The theme for the Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Products and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Award 2017, 'Innovation for Sustainable Economy', goes well with the current economic situation in the country as it highlights that innovative activities can assist the country in realising economic growth.

As it looks into the future of science, technology and society in Brunei Darussalam, the competition has high potential in expanding the country's economic development. Similar to other international innovation competitions, this award aims to create creativity and innovative creators who can lead the 'economic spin off' through developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs)".

These were highlighted by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, during the launching ceremony of the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2017, which was held yesterday at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

A cash prize will be given as an encouragement to the creators to promote their products through patents, inside or outside the country, the minister said, adding that he believes that the competition should be continued even after the awards ceremony.

The competition should be seen as a catalyst to increase productivity through the registration of patents for the protection of rights, followed by obtaining a patent, prototyping a design and its commercialisation.

Realising that the innovative and up-to-date product designs presented at the contest the competition have the potential to contribute to new technology, we need to follow-up with activities such as organising a short course after the competition, and this way, it can be a catalyst to create a conducive environment that will eventually lead to more inventions and innovations, which in turn will help enhance commercialisation," said the minister.

He also emphasised that UTB plays an important role in giving a proper direction and providing an understanding on the potential of the products the creators have developed especially with the establishment of the Product Development and Manufacturing Unit in UTB, which can further provide support and cooperation to the creators.

"In reality, the designs of our local creators have not achieved high levels compared to other design creators from the Asean region. It is hoped that the Asean Category will be a platform for the participants to exchange ideas, interact and create networking opportunities," added the minister.

The CIPTA Award can attract many quality participants that can eventually lead to the success of commercialisation of invention, innovation and products of the participants, he noted.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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