National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) for the economy recovery in Malaysia

Cyberjaya, 9 October 2020 – Malaysia’s prospect of becoming a fast-growing economy that is driven by innovation is further strengthened by the launch of the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS).

A sandbox, which exists independently of the real world but has within it all the real-world environment, will provide a test environment to validate an innovation before being deployed to the market. NTIS is similar to Singapore’s Built Environment Living Lab Framework (BE LLF) that was launched on 29 September 2020 to facilitate test-bedding of innovative proposals; only that NTIS covers a wider range of sectors and not just the construction industry alone.

It aims to enhance access to advanced technology; create highly skilled workforce; improve employment opportunities and social inclusion; as well as increase research engagement, investment and collaboration with the private sector.

The government aims to distribute RM100 million by the end of 2020, and hopes to receive 100 application submissions with a new cohort every month. Applicants include researchers, innovators, start-up companies and technology entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.

The programme will not only assist the testing of products, services, models and their delivery mechanisms within a direct and safe environment, but also the relaxation from all regulatory requirements for commercialisation.

– Construction+ Online

Source: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)