Link to full report: https://ingsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/INGSA-Asia-Grassroots-Workshop-Report_NgBK_Malaysia-26.6.2024-1.pdf

On the 20th June 2024, recipient of the Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards 2023, Dr Ng Boon Kwee, conducted a workshop that aimed to spotlight the potential of grassroots innovations (GRIs) in Malaysia. The workshop was funded by INGSA-Asia and co-organised by the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, and Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA). The workshop was also held in conjunction with the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.

Participants, including policymakers, academics, and innovators, exchanged insights on GRIs’ role in community development. The workshop was also attended by the Chair of INGSA-Asia, Prof Ts Dr Tan Wee Hoe, who gave his opening remarks. He remarked that scientists and media need to strengthen collaboration to promote science innovations through grassroots communities. The event highlighted the need for platforms to support GRIs, which often remain untapped due to limited resources and recognition. Key challenges hindering GRIs were identified, such as economic constraints, policy gaps, and intellectual property protection issues.

According to Ms. Nur Fadzlina Mahamad Razi, the government-led efforts, spearheaded by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), is working to overcome challenges faced by grassroots innovators through financial support, capacity building, and infrastructure development. Patentsworth International Sdn Bhd’s CEO highlighted intellectual property (IP) as a complex issue requiring delicate management. While IP protection through patents, trademarks, and copyrights is crucial, it also has limitations. Grassroots innovators face obstacles in securing funding and adopting a global mindset, hindering their ability to commercialize innovations.

Effective IP strategies are essential to overcome these challenges, foster licensing, and build a sustainable ecosystem. Successful innovators like Mr. Marham Dollah Kanan shared his experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and overcoming obstacles to create impactful solutions. The workshop underscored the necessity of a supportive ecosystem to nurture GRIs and contribute to sustainable development.

Read the full report on the INGSA website.