South Africa, Malaysia Agree On An Innovative Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- South Africa and Malaysia has agreed on an innovative partnership that represents a major step towards closing the science, technology and innovation (STI) gap. South African Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Ewon Ebin inked the memorandum of understanding in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said all aspects of the STI bilateral relations between South Africa and Malaysia were reviewed Wednesday in Cape Town. Both parties identified specific areas of cooperation that will be further discussed during the first South Africa - Malaysia Joint Committee (JC) meeting to be held in Pretoria on Friday. The issues include Antarctic research, information and communication technology, energy and security, innovation for inclusive development. Others are sustainable human settlements, innovation and commercialisation, astronomy and bio economy. The ministry said the JC was a platform for strategic discussions to develop an action plan for the next two years. Both ministers also concurred on the need for both sides to intensify cooperation and collaboration and encouraged each other to enhance their participation in innovation and commercialisation. They also agreed that the JC would provide opportunity to discuss strategies on how best to enhance and strengthen cooperation and collaboration between Malaysia and South Africa, the statement noted. -- BERNAMA