KUCHING, 24 October 2023 – The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) welcomes collaboration with expert networks from Sarawak that could collectively address regional issues and drive positive change for the state. Through mission-oriented research, especially in the indigenous culture area, the synergy will emphasise strategic socioeconomic areas that can enhance the well-being of Sarawak’s residents, whereby the practices could promote the earth’s sustainability and improve planetary health. As part of ASM, the Sarawak expert network will also have the opportunity to access a broader network of research and development resources and international collaboration.
“ASM is a learned organisation that brings together the nation’s scientists, engineers, technologists and social scientists to provide solutions to the government in addressing issues of national importance. I am also eager to learn the practices of the Borneo indigenous community in promoting environmental sustainability and their practices of responsible stewardship of natural resources. The indigenous community has lived and thrived while maintaining the sustainability of the environment and its natural resources for ages. Surely, there is much knowledge that we could learn from them,” remarked ASM President, Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc, in his address at the ASM 38th IdeaXchange programme in conjunction with the ASM Roadshow Sarawak Chapter here at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
ASM, with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is developing an integrated National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP) under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The Action Plan aims to mainstream planetary health in all national policies and plans through a whole-of-nation approach to address ecosystems, biodiversity, health and climate change for sustainable development. The NPHAP was announced during the National Science Council in April 2022. It is slated to be published in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMAS, Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, during his welcoming remark speech, said, “Our goal is to create impactful translational research that benefits the community at large through the engagement, strengthening, and intensification of research enculturation among our academics. I hope that all of us can use this brief meeting to share our common interests and exchange information on past, present and future research projects, whether in UNIMAS or outside UNIMAS.”
The ASM IdeaXchange is a flagship twice-a-year programme that is designed as a platform for the scientific community, expert networks, stakeholders and ASM members, in particular, to exchange ideas, discuss interdisciplinary matters and debate topical issues about science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE). This is the first time the programme has been held outside of Kuala Lumpur, which is part of the ASM Roadshow Sarawak Chapter agenda. IdeaXchange has been organised since 2011.
The ASM 38th IdeaXchange topic is “Indigenous Cultures, Practices and Views from Borneo towards the Promotion of Planetary Health.” It featured Madam Margarita Naming, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, together with the panellists, Professor Dr Poline Bala, Director of Institute of Borneo Studies, UNIMAS and Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
The ASM Roadshow Sarawak Chapter, in collaboration with UNIMAS, has attracted participants online and physically, including university students, academia and personnel from government and agencies. Some highlights are Special Talks by the ASM Sarawak Expert Network, which are Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ir Abang Abdullah Abang Ali FASc, Professor Narayanan N. Kulathu Ramaiyer, and Dr Paul Cliff Simon Divis. The one-day roadshow also showcased other ASM initiatives and programmes such as the Malaysia Open Science Platform (MOSP), 10-10 MySTIE Framework, e-estidotmy, Young Scientists Network, Science Communications and career opportunities.
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About the Academy of Sciences Malaysia-
ASM is an independent scientific organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). ASM is the thought leader for the nation on matters related to science, technology, innovation, and the economy. We provide a platform for exchanging ideas among academia, policymakers, civil society, and industries.
ASM has more than 1,000 experts in Engineering Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology and Computer Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Earth Sciences, Science Technology and Development Industry, and Social Sciences and Humanities.
Our main activities include conducting foresight and strategic studies and spearheading strategic science-based programmes on the national, regional, and global levels. Our ethos is “Think Science, Celebrate Technology, Inspire Innovation”.
About Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) began its story in 1993 with the enrollment of 118 students to become Malaysia’s eighth and Sarawak’s first public university. UNIMAS started with two faculties, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology. Now UNIMAS has 10 faculties with 92 programmes, with more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UNIMAS’ international community comes from more than 50 different countries around the world.
UNIMAS is in an ideal position to make a difference. UNIMAS’ location in Sarawak, Borneo – the heart of the Malay Archipelago and a pivotal location for scientific explorations of species – enables UNIMAS’ campus community to experience the island’s rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. The Sarawak capital city, Kuching, is a bustling melting pot situated around 30 minutes away from the campus.
UNIMAS’ educational ecosystem of renowned subject matter experts, innovative research, and state-of-the-art facilities is ever ready to mold tomorrow’s leaders. UNIMAS’ pledge to give back to society is consistently strengthened through persistent development of impactful and beneficial community-inspired projects, establishing UNIMAS as a community-driven University. UNIMAS’ strategic engagements with international partners continuously contribute towards the fulfilment of globally shared goals.
For more information, visit www.unimas.my
