The Technology Depository Agency (TDA) has thrown its weight behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for Malaysia to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen home-grown capabilities in critical areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity.
TDA said the push for technological sovereignty is both urgent and essential to protect national interests. The agency pointed to the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) as a key enabler, driving partnerships between industry and academia to advance research, technology transfer, training and commercialisation while embedding expertise within Malaysia.
The upcoming Government Procurement Act, to be tabled in Parliament, is expected to provide stronger enforcement of ICP and Performance-Based Contracting (PBC), ensuring more accountability and value in government procurement.
According to TDA, its priorities include nationwide ICP adoption, tighter compliance oversight, and greater capacity-building support for procurement officials and local industry players.
“With ICP as the enabler, PBC as the mechanism and stronger procurement enforcement as the driver, Malaysia can position itself as a leader in home-grown innovation and industrial strength,” TDA said.
