The US-funded Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative is set to enhance Malaysia's start-up ecosystem by providing support to scientists, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs. GIST Country Lead for Malaysia, Murali Prasad Y Vandayar, emphasized the US government's commitment to nurturing talent in the ASEAN region, particularly in Malaysia. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI Economy initiative, which aims for equitable economic restructuring in the country. Since its inception in 2011, GIST has empowered over 15,000 start-ups globally, with 435 founders receiving support in 2023 alone and nearly RM4 million awarded in funding [b32f3d5f].
The GIST initiative has been active in Malaysia since 2018, focusing on training and competitions that foster entrepreneurial skills. A recent program, #LunchNotes, encourages graduates from the University of Malaya, representing diverse backgrounds, to engage in entrepreneurship. This initiative not only aims to boost the local start-up scene but also to create a supportive environment for innovation and economic growth in Malaysia [b32f3d5f].
In a broader context, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Philippines is also pushing for increased funding for innovation grants, proposing to double the budget to P200 million. This funding aims to support innovators and promote upskilling as part of the Philippine Innovation Act. NEDA has identified key areas for innovation, including health, finance, and manufacturing, and plans to collaborate with the private sector to enhance these initiatives [5d60e24d].
Meanwhile, the not-for-profit sector in the United States is advocating for stronger partnerships with federal agencies through the proposed Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together Act of 2023 (S.E.A.T.). This act aims to establish a White House Office on Nonprofit Sector Partnership and collect data on the not-for-profit sector, reflecting the growing recognition of the sector's role in addressing complex societal issues [3394eff3].
Additionally, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in Practice (PDaSP) program to promote privacy-enhancing technologies across federal agencies. This program seeks proposals for research that will enhance data-sharing practices while ensuring privacy, further emphasizing the importance of innovation in various sectors [0481881a].