Malaysia Science and Technology

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Oscar Arribas
5:21am Friday 10 February

Malaysia Science and Technology

The bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Arrangement (1994) allows for cooperation between our scientists and research institutes. Dr Anis Rahman (AgResearch) has been appointed by MORST as a coordinator for the Malaysia relationship. Policy dialogue between MORST and MoSTE also takes place under the auspices of the Arrangement.

The Arrangement also provides commercial benefits. The visit of the Hon Maurice Williamson, then Minister of Research, Science and Technology, to Malaysia in 1997 with a delegation of scientists, resulted in the development of joint ventures and projects between New Zealand Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), universities, private sector and Malaysian entities. Since 2000, Malaysian scientists have conducted Antarctic research at Scott Base, in cooperation with New Zealand. Momentum was injected into biofuel and biotechnology opportunities during the Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia in 2007.

New Zealand and Malaysia also maintain close cooperation in science and technology through the APEC process. The 2004 APEC Science and Technology meeting was held in Christchurch. A number of Malaysian officials, scientists and private sector businesses attended the meeting. Last August Malaysia, as chair of ASEAN, hosted the first ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial summit. New Zealand was represented by a senior official from MORST at this meeting.

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Last updated: 04 December 2008