Kuala Lampur, Dec. 5 -- For decades, Malaysia has aspired to transform from a manufacturing hub into a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy. We have invested in gleaming science parks, established numerous public universities and research institutes, and produced a steady stream of graduates in STEM fields. Yet, a persistent question lingers: why has this considerable investment so often failed to translate into the tangible economic impact and societal advancements we crave? A recent roundtable initiated by the PTD Alumni attracted much discussion on the state of the public service in the country. And would do well if transformed.

The issue of R&D came up for mention. The diagnosis is not a lack of talent or ambition, but a fracture...