Cultivating Innovative Talents with a Scientific Spirit

Looking back at my previous articles, I have discussed how excessive subsidies can weaken the people’s spirit of striving, and how talented individuals can only emerge in a stable and prosperous environment. Here, I would like to further explore the idea that for a nation to truly become a developed country, it must move away from reliance on subsidies and embrace innovation-driven growth, while shifting its focus from merely nurturing talented individuals to cultivating innovative talents with a scientific spirit. This will be the key determinant of whether Malaysia can successfully make the leap into the ranks of developed nations.

Excessive subsidies may provide short-term relief for the people, but in the long run, they can undermine a society’s competitiveness. In contrast, productive subsidies such as investments in research and development (R&D) and the semiconductor industry, can generate multiplier effects, helping a nation cultivate its own generation of “scientific talents.” In developed countries, subsidies are often directed primarily toward civil servants, as they serve the nation. The success of a nation is not built on subsidies; rather, it is achieved through free competition and effective policies that nurture a generation of talented individuals capable of excelling in various fields.

Our traditional education system and educational philosophy also contain certain misconceptions. For example, many people confuse results and marks. In academic settings, society generally equates marks with results, but this is not entirely correct. Results can also represent achievements. Whether in product development, business, family management, or personal conduct, all these may be regarded as results or achievements. Marks, however, are merely an experience or measurement within an examination and not an achievement in themselves. If results and achievements are confused, one’s thinking becomes restricted and unable to embrace reverse thinking. It is through reverse thinking that breakthroughs can be made and matters elevated to a higher level. Such thinking is also less dependent on textbook formulas. We should not regard obtaining high marks through rote memorisation as a true result.

Western philosophers of the past, such as Leonardo da Vinci, also achieved results through discussing subjects and conducting research together with their students. By contrast, Eastern philosophers often placed greater emphasis on individual authority and obedience to established teachings. Challenging respected philosophers was frequently regarded as disloyal or unethical, which limited the scope for open debate and, over time, reinforced a more linear mode of thinking.

For example, Western countries also experienced a public health disaster known as the Black Death, which gave rise to new ways of thinking. The survivors placed greater emphasis on appreciating life and recognising individual value, indirectly contributing to the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. These movements promoted observation, experimentation and rational thinking, breaking away from the superstitions and teachings of the Middle Ages.

In the 15th century, Nicolaus Copernicus introduced the Heliocentric Model, which proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun, fundamentally changing humanity’s understanding of the universe. This scientific revolution brought about a shift in thinking, from being centred on God to being centred on science and reason. Galileo also used a self-made telescope to observe Jupiter and the phases of Venus, providing evidence in support of the heliocentric theory. In the 16th century, Newton presented the law of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion in his work Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, unifying the motion of celestial bodies and objects on Earth. These ideas became some of the foundations of modern science.

In my view, scientists who are able to develop innovative ideas often share certain common qualities. Whether scientists or ordinary members of the public, individuals need both a strong theoretical foundation and practical action in order to truly realise their aspirations. They possess positive qualities such as perseverance, self-discipline and passion. However, these qualities alone are not enough. One must also have the courage to take the first step, to take risks, and to break free from the constraints of tradition. Regardless of how society may judge or criticise them, they remain committed to their beliefs and use evidence and data to support their ideas, helping to elevate society’s thinking to a more mature level.

The strengths of the East generally include thrift, practicality, discipline, respect for elders and sound moral values. These qualities have long been part of the traditional character of Asian societies. The West, on the other hand, is known for bold creativity, open discussion, reverse thinking and the pursuit of continuous improvement. If we can combine the strengths of both the East and the West to create a stronger new generation of people, that generation would be the young people of Malaysia, both today and in the future. If this can be achieved, Malaysia will certainly be able to become a truly innovative and developed nation in the not-too-distant future.

Translated from original article source:

https://www.enanyang.my/news/うあうがあがうう/Testimonia-Column/いうぎぎうおお