4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum Strengthens Ties in Science and Technology

The 4th edition of the ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) was inaugurated on November 28, 2023, with the participation of India and 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS). The event, which brought together 200 representatives, aims to foster collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) between India and AMS.

Organized annually, AIGIF serves as a platform to showcase social innovations from different countries while enhancing governance in the grassroots innovation ecosystem. The collaboration is a joint effort between the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI); the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India; the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India; and the host nation's Science and Technology Ministry, Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) for the year 2023. The execution of AIGIF is undertaken by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), an agency under MOSTI.

Mr. YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Government of Malaysia, inaugurated AIGIF 2023, emphasizing the event's role in showcasing and promoting innovations that can positively impact grassroots communities. He urged participating nations to continue their commitment to social innovations and work collectively to improve innovation and technology capabilities.

Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, highlighted the importance of innovators in shaping a better world. He called for increased cooperation, including joint technology and product development, cross-border technology licensing opportunities, and information sharing, to enhance the region's innovation and technology capability.

Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, emphasized India's emergence as a key nation for startups globally. He underscored the potential for AIGIF to create opportunities for students and grassroots populations, fostering greater cooperation between India and AMS. He urged industries to engage with grassroots innovations and transform them into sustainable solutions for society.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications, Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazi Haji Mohammad Yusof, who is also the Chairman of ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), was present alongside Dr. Arvind C Ranade, Director of NIF, and Dr. Sulakshana Jain, Scientist E, International Cooperation Division, DST, Government of India. The delegation included a total of 17 student innovators and grassroots innovators from India, contributing to the total of 200 representatives from 11 countries.

Building upon the success of previous editions in Jakarta, Indonesia (2018), Davao, Philippines (2019), and Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2022), AIGIF 2023 underscores its commitment to overcoming societal challenges through increased participation and collaboration in Langkawi, Malaysia.