Innovation Must Be the Heartbeat of Malaysia’s Future Prosperity

25 September 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Innovation must be firmly embedded as the driving force of Malaysia’s economic future, stressing its role in powering growth, creating high-value jobs, and ensuring global competitiveness.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), Datuk Ewon Benedick, said this at the Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2025 Gala Dinner last night.

He was representing Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Ewon said the event was more than a celebration of achievement, but a testament to Malaysia’s collective commitment to advancing innovation as a cornerstone of national prosperity.

“Innovation is the compass that guides nations towards resilience and progress. As we chart the course for the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), it will remain a core pillar of inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring no Malaysian is left behind as we embrace the future economy,” he said.

Ewon highlighted the Swiss Innovation Challenge as a symbol of this commitment, noting its growth into a global platform connecting bold ideas across continents since its introduction in Malaysia in 2017.

He praised its unique three-phase structure, Ideation, Development, and Commercialisation Potential, which goes beyond competition by cultivating talent, providing mentorship and international exposure, and transforming ideas into market-ready solutions.

This year’s challenge attracted 250 applications from universities, start-ups, and independent innovators nationwide, reflecting, he said, Malaysia’s vision of a “people-driven and inclusive innovation ecosystem.”

“The strength of SIC lies in collaboration. With the support of more than 10 partner agencies p institutions, including MRANTI, SME Bank, YIM, and DRB-HICOM University as the main organiser, we are building a strong and sustainable pipeline that connects research, development, and industry readiness,” he said.

Ewon emphasised that SIC is not only about identifying winners, but about creating role models, accelerating commercialisation, and positioning Malaysian-made solutions on the global stage.

He paid tribute to several key figures for their leadership, including SIC Malaysia 2025 Chairman, Professor Dato’ Sr. Dr. Omar Osman, SME Bank Acting CEO, Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, and MRANTI CEO, Datuk Wira Dr. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff.

“As we look ahead, I urge all stakeholders, from MOSTI and MEDC, to MOHE and the Ministry of Economy, to continue supporting initiatives like SIC. Together, we must build a whole-of-nation approach to innovation, where government, industry, academia, and the people move in unison towards a shared vision,” he said.

 “Your courage, creativity and perseverance inspire us all. Let tonight be a reminder that the future does not belong to those who wait, but to those who dare to innovate. Together, let us build a Malaysia that leads with ideas, acts with purpose, and thrives on innovation.”

Also present during the event were Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Chantal Moser Ambassador-Designate of Switzerland to Malaysia, Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin

Chief Executive Officer of MRANTI representing the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim Chief Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education

representing the Minister of Higher Education and Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar

Group Managing Director, DRB-HICOM Berhad as well as

Professor Dato’ Sr Dr Haji Omar Haji Osman Chairman of SIC Malaysia 2025.