Malaysia, Indonesia sign science-tech MoUs

JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia on Saturday signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the field of science and technology, a move which leaders of both countries said would further strengthen the existing relations.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the MoUs involved agencies under the ministry and Indonesia's Research and Technology Ministry as well as three leading institutions of higher learning in the republic.

"I'm proud that Malaysia and Indonesia not only enjoy close and cordial relations but also cooperating well in various fields," he said at the MoU signing here.

Ongkili and Research and Technology Deputy Minister Teguh Rahardjo witnessed the ceremony which was also attended by Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed Zain.

At the ceremony, Mimos Bhd signed MoUs with three parties namely the Bandung Institute of Technology, Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya Institute of Technology, and Universitas Indonesia to carry our research in the field of microelectronics and optoelectronics for data security.

Meanwhile Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) Malaysia signed an MoU with Indonesia's National Nuclear Energy Agency where both institutions agreed to exchange experts to enhance human resources competency and bolster nuclear safety in the region.

Another MoU was between the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Centre to develop and commercialise fuel from the jatropha fruit and other sources of renewable energy.

MIGHT will also cooperate with Biomac Corporation to set up the business model and the development of jatropha curcas nursery as well as in the processing and marketing of the biodiesel product.

Ongkili said the cooperation would not only benefit both countries but also the region.

He said Malaysia and Indonesia had also formed an "Eminent Persons Group" recently, a brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to identify problems and recommend strategies to overcome them.

Teguh said the cooperation would enrich the knowledge heritage of both countries through a strategic partnership.

"We hope the MoUs will result in a framework for cooperation and a clear action plan, including solutions as well as alternatives to the current problem facing both countries like the high fuel price and food crisis," he said.

Meanwhile Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology president Prof Priyo Suprobo told Bernama both countries had been cooperating well in the field of science and technology.

"I believe this will bring about tremendous benefit to Malaysia and Indonesia," he said. - Bernama

-thestaronline