PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will utilise the RM1.29 billion allocation under Budget 2027 to strengthen the semiconductor industry, AI, the technology startup ecosystem and commercialisation of local research output.

Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the funding reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s technological and innovation capabilities, while ensuring research output can be commercialised, the growth of local companies, and the creation of more high-value jobs.

“Budget 2027, themed “Menggapai Di Langit, Mengakar Di Bumi” (Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values), reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s technological and innovation capabilities.

“Through this RM1.29 billion allocation, we want to accelerate Malaysia’s transition from a consumer to a creator and owner of technology, while ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt by the people and contribute to national economic growth,” he said in a statement today.

Chang said MOSTI received an overall allocation of RM1.29 billion for 2027, comprising RM775.46 million for operating expenditure and RM516.93 million for development expenditure, an increase of RM16.49 million or 1.29 per cent compared with RM1.28 billion in 2026.

“Under Budget 2027, MOSTI will implement 61 projects under the Second Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan, covering research, development, commercialisation and innovation, strategic technology and strengthening of the industrial ecosystem to drive inclusive and sustainable national science, technology and innovation development,” he said.

To strengthen the startup ecosystem and the local semiconductor industry, Chang said the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) received RM10 million for follow-on equity financing through the SemiconStart Programme, while Kumpulan Modal Perdana received RM10 million for the pilot project of the Fund for Ownership, Resilience, Growth & Emerging Technologies (FORGE).

He said Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd received RM41 million to implement the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap 2026-2030 (SUPER 2.0), which targets 5,500 active startups and 5,000 skilled job opportunities, including through the CIP Spark and CIP Sprint financing programmes.

“In addition, RM2 million has been allocated for the GLC Innovation Workshop (BIG) Programme to connect corporations with startups and small and medium enterprises in the oil palm plantation sector through the use of IoT technology, robotics and data analytics to boost productivity and reduce reliance on labour,” he said.

In the area of strategic technology, Chang said the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) received RM7.5 million for the development of computing infrastructure, a space AI laboratory and an Integrated GeoAI Analytics Platform to strengthen disaster management, food security and border control.

“To bring innovation to the people and strengthen environmental sustainability, NanoMalaysia Berhad received RM4 million for the CERAH MADANI initiative to reduce community energy costs, while Bioeconomy Corporation received RM2.5 million to recycle used fishing nets through four regional hubs and 30 community collection centres, generating additional income for more than 2,000 fishermen,” he said.

Chang said MOSTI is also committed to continuing efforts to cultivate science, technology and innovation inclusively in 2027 and to ensuring the Budget 2027 allocation is implemented effectively to maximise economic and social impact, in line with the agenda of Bringing Science to the People, Humanising Technology and Mainstreaming Innovation towards making Malaysia a competitive and sustainable technology-creating nation.

— BERNAMA