Chang: National research and development (R and D) extends beyond the laboratory, turning innovations into practical solutions that directly benefit the public, said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He stated that R and D is concentrated on rural communities through the empowerment of smart agriculture, water management, and climate change adaptation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a key initiative highlighted by Chang is the Rice Crop Geospatial Information System (MakGeoPadi) by the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), which is now implemented in 12 major rice-growing regions covering 206,000 hectares. The use of high-resolution satellite imagery allows for precise identification of actual rice planting areas, expediting and reducing costs in the targeted distribution of government rice subsidies to eligible farmers. Additionally, the soil profile module in the system assists agricultural agencies in conducting preliminary assessments of padi field conditions and planning appropriate remedial actions.

Chang was responding to a question from Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) on the ministry's strategy to ensure national innovations reach rural communities and small enterprises. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), through MYSA and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia, is utilizing remote sensing technology to identify underground water resources. This initiative, which started in the Muar River Basin, now benefits around 10,000 residents across 11 villages facing water supply shortages, including areas in Johor and Kelantan.

Chang also pointed out the development of the Floating Flood Disaster Command Centre (FLOODCOM), which is being deployed in flood-prone areas under the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative.