PENANG, 13 May 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) aims to create entrepreneurs among researchers who may be given the responsibility and ability to work with the industry to commercialise their products.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said that USM is exploring an appropriate method or model that can be used by USM lecturers to actively engage in efforts to commercialise their innovations or products besides conducting research.

He said that among the measures that can be taken is to reduce regulations and redtapes that inhibit commercialisation efforts, as well as permitting lecturers to deal directly with industry partners.

“The intention is, if successfully implemented, it would enable the research ecosystem at the university to be developed more extensively and the university is able to entrust the lecturers who are keen to explore opportunities as entrepreneurs.

“Besides enabling a lecturer, this measure is also expected to attract the industry to come and work directly with the lecturers and the university will help to provide the necessary infrastructure and appropriate commercialisation methods,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference announcing USM lecturers winning 13 Golds and two Silvers, out of 15 entries, at the 24th International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2013) held in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Moreover, the Dean of the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Prof. Dr. Hanafi Ismail, was presented the Special Award for his product of r-RubFoam-A Novel Solution for Global Oil Spills, which was recognised by the Korea Invention Promotion Association.

 

Omar then added that according to USM’s record, there is a marked increase in the areas of research since it achieved the status of a research university; USM now has filed 380 patents for its research products of which 67 of them have managed to get patented.

He said of that total, 63 products have gone through the process of commercialisation and 47 of those were successfully commercialised of which USM had managed to generate revenue of about RM5 million.

Commenting on the matter, Omar highlighted that USM has always strived to ensure that research products remain relevant to the needs of all parties, including the community and nation.

“USM will continue to highlight the products that can be commercialised and urged those interested to come forward and help bringing the efforts to the next level.

“USM is also ready to implement new models include leveraging what was done in developed economies such as Germany in engaging the industry and university in a more aggressive manner,” he said. - Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe