RM3m is developing 10 RDCs nationwide: MOSTI

KUALA KANGSAR: A total of RM3 million has been allocated for the construction of 10 Ruang Daya Cipta (RDC) or Creativity and Innovation Centers nationwide to strengthen Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE) activities, particularly in rural communities.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the RDC, which was developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through the Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM), aims to provide space and training facilities for rural communities provide that are geared towards innovation and creativity.

“The facilities of the RDC combine elements of automation and workshops such as machine and craft workshops as well as mini studio equipment.

“It aims to meet the needs of the B40 group and those who are marginalized and have less access to technology to face the digital age,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after attending the launch of RDC Manong and the handover of the innovation product Inclusive SME Ecosystem (I-SEE) at the Manong Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Agrofood Center today.

He added that interested individuals can use various facilities in each RDC for free, apart from potentially benefiting more than 150,000 users.

“Individuals or communities living near the RDC can gather in an informal learning environment and develop various innovative products,” he said.

Meanwhile, said Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, Chief Executive Officer of YIM, that the 10 RDCs that have been developed have sites in Sabak Bernam (Selangor), Sandakan (Sabah), Langkawi (Kedah), Tumpat (Kelantan), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Bera ( Pahang), Layang-Layang and Kota Tinggi (Johor), Miri (Sarawak) and Manong (Perak).

She said the foundation also plans to develop two more RDCs in Melaka and Kuala Lumpur in the near future.

“The development of this RDC will be carried out in collaboration with the government, industry players, scientists as well as various other interested parties.

“We believe that the development of this RDC is very important and adds value to increase the level of innovation of people, especially those living in rural areas, to address different issues and challenges in their respective communities,” said she called. -Bernama