RDC Sibu signifies mission of bringing tech, innovation closer to communities

SIBU (Sept 10): The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) has launched the ‘Ruang Daya Cipta’ (RDC) at Sibu Digital Innovation Hub (SDIH), as an effort to foster the values of science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE) in communities, especially those in the rural areas.

According to Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), the RDC is a Mosti initiative implemented by YIM, aimed at providing communities in Malaysia with closer and more convenient access to STIE facilities and equipment.

“So far, the foundation has successfully developed 17 RDCs across Malaysia: three each in Sabah and Johor; two each in Perak, Pahang, and Sarawak; as well as one each in Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Selangor.

“RDC Sibu, which was fully completed on Dec 6, 2023, is equipped with various STIE tools and technologies, such as computers, 3D printers, a digital studio set, and other modern technology facilities for the benefit of the local community,” said YIM in a statement issued in connection with the launch of the latest centre.

Mosti secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim officiated at the ceremony yesterday.

Adding on, YIM said the launch of the RDC at the SDIH aims to introduce one of Mosti’s initiatives in empowering STIE through a science, technology and innovation creation hub, targeting the involvement of 300 participants from the local communities, especially those around Sibu.

“As of August 2024, RDC Sibu has welcomed more than 500 visitors from the local community, with 203 participants having joined 21 training modules.

“Through training and capacity-building conducted at the RDC, each participant or user can utilise technology to generate income based on the ‘10-10 STIE Ecosystem’ (Subscription Business Match and Sharing/Network Economy).

“This approach is expected to help develop entrepreneurs from the B40 (low-income) group and those in the rural areas by emphasising high-impact innovation concepts,” added the foundation.

YIM also said the community would be given the opportunity to engage in innovation activities using existing technologies such as 3D printers, robotics and drones.

This, in pointed out, would directly enhance the quality of life, productivity and economy of the community through the generation of marketable ideas and creativity.

“Overall, RDC contributes to economic development, improving the quality of life and the well-being of society in all efforts aimed at achieving the high-technology nation status by 2030.”

Meanwhile, the event yesterday also held the presentation of ‘Social Technopreneurs Enrichment Programme’ (STEP) certificates to the beneficiaries.

STEP is an initiative under the government’s Social Impact Procurement Programme (PPISK), led by Mosti.

The National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030, introduced by the ministry, demonstrates the government’s commitment to utilising, advancing and applying science, technology and innovation towards the nation’s socio-economic growth.

Mosti has appointed YIM as the implementing agency for the Malaysia Social Innovation Initiative (MyIS) to empower grassroots innovation by supporting products developed by individuals or groups with potential for commercialisation, while also benefitting society through the technology developed.

Additionally, RM50,000 in additional funding was handed over to SDIH for future RDC programmes.

For more information, the RDC website can be accessed virtually via the Creation Space Administration Management System (RAMs).