Sabah allocates RM33 mln to boost human capital development programmes

KOTA KINABALU, Sabah has allocated RM33 million this year to strengthen human capital development programmes, including course and training related to science, technology and innovation skills, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. He said another RM12.92 million has been allocated for courses and research at universities and agricultural institutes in Sabah. 'The state government will always support and provide assistance to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), including from financial aspects to conduct competitive research,' he said in a statement today, adding that the allocation would also be used to expand knowledge, encourage innovation, produce high value products and boost more profitable trade balances. Researchers should also ensure that all research and innovation created would determine whether a university remained relevant, while taking into consideration several significant factors, including whether such research was realistic and capable of solving social or national problems, he said. He also urged researches to conduct research combining various fields and to collaborate with local communities and industry players. Hajiji stressed that a culture that emphasises on research required a boost whether in the form of recognition or channelling of funds. 'I hope that universities will continue to encourage a culture of research among academicians and be able to take it out into the society in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recommendation that scientists visit 100 schools, especially those in rural areas every month to hold science programmes,' he added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency