Lahad Datu: A total of 20 Creativity Rooms (RDCs) that provide access to facilities, equipment and services related to science, technology and innovation (STI) have been successfully established nationwide. Yayasan Inovatif Malaysia (YIM) chief executive officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh said of the total, four RDCs have been established in Sabah, namely in Sandakan, Keningau, Kota Kinabalu and, the latest, here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Lahad Datu RDC, sited at the Lahad Datu Vocational College, was completed last December and is equipped with various equipment and technological applications related to science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE), including computers, 3D printing machines and digital studio sets. The Lahad Datu RDC is an example of the concept of social innovation translated into facilities that provide access to technology and training to the local community.

Dr Sharmila added that the residents in Lahad Datu now have the opportunity to explore the latest technologies, such as 3D printers, robotics and drones as well as capitalise on sophisticated equipment to enhance their skills and creativity. The launching of the Lahad Datu RDC is part of efforts to empower STIE among the rural community here, thus expanding this innovative initiative to the whole state.

Sharmila said that the RDC is an initiative of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation that is implemented by the YIM. Besides giving the local community the chance to be involved in innovation activities, this initiative also helps to raise the community’s standard of living and productivity through the generation of ideas that have the potential to be commercialised.

She added that, so far, a total of 482 modules have been conducted, involving 11,000 participants, while 13,500 people have visited the RDCs.