IPOH: The Perak state government will consider assisting winning innovators in commercializing their projects, according to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani mentioned that a discussion will be held to assess if there are any innovations that can be utilized to generate more income for the state.
“In order to commercialize the winning innovations, the design needs to be upgraded and the patent registered first,” said Saarani
“After that, we can discuss the potential of having one of our government-linked companies assisting with the business aspect,” he informed reporters after attending the Perak Innovation Day celebration at the state secretariat building on Wednesday (Nov 1).
During the event, winners from 13 categories, including four new categories, were awarded trophies and cash prizes.
The Mentri Besar Innovation award was won by the Mineral and Geoscience Department’s Mineral research centre, and they received a cash prize of RM50,000 and a trophy.
SJKC Chung Sin in Muallim secured first place in the primary school category, while SMK Raja Perempuan Kelsom in Kuala Kangsar took first place in the secondary school category.
Both schools received a trophy and RM5,000 respectively.
Separately, Saarani stated that the state government will not interfere with matters under the purview of the Education Ministry.
He was questioned earlier about whether Perak would consider implementing an assessment similar to the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR).
“I believe the ministry has conducted a comprehensive study on the consequences of abolishing the UPSR and other exams. The state government will leave it to the ministry to decide as it falls under their jurisdiction,” he stated.
Prior to this, a portal reported that Sarawak plans to establish its own assessment for Year Six pupils, comparable to the UPSR.
The Education Ministry abolished the UPSR in 2021.
