche producer of selected
ICT products and services and high technology-based telecommunication products.

It also needs to progress from a net importer to a net exporter, says
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili.

This was especially so living in a relatively borderless world in terms of
business communication and international networking, he said.

"The ability to produce a wide range of innovative and high technology-
based
telecommunication products that are shaping the future of modern
telecommunication has become more significant to be competitive," he said when
launching Spice-CSL Android and HSPA series smart phones Thursday night.

In order to achieve growth, Dr Maximus said the ICT sector would continue to
be
a key focus for Malaysia, and is expected to gain greater momentum by the
convergence of industries due to digitalisation.

The ICT industry contribution to the gross domestic product was targeted
to
increase to 10.2 per cent by 2015 and the greater use of ICT would not only
support the growth of the sector, but also boost productivity and raise
the nation’s overall competitiveness, he said.

"The fact that the "Spice-CSL" Android mobile phone is a first
Malaysian-made product is also another proud milestone. I am certain this
product can compete in the market, with fair and reasonable considerations being
made to the standards applied."

"Together with the 3G-HSPA series, it will be very competitive when it
penetrates the international market," he said.

Dr Maximus said the private sector should play a more active role
in commercialising the locally invented products as to promote the wealth
generation of the nation through innovation.

While the Government facilitates by implementing enabling policies and
providing support infrastructures and secure environment, the industry is
expected to lead in harnessing innovation, taking calculated risks and embracing
creativity in the development of new products or services, he said.

"One of the strategies is that the private sector can build a flexible,
problem-solving workforce that includes more workers with world-class science,
technology and engineering skills," he added.

-- BERNAMA




Delete & Prev | Delete & Next