Sabah: The Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) is ramping up efforts to identify and support more grassroots social innovations in Sabah to foster a sustainable local innovation ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, YIM chief executive officer Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh stated that the innovation foundation, established under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), serves as a platform to discover, develop, and match grassroots innovations with development funding. Dr Sharmila explained that YIM’s mandate is to find innovations with social, economic, and environmental impact and support their growth through targeted funding.
She emphasized that YIM differs from other organizations in its focus on applying technology to social innovation models that deliver tangible benefits to communities. Dr Sharmila added, “Any business or model that incorporates innovation and contributes meaningfully to society falls within our scope.”
YIM recently partnered with the Ministry of Economy to pilot a project aimed at helping grassroots innovators commercialize their products and build more sustainable ventures. Eleven innovators were selected nationwide, including four from Sabah, each receiving RM80,000 for project implementation over 12 months. The pilot began in June last year and concluded last month. The outcomes so far are promising, with YIM providing support ranging from equipment and training to sustainable product development.
The foundation will conduct a six-month impact review covering business growth, profitability, and contributions to local economies. Among the Sabah-based innovators supported is Anne Antah, founder of Chanteek Borneo, which produces ethnic-inspired accessories and apparel suitable for both formal and everyday wear. Other recipients include Joardy Mardeko, who created the Coconut Patty Burger made from high-fibre coconut pulp, and Sariyaman Sabur, developer of cassava-based nuggets rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre as a healthy alternative.
YIM also helped revive an aquafarm in Kundasang that was affected by the 2015 earthquake, redeveloping it using modern aquaculture and hydroponic systems. Dr Sharmila mentioned, “We’re also collaborating with universities to develop innovations that don’t yet exist in Malaysia, from the research phase through to commercialization with real social impact.”
YIM is currently working with Universiti Malaysia Sabah on a mountain hiking-related innovation, with details to be announced once finalized.