KOTA BHARU, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has established two new research centres, namely the Innovation and Entrepreneur Incubator Centre (IEIC) and the Gold, Rare Earth and Minerals Techno-Entrepreneurship Centre (GREAT). Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initiative could drive economic progress through research, innovation and entrepreneurship. 'The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) emphasises the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the development of the country. 'The government supports UMK's efforts because it is in line with our vision to make Malaysia a competitive country of innovation ,' he said when present to inaugurate the two new research centres here today. Meanwhile, UMK Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Razli Che Razak said the establishment of IEIC and GREAT is proof of its commitment to be a leader in education and research on entrepreneurship and innovation. Razli said the IEIC centre will be a catalyst for local and national economic dev elopment. "We are committed to providing a conducive ecosystem for students and entrepreneurs to materialise their ideas,' he said. According to him, GREAT aims to develop income-generation activities at UMK as well as develop programmes related to gold, rare earths (REE) and minerals through research and entrepreneurship. He said there is GREAT potential to develop the rare resources in the East Coast. Source: BERNAMA News Agency