Malaysia-Canada To Foster Stronger Ties In Science, Technology and Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Canada have agreed to find better ways to enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, transportation, oil and gas, as well as research and development. The consensus was reached in the roundtable dialogue on 'Partnership with Canada-Technology for Business', hosted by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Might) at the Petronas Twin Towers here Tuesday. The dialogue, catalysed by the four-day visit of Canada Governor-General David Johnston to Malaysia, was attended by high-ranking government officials and global industry players. The grouping aims to open the channel of communication between Malaysian and Canadian organisations, focus on high-value and high technology industry to improve bilateral relations between the two countries and foster stronger commercial exchange. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Johnston said, the dialogue which focused on innovation had provided a clearer view on the opportunities for both countries to enhances the level collaboration in terms of exchange of expertise, as well as trade relationship. "Trade relationship between Canada and Malaysia are enormous...and we also share many things in common, one of which is, we are both a large country with very large coastal region and relatively small population, around 30 million. "I think when you put the power of these two nations together, some very wonderful things will happen," he said. Also present were Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and Might joint-chairman Prof Emeritus Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Might president and chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman and Canada Foundation for Innovation President Gilles G. Patry, who is also its CEO. Speaking further, the governor-general also shared his sense of pride when Canadian companies were given opportunities to be involved in development projects in Malaysia, including the Twin Towers and LRT system which he described as symbolising the ability of both countries to cooperate more effectively. In the Twin Towers project, a Canadian expert was engaged to study wind currents, while Malaysia's light rail transit (LRT) project uses a Bombardier train, a product of Canada, which was also featured in Malaysia's currency. If these do not symbolise sharing and ability to put ideas together, I am not sure what does. We are very proud of the fact that we are partners with Malaysia," said Johnston, at the end of his visit in Kuala Lumpur. Johnston, who arrived here on Sunday for his first state visit to Malaysia, is scheduled to leave for Penang later this evening. -- BERNAMA