THE NATIONAL POLICY ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (NPSTI) As indicated in the earlier chapters, namely Chapter 4 & 5, NPSTI (2013-2020) is formulated in order

11.1 THE NATIONAL POLICY ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (NPSTI) As indicated in the earlier chapters, namely Chapter 4 & 5, NPSTI (2013-2020) is formulated in order

to establish a strong foundation for Malaysia to advance in STI related sectors. The NPSTI framework aims to steer Malaysia towards a high income nation that is sustainable and inclusive through its thrusts and strategies. This policy will pave ways and open up various channels to help foster strong and resilient partnerships, connectivity and inter-dependence amongst all sectors. The rapid changes that the country and society are undergoing today pose a challenge to the whole STI ecosystem; government, industries, universities, research institutes. Due to this, NPSTI is essential to tackle the challenges so that the country would not lag behind. This policy is imperative to integrate all STI activities and programmes as it is an essential part in all national development plans and strategies. Strategic thrusts designed under NPSTI have become the backbone to drive the competency of STI, which ultimately increased the productivity in both economic and social. A continuation of more constructive initiatives and a concerted effort by all relevant stakeholders will indeed bring about bigger success not just at domestic or regional level but also globally.

The vision to transform Malaysia into a STI powered, high income economy calls for commitment to integrate STI in development policies and national plans towards sustainable, people centred solutions. NPSTI contributes to social and economic inclusion indirectly through its implementations. It is therefore important to support S&T with investments in human capital development, research programmes and scientific and technological infrastructure development. Sustainable development through the effective use of STI will enable for the efficient use of natural resources, improving quality and standard of living through enhancing S&T services to raise quality and standard of living, enhancing use of S&T application that can impact positively the society’s quality of life, and applying S&T to

improve indigenous knowledge and practices. NPSTI aims to “…enhance meaningful, effective and equitable female participation in STI at all levels

and in all sectors …” (p.13) and encourages social, consumer driven bottom up innovation, which has the potential to benefit a variety of vulnerable groups (p.16). NPSTI does not, however, identify any vulnerable groups, whom given their position in society may not be in a position to benefit equally and in all sectors …” (p.13) and encourages social, consumer driven bottom up innovation, which has the potential to benefit a variety of vulnerable groups (p.16). NPSTI does not, however, identify any vulnerable groups, whom given their position in society may not be in a position to benefit equally

identified and referenced in the NPSTI. “Prisoners”, “indigenous groups” and “street children” were identified as groups that should be included in the list of vulnerable groups by the workshop on “Promoting Social Inclusion through Public Policy” held in Putrajaya in June 2015, mentioned earlier in Chapter 5. It was also recognised that a category of “Other Vulnerable Groups” might for instance include members of the LGBTI communities. Evidence should be compiled to confirm their status as vulnerable groups in the Malaysian and STI contexts. Equitable access to STI for vulnerable groups may

be an important facet of empowering them, allowing them to realise their civil rights (for instance of association) in ways that mainstream society is not yet comfortable with.

As stated in Chapter 5, the core concepts of capacity building and access are mentioned most frequently. Vulnerable groups, however, are unlikely to be included in the talent pool and access to STI services unless the policy identifies them as beneficiaries or important contributors under the NPSTI. The policy could be more inclusive if it linked capacity building directly with access to vulnerable groups. This should be supplemented with references to the core concept of (non-)discrimination. Vulnerable groups should not be discriminated against on the basis of their distinguishing characteristics, in terms of accessing STI. Similarly the policy does not highlight the potentially useful contribution of vulnerable groups to the scientific advancement of the nation.

In terms of “entitlement”, NPSTI could further specify specific benefits relevant to them. Similarly, the core concept of “capability based service” could be incorporated into NPSTI to promote the leveraging of existing capabilities to access STI to promote the uptake of any STI related services amongst particular groups and the Malaysian population more widely.