Kuala Lampur, Nov. 18 -- For decades, Malaysia's economic narrative has been one of promise and potential. Yet, as we stand at the crossroads of global technological upheaval, that potential remains frustratingly untapped. A critical symptom of this stagnation is our nation's anaemic investment in Research and Development (R&D), languishing at around 1 per cent of GDP-a figure dwarfed by the 2.5 per cent target and left in the dust by economic powerhouses like South Korea and Japan, which consistently invest over 4 per cent. The upcoming Budget 2026 is not just another fiscal plan; it is a pivotal opportunity to jolt our innovation ecosystem to life and finally propel Malaysia into the coveted league of high-income nations.

The core of t...