ID :
194737
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 09:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/194737
The shortlink copeid
INNOVATION CALLED THE FACILITATOR, THE INCOME GENERATOR
MELAKA (Malaysia), July 13 (Bernama) -- Innovation is the introduction of new ideas about how things are done, with the end result being product or services of quality that can generate improved monetary returns.
Further, innovation calls for changes that can be implemented with new technology or procedures that can save energy, time and cost.
Innovation is also linked with invention, creativity and imagination, and being innovative is an important attribute to anyone in society who believes in moving ahead, and is not just for intellectuals.
The CEO of the Melaka Innovation and Commercialisation Research &
Development Department (R&DCIC), Associate Prof Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah,
explained the innovation concept by providing an example that is easy to grasp.
"Corn on the cob is delectable, but dressed up women will shun corn, as eating it is messy. So they have come up with the 'corn in the cup', where the kernels can be eaten neatly with a spoon, and this is a good example of innovation in agriculture.
"This innovation has opened business opportunities, as well. Now a cup of corn, where the amount of kernels are fewer than the amount on a cob, is sold for between RM2.50 and RM3. Compare this with the price of a raw cob that is sold for between 70-80 sen and the cooked corn cob sold at RM1.50." (US$1=RM2.99)
INNOVATION: THE HARBINGER OF POSITIVE CHANGE
Abu Bakar, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), noted that an idea may be sidelined or not taken seriously, but innovation can turn the idea into something that is both great and effective.
R&DCIC, under the Melaka Chief Minister's Department, was established on Jan 4, 2010, illustrating the state government's commitment in inculcating and spreading the culture of innovation throughout society.
Abu Bakar notes that in innovating the economy, the R&DCIC will serve as the centre for research and development, commercialization and innovation at the international level.
"R&DCIC is to provide the push for the high technology sectors that will help boost Melaka's economy," he said, adding that it is equally important to commercialise the innovative products coming from the creative people of Melaka.
He noted that that the programmes organised by the department are meant for all levels of society - school children, undergraduates, youths, and small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs).
"The Bijak Sifir Alif (learn mathematics programme), where math is learned through songs, is loved by the children and is increasingly popular with school students.
"This is another example of innovation," he said.
THE PATH OF INNOVATION
He notes that the youth are more keen on innovative products that are less technologically sophisticated, but have business potential.
"If it involves the use of sophisticated technology, it will be difficult for them to participate, as it involves big capital," he said.
He noted that numerous programmes have been introduced to spread the innovation culture to society, including by organising innovation competitions such as producing souvenirs from recycled material.
"And for the best souvenir, we encourage entrepreneurs to commercialise them as souvenirs from Melaka, as this indirectly could increase the income for the entrepreneurs," he added.
Abu Bakar notes that the three day 2011 Innovation Walk programme that starts this Friday, July 15, is set to track and highlight numerous ideas, creative activities and community innovation in Melaka.
This programme is also meant to relay to society the importance of
innovation culture in their daily lives and recognise the contribution of creativity and innovation.
Innovation Walk is being organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) with the cooperation of the Melaka State Government and the Innovation Foundation of Malaysia.
Abu Bakar notes that about 14 innovative products from Melaka Tengah, Jasin and Alor Gajah have been identified and they will be evaluated by 40 scientists from MOSTI for their commercial value in conjunction with the programme.
Further, innovation calls for changes that can be implemented with new technology or procedures that can save energy, time and cost.
Innovation is also linked with invention, creativity and imagination, and being innovative is an important attribute to anyone in society who believes in moving ahead, and is not just for intellectuals.
The CEO of the Melaka Innovation and Commercialisation Research &
Development Department (R&DCIC), Associate Prof Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah,
explained the innovation concept by providing an example that is easy to grasp.
"Corn on the cob is delectable, but dressed up women will shun corn, as eating it is messy. So they have come up with the 'corn in the cup', where the kernels can be eaten neatly with a spoon, and this is a good example of innovation in agriculture.
"This innovation has opened business opportunities, as well. Now a cup of corn, where the amount of kernels are fewer than the amount on a cob, is sold for between RM2.50 and RM3. Compare this with the price of a raw cob that is sold for between 70-80 sen and the cooked corn cob sold at RM1.50." (US$1=RM2.99)
INNOVATION: THE HARBINGER OF POSITIVE CHANGE
Abu Bakar, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), noted that an idea may be sidelined or not taken seriously, but innovation can turn the idea into something that is both great and effective.
R&DCIC, under the Melaka Chief Minister's Department, was established on Jan 4, 2010, illustrating the state government's commitment in inculcating and spreading the culture of innovation throughout society.
Abu Bakar notes that in innovating the economy, the R&DCIC will serve as the centre for research and development, commercialization and innovation at the international level.
"R&DCIC is to provide the push for the high technology sectors that will help boost Melaka's economy," he said, adding that it is equally important to commercialise the innovative products coming from the creative people of Melaka.
He noted that that the programmes organised by the department are meant for all levels of society - school children, undergraduates, youths, and small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs).
"The Bijak Sifir Alif (learn mathematics programme), where math is learned through songs, is loved by the children and is increasingly popular with school students.
"This is another example of innovation," he said.
THE PATH OF INNOVATION
He notes that the youth are more keen on innovative products that are less technologically sophisticated, but have business potential.
"If it involves the use of sophisticated technology, it will be difficult for them to participate, as it involves big capital," he said.
He noted that numerous programmes have been introduced to spread the innovation culture to society, including by organising innovation competitions such as producing souvenirs from recycled material.
"And for the best souvenir, we encourage entrepreneurs to commercialise them as souvenirs from Melaka, as this indirectly could increase the income for the entrepreneurs," he added.
Abu Bakar notes that the three day 2011 Innovation Walk programme that starts this Friday, July 15, is set to track and highlight numerous ideas, creative activities and community innovation in Melaka.
This programme is also meant to relay to society the importance of
innovation culture in their daily lives and recognise the contribution of creativity and innovation.
Innovation Walk is being organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) with the cooperation of the Melaka State Government and the Innovation Foundation of Malaysia.
Abu Bakar notes that about 14 innovative products from Melaka Tengah, Jasin and Alor Gajah have been identified and they will be evaluated by 40 scientists from MOSTI for their commercial value in conjunction with the programme.
