Video – FAScinate

February 4, 2025

From Petaling Jaya to the World Malaysian Engineering Boleh!

Dato' Ir Dr Dennis Ganendra is the CEO of Minconsult Sdn Bhd and an ASM Fellow. Minconsult is a proud Malaysian engineering firm that’s made its mark in 28 countries, working on projects like Brunei’s first power plant and Cambodia’s first expressway. Here at home, they’ve brought us cool innovations like the Green Hydrogen transit system in Kuching, the Petronas Leadership Campus, and the Valdor Waste Treatment Plant, which generates green energy.

February 4, 2025

Reforming Physics Teaching – How?

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hadi Bunyamin from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is here to share how he’s changing the way physics is taught. After getting involved in a STEM competition, he moved away from traditional methods and started using project-based learning. This approach lets students get hands-on with real-world projects, like building solar ovens and pulley systems. In this talk, Dr. Hadi will talk about the ups and downs of shaking up physics teaching and how it can make a real difference for students.

February 4, 2025

Zombie Fungi: Don of Cure

Join Associate Professor Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan, Deputy Director (Research and Innovation) at the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, for an insightful exploration into the world of zombie fungi. These parasitic fungi, primarily from the Ophiocordyceps genus, manipulate insect behavior to complete their life cycles, showcasing remarkable ecological interactions. With over five years of fieldwork in Borneo’s biodiverse rainforests, Dr. Seelan will reveal how these fungi influence insect populations and ecosystem balance. This talk will also highlight their potential in medicinal research, emphasizing the importance of preserving Borneo’s biodiversity.

February 4, 2025

Quantum Technology Harnessing Entanglement, the Most Mind Blogging Scientific Concept

Professor Raymond will take us through the fascinating world of quantum theory, starting with the basics of what quantum theory is. He will then explain the concept of quantum teleportation and share his groundbreaking work on quantum repeaters and memory. Professor Raymond will also discuss the immense potential of quantum technology and its future applications.

February 4, 2025

Saving Malaysia’s Biodiversity with AI

Malaysia is the world's 12th megadiverse country, and Dr Nurfadhlina will introduce us to the incredible potential of artificial intelligence in preserving this rich biodiversity. She will explain the components of AI and how it can be applied to biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, she will introduce the concept of Precision Biodiversity and its implications for the future.

February 4, 2025

Developing the REE Resources of Malaysia, an Integrated Approach

Dato' Sia will begin by explaining rare earth elements and their significance. He will then discuss the immense potential of rare earth elements in Malaysia. We will learn about the various methods of rare earth extraction and the plans for setting up a midstream REO separation industry in Malaysia. Additionally, Dato' Sia will address the challenges in advancing supply chain diversification in this vital sector.

February 4, 2025

The Green Gold Quest Perfecting Oil Palm Selection

Dr Harikrishna will address the pressing challenges faced in oil palm improvement. He will highlight the significant milestones achieved in biometrical genetics and breeding, paving the way for a more efficient and productive approach to oil palm cultivation. One of the key questions he will explore is: How can we produce more palm oil with less land? The answer lies in premium seed development via precision breeding. Looking ahead, Dr Harikrishna will give us insights into what we can expect in the future of oil palm cultivation.

June 26, 2023

Eye in the Sky : Monitoring Biodiversity Loss

Professor Ts Dr Kasturi Devi Kanniah FASc from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is an ASM Fellow and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Her expertise lies in remote sensing technology, specifically in linking field data with remote sensing to study vegetation processes, land management, and urban low carbon initiatives, including addressing atmospheric pollution. Professor Kasturi is here today to present her lecture titled Eyes in the Sky: Monitoring Biodiversity Loss. Biological diversity is essential for ecosystems to function and adapt, but it is declining rapidly, jeopardising global food security, public health, and overall well-being. Remote sensing technology, through the use of satellite imagery and data analysis, helps monitor and understand biodiversity changes. Case studies in Malaysia show how remote sensing detects mangrove and forest cover loss, aiding conservation and sustainable land management.

June 26, 2023

Bittersweet Harvest : The Oil Palm as a Source of Controversy and Sustainability

Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, the Former Director of Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre at the Malaysia Palm Oil Board, or MPOB. She led the MPOB Oil Palm Genome Project, decoding the oil palm genome and discovering economically and environmentally important genes. She has published extensively, including in Nature, and holds numerous patents. Her innovative solutions to environmental challenges have earned her prestigious honours and awards. The presentation will discuss the global significance of oil palm in meeting food and fuel demand. Despite deforestation concerns, the oil palm remains the most productive oil crop, supporting economic development and alleviating poverty, especially among smallholders. Exploring the oil palm genome has led to groundbreaking discoveries, improving yield and addressing environmental issues. These breakthroughs were published in Nature, validating their importance. One key finding is the SHELL gene, controlling oil yield. Planting DNA-tested seeds or seedlings with this gene can optimise land use, generate significant economic gains, and increase productivity.