ASPA to Explore Potential Collaboration with Malaysia's MTDC

By Zairina Zainudin KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- The South Korean-based Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) is looking into potential collaboration with the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), particularly in mutual facilitation and sharing of technologies and innovations. ASPA, formed in 1997, is a leading institution for knowledge sharing and technology exchange in Asia and its main secretariat is located in Daegu, South Korea. MTDC Chief Executive Officer Norhalim Yunus said the collaboration could be in terms of exploring other markets in Asia, potential technology acquisitions as well, as business development. "This is a platform to share ideas and experiences of ASPA members and also getting into the network of companies and science parks which are operating within the Asian region. "It is a win-win situation for both sides as it will also benefit companies that are incubated within the technology centres of each member country by introducing them to larger networks," he told Bernama. Norhalim said by having such cooperation, it could help companies interested to venture abroad and at the same time reduce the risk of "not-knowing who to work with". MTDC, wholly-owned by Khazanah Nasional Malaysia, promotes the adoption of technologies by local companies via commercialisation activities of local inventions or acquisition of foreign technologies. Meanwhile, ASPA Secretary-General Dr Sunkook Kwon said:"We are looking for organisations that have science and technology park as well as companies that support incubation programme. "MTDC has a well-established reputation as the key player in Malaysia in the promotion of technology-based companies and we (ASPA) want to share its ideas and experiences with our members." In addition, Kwon said Malaysia assumed an active role in the economic development of Asia. ASPA was established in Japan for the co-development of science and technology parks in Asia and its members mainly consist of leading science, technology, and research parks, business incubators, universities and start-up companies. Currently, there are about 100 ASPA members in 15 countries including Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Japan, Iran, Australia, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Korea. -- BERNAMA