Abang Jo calls for greater focus on innovation commercialisation

SAMARAHAN: Research and technological innovation must be translated into commercially viable products and services that create jobs, attract investment and improve lives, says Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said research excellence alone was insufficient if its outcomes did not respond to market needs or gain industry acceptance.

“Innovation fulfils its true value only when it reaches the marketplace. This is why commercialisation remains an important priority.

“Research excellence must be complemented by market relevance. Technology development must be supported by industry adoption.”

Abang Johari’s speech was delivered by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at the closing ceremony of the Borneo International Technology Expo Special Edition 2026 and Festival of Ideas @ Sarawak 2026 at Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra Unimas, on Thursday (Oct 15).

He noted that successful innovation should establish enterprises, attract strategic investments, generate quality employment, improve productivity and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

He welcomed the growing focus on technology transfer, intellectual property development, startup creation, spin-off companies and industry partnerships within Sarawak’s innovation ecosystem.

He said lasting impact required researchers, innovators and industries to work within a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.

“Research generates new knowledge. Innovation transforms knowledge into solutions. Industry scales those solutions to benefit communities, strengthen economies and improve lives.”

According to him, platforms such as Borneo InTEX could bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and market opportunities by connecting researchers and innovators with industries, investors, government agencies and technology adopters.

“They create pathways for collaboration, strengthen commercialisation pipelines and accelerate the translation of ideas into impact.”

Abang Johari added that innovations exhibited at the event represented potential future industries, investments, jobs and economic opportunities for Sarawak and Malaysia.

“The partnerships formed here may become the foundations of tomorrow’s industries. The ideas exchanged may inspire future technological breakthroughs.

“The innovations exhibited may evolve into globally competitive products and services that elevate Sarawak’s position on the international stage.”

He called for the benefits of innovation to extend beyond institutions and industries to communities, where they could improve livelihoods and contribute to shared prosperity.