Ingenieur Vol 68 Oct-Dec 2016 | Page 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE INGENIEUR Innovation for Growth A s more emerging economies gear to stay ahead of the economic curve, innovation holds the key to thrive in the competitive environment. Malaysia is ranked 35th among 64 countries under the Global Innovation Index 2016 rankings. However, another indicator MVA, the Manufacturing Value Added per capita showed a much lower value compared with South Korea, China and Singapore. Taking cognizance of its impact on economic growth, the Malaysian Government introduced a National Corporate Innovation Index to help stimulate and propel innovation among large Malaysian companies. With the onslaught of the fourth Industrial Revolution or 4IR, the global economic landscape has advanced from mere Internet usage to a cyber physical system or what is called a Digital Economy. More corporate giants are embracing the digital economy, replacing the once big corporate giants in the traditional business model of goods or services. The Internet of Things, Cloud Storage, Big Data Analytics, and Robotics, among others, are essential parts of the new business model. Malaysia is relatively strong in the digital ecosystem in terms of facilities and talent. The Networked Readiness Index (NRI) 2016 issued 46 VOL - DECEMBER 2016 VOL68 55OCTOBER JUNE 2013 by World Economic Forum places Malaysia 31st among 139 countries. One of the important components is the availability of local talent to support the digital economy. The article on “Developing Malaysia’s ICT Talent” provides an insight into the scale and quality of the Malaysian Global Training Center. Healthcare facilities and equipment are another area that constantly being developed with new technologies and sophistication utilizing micro machines and sensors. The article on “Innovation in Healthcare” is a good eye opener for the new growth area in healthcare related to innovation and new products. Against all the articles on high-tech innovation, the Engineering Nostalgia Section brings us back to the pre-war era for a view of a simple “water wheel” utilising a river’s current to lift water to a paddy field. Readers are welcome to send old photos of engineering in nature to reflect on old practices; some of which can be ingenuous and creative. Datuk Ir. Adanan bin Mohamed Hussain President BEM