Sarawak Research and Development Council Ordinance, 2017 (Chapter 74).

This Ordinance, consisting of 25 Sections, aims to establish the Research and Development Council in Sarawak with the following main functions: (i) drive and manage R&D across the State, ensuring it directly contributes to economic progress; (ii) support, direct, and stimulate research while simultaneously coordinating, monitoring, and assisting R&D efforts conducted by Government departments and State-controlled entities; (iii) cultivate a highly skilled R&D environment by nurturing, developing, and retaining scientific and technological talent; and (iv) facilitate the commercial application of research findings, discoveries, and innovations and enhance the standards of R&D within local educational institutions. To achieve these goals, the Council is responsible for establishing and maintaining R&D facilities and providing financial assistance - through funds, loans, grants, and advances - to Government agencies, educational bodies, and individuals involved in scientific research. Furthermore, it promotes the commercialization of discoveries by providing funding for enterprise incubation facilities. Critically, the Council manages and exploits the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) arising from R&D. Finally, the Council works to improve the public's skill in using innovative technologies. Part III deals with the financial arrangements, explaining that the Council is sourced from Government appropriations and loans, grants, donations, and all income derived from the commercialization of R&D, including royalties from Intellectual Property and investment returns. Part V provides for penalties in case of offences. The attached Schedule deals with the Proceedings of the Council.