By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 14: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg agrees with and supports the proposal for Sarawak to have a central body that will be responsible to manage and drive research and development (R&D) for innovative products and solutions.
The chief minister is of the view that civil servants need to find methods or ways to produce better products or services either through modifications or improvements which can impact and improve the quality and productivity of organisations and the lives of the people.
“These innovation ideas can be obtained from various sources either from within or outside the organisation or through the R&D process.
“R&D is very important for an organisation to create new products and innovate existing products to be adapted and used according to the needs of the department/agency.
“The innovations produced should be able to add value to the current output as well as bring transformation to the existing work culture,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) 2021 presentation ceremony and Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Month 2021 closing ceremony held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
Earlier, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion said the proposed specific establishment is necessary for Sarawak to move forward towards achieving its aspirations to be a thriving society driven by data and innovation by 2030.
The establishment would enable innovative products to be sustained, enhanced and to be standardised, replicated and even commercialised, through collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors in the future.
Abang Johari also commended Jaul’s action in urging all ministries to hold an Innovative and Creative Circle (ICC) Group Mini Convention among the agencies under their respective supervision with the assistance of the State Service Modernization Unit (UPPN) to further invigorate the culture of innovation among civil servants. – DayakDaily
