Ongkili Expects KYS To Play Pivotal Role In New Digital Media

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili expects Kolej Yayasan Sabah (KYS) to play a pivotal role in the development of technical education, particularly fields involving creativity and innovation, in Sabah.

He said the growth of KYS was critical because the federal government had put much emphasis on these fields in the strategic thrusts of the 10th Malaysian Plan.

Ongkili said this was evident from the RM500 million government allocation to push the economy up the value chain through the development and enhancement of technical education and vocational training (TEVT).

"However, in order to move forward, we must be able to network with renowned players and captains of industry on a global basis in terms of technological transfer.

"I believe Kolej Yayasan Sabah is heading towards the right direction," he said when launching the Digital Playground in Island 2011 at the KYS campus in Sembulan, near here Wednesday.

Ongkili was confident that KYS had benefited from engaging with other institutions of higher learning and agencies including total musuem of contemporary art of Korea, Joongang University and Soongsil University of Korea, to promote awareness of the emerging technologies in the new digital media.

He was also pleased that KYS, which aspires to become an educational and training centre of excellence in this region, had been successful in attracting a number of reputable institutions, either through joint programmes or smart partnership.

On the E-Content Fund, Ongkili said in 2008, MOSTI awarded KYS RM1.5 million to produce at least five mini episodes on the tales of Mount Kinabalu.

He said the government had also launched the first national creative industry policy recently, designed to drive the development of the nation's creative industries to be more productive and economical.

Ongkili said the policy centred on three main scopes -- creative multimedia, arts and culture and culture heritage, and these focus areas were clearly in sync with what KYS was focusing on and aspired to be.