The Malaysian government vows to raise the number of Ph.D academics who become principal investigators for research projects, a Malaysian official said here on Thursday.

Malaysian Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the competent researchers and scientists could develop the requisite body of knowledge to underpin the research and innovation agenda of the country.

Speaking at the launch of "2009 Pecipta Malaysia", the International Exposition of Research and Invention of Institutions of Higher Learning, Khaled said there were over 60 percent Ph.Ds in research universities.

However, the percentage fell to 30 to 40 percent in other universities, requiring deliberate and planned improvement, added the minister.

Khaled also said the funds allocated to his ministry for research amounted to only 250 million ringgit (71.43 million U.S. dollars) under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, a five-year development plan ending 2010.

That was only 14 percent of the plan's total research allocation that amounted to 1.8 billion ringgit (514.29 million U.S. dollars), added Khaled.

The exposition is held from October 8 to 10, showcasing over 500 inventions and projects by local institutions.

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)