PENANG, 17 November 2015 – Malaysia and Indonesia need to strengthen the cooperation in the field of Science and Technology to face major challenges in the future.

The "ASEAN plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation 2016-2025” need to be accomplished especially through close cooperation with the integration and collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially the small and medium industries (SMI) in enhancing the capabilities of the available talent, with innovations that benefit the society and possess commercial value in global market," said the recipient of the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dr. Mohamad Nasir today.

The Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Republic of Indonesia, during his acceptance speech after receiving the Honorary Degree from USM Chancellor DYMM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail said that the abovementioned plan could be accomplished by making science and technology a cultural within the ASEAN community.

"More importantly is that the effort needs to be accompanied by development, commercialisation of technology and entrepreneurship through various existing networks, to allow the product innovations from ASEAN countries to penetrate into the global market by conducting aggressive promotions and reducing the existing disparities," he said further.

He stressed that Indonesia will give its full commitment and prepared to implement conscientious efforts to achieve this aspiration with the members of ASEAN especially Malaysia.

"It is the time now for Malaysia and Indonesia to work closely together to ensure the success of this effort especially in the commercialisation of ASEAN innovations which will benefit the communities globally," said Mohamad Nasir.

Mohamad Nasir is an alumnus who graduated with a Ph.D. in Accounting from USM in 2004 and became the Rector of Universitas Deponegoro Indonesia in 2014, before being appointed as a Minister in President Jokowi’s cabinet.

There were 376 doctoral and master’s degree recipients and 48 recipients from the first batch of Doctor of Medicine under the USM-KLE India offshore programme received their degrees on the first day of USM Convocation ceremony.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe

Text: Mohamad Abdullah