India and 10 ASEAN Member States Collaborate at AIGIF 2023 to Foster Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation
The 4th edition of the ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) was inaugurated in Langkawi, Malaysia, on November 28, 2023. The event witnessed active participation from India and 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS), bringing together 200 representatives. The AIGIF, an annual program, aims to strengthen the collaboration between India and AMS in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). The forum serves as a platform to showcase social innovations, enhancing governance in the grassroots innovation ecosystem.
The collaborative initiative is led by the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of the Government of India, the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), executed by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM).
The AIGIF 2023 was officially launched by Mr. YB Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Government of Malaysia. He emphasized the significance of flagship programs like AIGIF in promoting innovations that can positively impact lives at the grassroots level. Mr. Chang urged nations to uphold their commitment to social innovations and work collectively to ensure a better tomorrow for all.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, Government of India, expressed the belief that innovators are the hope for the world. He stressed the need for joint efforts in areas such as technology and product development, cross-border technology licensing, and information sharing to elevate innovation and technology capabilities regionally and globally.
Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, highlighted India’s emergence as a key nation for startups and called for industry collaboration with grassroots innovations to develop sustainable solutions for society. The AIGIF also saw the participation of Mr. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazi Haji Mohammad Yusof, Chairman of COSTI, and Dr. Arvind C Ranade, Director, NIF.
Building on the success of previous editions in Jakarta (2018), Davao (2019), and Phnom Penh (2022), AIGIF 2023 aims to address societal challenges through increased participation and collaboration.
On the sidelines of the event, the Indian delegation engaged with Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, gaining valuable insights into ASEAN’s role and the continued importance of STI in strengthening the relationship with India.
Source – PIB
