India and 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) showcased their collective strength at the 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF), a collaborative endeavor aimed at fostering a robust relationship through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Held in Langkawi, Malaysia, this edition of AIGIF witnessed the active participation of 200 representatives from India and various AMS.
The primary focus of AIGIF is to bolster cooperation in STI between India and AMS, nurturing an environment that facilitates exposure to social innovations across countries while enhancing governance in the grassroots innovation ecosystem.
AIGIF 2023, a joint effort by the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI); Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India; National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India; and Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), executed by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), was inaugurated by Mr. YB Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. He highlighted AIGIF’s role as a dynamic platform to showcase innovations that significantly impact grassroots lives.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, Government of India, stressed the importance of innovators in shaping a better world. He emphasized the need to identify and support innovators extensively, redefining cooperation and exploring opportunities for joint technology and product development, cross-border technology licensing, and infrastructure sharing to bolster innovation and technology capabilities.
Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, underscored India’s emergence as a hub for startups and highlighted the importance of platforms like AIGIF in fostering cooperation between India and AMS. He urged industry collaboration to translate grassroots innovations into sustainable societal solutions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications, Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazi Haji Mohammad Yusof, also the Chairman of ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), was among the dignitaries present along with representatives from India and 10 other countries, including student innovators and grassroots innovators.
The AIGIF 2023 aimed to overcome societal challenges through enhanced collaboration and participation, further strengthening the relationship between India and AMS. Additionally, the Indian delegation had an insightful meeting with Mr. B. N. Reddy, discussing ASEAN’s vital role and the significance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in reinforcing the India-ASEAN relationship during the sidelines of the forum.