Chang Lih Kang, born on October 23, 1980, in Ipoh, Perak, is a prominent Malaysian politician currently serving as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) since December 2022. He is a member of the People's Justice Party (PKR), a component of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, and has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanjong Malim since May 2018.
Chang's academic background includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Master in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
His political career began with his election as the Perak State Legislative Assemblyman for Teja in 2008, a position he held until 2018. In 2018, he transitioned to federal politics, winning the Tanjong Malim parliamentary seat. Within PKR, Chang has held significant roles, including Vice President since December 2018 and State Chairman for Perak.
As the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chang has been instrumental in launching initiatives such as the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR), aiming to address critical energy challenges and promote sustainable technologies. He has also emphasized the Ekonomi Malaysia Madani plan to drive innovation, setting targets for increased research and development expenditure and improving Malaysia's ranking in the Global Innovation Index.
Chang Lih Kang's leadership reflects a commitment to advancing Malaysia's scientific and technological landscape, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable development.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) are leveraging this approach to drive international collaborations and create impactful solutions.
Strengthening Malaysia-Turkey Ties Through Science
MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang recently led a four-day visit to Turkey, showcasing the successful application of science diplomacy between two higher middle-income countries ranked 33rd (Malaysia) and 39th (Turkey) on the Global Innovation Index (GII).
“Global challenges like food security and climate change demand collaboration beyond the capabilities of any single nation. Partnering with technologically comparable countries like Turkey makes these efforts more effective,” Chang emphasized.
The robust Malaysia-Turkey relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in July 2022. This foundation is enabling both nations to explore advanced areas of cooperation, including:
- Renewable energy
- Biotechnology
- Aerospace and space technology
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Rare earth elements research
Expanding Global Opportunities for Malaysia
Chang highlighted how these collaborations not only strengthen Malaysia’s technological capacity but also position the nation’s talents on the global stage.
“MOSTI is focused on funding research and technological ventures in nuclear research, clean energy, and other high-impact fields. These initiatives support both local and international advancement,” he noted.
The Role of Science Diplomacy
Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Co-Chairman (Government) of MIGHT, underlined the critical interplay between science and policy in addressing international challenges.
“Science diplomacy provides a universal, apolitical, and data-driven framework for advancing solutions to global issues like climate change. High-level forums on sustainable development exemplify how science-policy interactions drive progress,” he explained.
Collaborative Projects in Action
MIGHT is actively engaged in joint projects with Turkish counterparts, including:
- The MIGHT-TÜBITAK Grand Challenge focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen energy, sustainable agriculture, advanced materials, IoT, and robotics in space technologies.
- Partnerships with the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) to advance green technology, renewable energy, nuclear medicine, and biotechnology.
MOSTI’s Strategic Focus Areas
MOSTI is prioritizing high-tech sectors through initiatives such as the Strategic Research Fund and is making strides in:
- Human vaccinations and genome sequencing
- Space technology development, including remote sensing satellites
- Hydrogen technology and economy
Chang reaffirmed MOSTI’s commitment to driving these advancements, ensuring that Malaysia not only keeps pace with global innovation but also contributes meaningfully to solving international challenges.
By aligning science diplomacy with actionable strategies, MOSTI and MIGHT are fostering partnerships that benefit both Malaysia and the global community.
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