Ida Semurni Abdullah, Vice President, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology, Malaysia
By Ming En Liew
Women in GovTech Special Report 2021.
MIGHT acts as a key interlocutor in bringing together policy and technology nurturing via catalytic interventions programmes.
Our programmes and initiatives include building strategic partnerships and alliances, technology acquisition and capacity building through policy interventions and ïŽagship programmes. We use the F.I.R.S.T model – which stands for Finance, Infrastructure, Regulatory, Skill and Talent, and Technology – as a systematic tool of pre-requisites.
As the Vice President of the President & CEO’s Office, my roles include helping the CEO and the management deliver our mandates and initiatives. I also oversee MIGHT’s international partnership initiatives. International collaboration is a key priority for Malaysia.
It is always fascinating and exciting to witness how partnership between countries play a pivotal role in the development of technology and industry, as well as to learn and improve our capabilities by observing how other countries work.
What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?
One of my main responsibilities at MIGHT is to oversee the management and delivery of our international collaboration programmes. MIGHT works closely with countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey and Finland on bilateral technology and industry development initiatives.
In 2015, we partnered with the United Kingdom to develop the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund. The fund unlocked a lot of new opportunities and created real solutions born out of enterprising researchers and industry partnerships from both countries.
The Multi Hazard Platform is an innovation developed through the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund. The platform integrates meteorological and hazard models onto a common platform designed for managing and communicating risk and enhancing disaster resilience. I am very proud to see that it is now implemented in Kuala Lumpur.
The system supports and strengthens the management of Kuala Lumpur City Hall. It demonstrated the importance of using technology and innovation to facilitate efficient city management.
What is one unexpected learning from 2021?
2021 was challenging for most of us as we are still adapting to the new normal and requirements emerging due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, it also serves as a major disruptive force enabling us to be creative and innovative to ensure that we are able to continue with our lives, work, or business.
It is key to use science, technology and innovation in this current environment. Partnership and collaboration at every level, whether it be globally or within the nucleus family, is also important.
What’s your favourite memory from the past year?
Having the whole family together at home most of the time during last year’s movement control order was a blessing. It made me realise how I might have missed observing and guiding my children through their development as they enter the teenage phase.
My husband and I made use of our time with the kids to do a lot of things as a family. I hope that my children will always cherish those memories and realise the importance of family love and bonding.
What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2022?
I am eager to continue exploring how best we can implement the remote working mechanism at MIGHT. For example, taking advantage of the latest telecommunication technology, and analytics tools and platforms to ensure we are not sacrificing productivity and work delivery, while giving flexibility to fellow MIGHTians.
The pandemic made me realise that we can work anywhere or anytime based on our requirements as long as we can deliver as expected. However, trust and dependability must tag along with the flexibility given by our organisation.
What are your priorities for 2022?
MIGHT is a partnership organisation. We advocate partnerships and collaborations at all levels as a key component for sustainable industry development.
I will continue to explore the potential to initiate new partnerships in technology and industry development with similar minded countries and agencies.
“No country can do it alone. More than ever, governments must cooperate to revitalise economies, expand public investment, boost trade, and ensure targeted support for the people and communities….”
Mr. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of United Nation
What gets you up in the morning?
The strong feeling of wanting to play a role in developing Malaysia towards a developed nation. In my term, a developed nation is not just about ensuring the continuous growth of the economy, but most importantly, the wellbeing and happiness of Malaysians and our future generations.
I always pray and hope that my children, and their children, will live in a country that is stable and prosperous in a holistic manner.
I may not play a big role, but I hope the contribution that I make through MIGHT can catalyse bigger successes for the country.