2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Cover Design Concept
Evidence-based informed decision making is our utmost priority as a Thought Leader in matters pertaining to Science, Technology and Innovation. The cover depicts the Academy as an organisation with unique deliverables yet working together with various entities for a harmonious, prosperous and sustainable Malaysia. Our desire of a Progressive Malaysia begins with giving the best ideas for the benefit of the society at large.
THE
ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES
MALAYSIA
THINK SCIENCE,
CELEBRATE TECHNOLOGY,
INSPIRE INNOVATION
ASM strives to be the nation’s Thought Leader for matters related to science, engineering, technology and innovation.
ASM is committed to pursue excellence in the fields of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) for the benefit of all.
- To be a Thought Leader
- To be an apex Advisory Body on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) matters
- To be an effective promoter of public understanding and awareness of STI
- To make STI a basis for economic development and societal well-being
- Providing advice to the Government on matters related to STI of national and international importance
- Fostering a culture of excellence
in SET in Malaysia - Assisting in upgrading technological capabilities of Malaysian industrial sectors
- Promoting public awareness in understanding of science
- Enhancing international networking and collaborations
- Scientific publications
- Harnessing scientific minds to charter STI direction for the country
- Fostering culture of excellence in SET
- Ensuring independent, authoritative and timely STI input
- Promoting the utilisation and application of science for societal well-being
- Facilitating the implementation of innovation-led economy strategy
STI Strategic Studies
- Malaysia 2050
- Socio-Economics
- Emerging Technology
- Sustainability Science
STI Strategic Programmes
- Capacity Building
- Gateway
- Science Consortiums
- Consultative Fora
Internal
- Fellows
- Associates
- Members of Young Scientists Network (YSN-ASM)
- Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM)
- ASM Management
External
- Prime Minister’s Department and Central Agencies
- MESTECC and its agencies
- Other Ministries and relevant agencies
- Industry
- Research institutions
- Higher Learning Institutions
- STI Professional Bodies
- International STI Organisations
- Urban and Rural communities
- Provide independent, evidence based, reliable and timely advice
- Committed in initiating quality programmes towards developing strong STI foundation for the nation
- Represent Malaysia and its scientific community at the international arena
- Disseminate scientific knowledge
FROM THE PRESIDENT
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE 2018?
For ASM, 2018 as a whole was equally wonderful and hectic. We have been working determinedly to improve the practices and communication within the Academy’s stakeholders, including the scientific experts, industry, media and broader public in delivering our objectives. As hectic as it can get, I am thankful to lead an organisation with the deep pool of experts that are willing to embrace transformation each and every day. Read More
Apart from study, we also maintain a strong focus on SET-based programmes. ASM has always strives to nurture Malaysians towards developing scientific gifted talents for the future. As we continue to execute our strategic plan and programmes, we begin to see the results that we hope to see in our effort for STEM awareness in the country.
Our international team continues to foster strong ties with the international scientific community, allowing us to benefit from global expertise. From attending meeting to organising conference, we persistently position Malaysia as world class leader in science through active participation as a knowledge partner. Our involvement has enabled us to position ourselves as one of the leading science academy in the ASEAN region.
Expanding our Expert Network
This year, we have elected 29 leading individual among leading scientists, engineers and techonlogists as new Fellows and recognised 24 research scientists as TRSM. With more than 581 brilliant minds in our network, we are a force to be reckoned with. I thank the Fellows for their enthusiasm and contribution to growing and improving everything we do and for remaining focused on improving STI in and for Malaysia.
Beyond Thank You
The Academy only succeeds in all these areas through the support from MESTECC, and I am deeply grateful to all stakeholders, Fellows, and Associates who have partnered with us in so many ways. While we know there is more work to be done, we are proud of what we have accomplished thus far. In the upcoming years, we will continue to deliver innovative programmes and impactful studies for the betterment of Malaysia.
Each year, our Annual Report is a chance to highlight the spectacular efforts we all made together toward our objective as nation’s Think Tank. I encourage you to explore our annual report to gain a broad understanding of our mission and vision. You will notice that this year’s annual report is a little bit different.
Enjoy reading.
” WE WILL CONTINUE TO DELIVER INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES AND IMPACTFUL STUDIES FOR THE BETTERMENT OF MALAYSIA. “
UNLOCKING
INSIGHTS,
MEANINGFUL
IMPACT
BETWEEN SPECIALISED
KNOWLEDGE AND
POLICY-MAKING
The challenging environment today cannot be wished away. Recognising the importance of science in navigating the complex world, ASM plays a critical role in analysing, developing, and providing scientific advice and policy solutions to the government. Backed by decades of scientific knowledge and a roster of science experts, ASM addresses STI-related issues of national and international importance in an independent, credible, relevant and timely manner.
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ENGAGING
SCIENTISTS,
EMPOWERING
SOCIETY
ASM STRONGLY EMPHASISES THE ESSENTIAL ROLE SCIENCE PLAYS IN THE WELL-BEING OF THE SOCIETY BY MAKING IT RELATABLE TO EVERYONE VIA SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMES.
Science has long been challenged or misunderstood. It is usually correlated as a difficult and textbook-driven field, making public lose interest in science. In actual fact, science is a fascinating subject that dictates our everyday life – and this is the message that ASM is trying to spread through its initiatives.
ASM also empowers the scientific community by organising a multitude of programmes through collaboration with national and international institutions and organisations.
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BE SEEN.
BE HEARD.
EXPERIENCE.
We believe in sharing information through simple communication. In ASM, we turn “why does it matter?” into captivating visuals and writings to share the joy of discovery to all. Every like or retweet is a result of a garnered interest from the masses, and we value each interaction. Transforming scientific pursuits into relatable stories while keeping its essence unchanged is a life-long venture for us here in ASM. Let us share our milestones on the virtual world with you.
We welcome
collaboration
with you !
Drop us an email at:
science_comm@akademisains.gov.my
BRIDGING SCIENCE GLOBALLY
CONNECTING, POSITIONING AND COLLABORATING FOR A BETTER FUTURE IN COMBATING GLOBAL CHALLENGES
It is impossible to stop learning in today’s world. Scientists globally are forming the links on how to co-learn and co-create to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Among the global issues that were debated in 2018 were health, education, gender equality, productivity, innovation, climate change, water and emerging technologies. ASM has actively participated in 34 international meetings and conferences related to such issues and has been giving input through international declarations, resolutions and forming regional platforms for all involved to work together.
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NETWORK
OF IDEAS
GATHERING OF BRILLIANT MINDS
In the era of knowledge and information, the hottest accessory one can wear is their ideas. With the emergence of the Internet, the art of in-person discussion is not yet lost. The gathering of scientific experts facilitates knowledge sharing, learning, networking, and content creation. ASM continues its track record from previous years in providing quality scientific output that benefits everyone.
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Getting together to exchange ideas and disseminate knowledge is a long-standing tradition among scientific communities. ASM is no exception to this tradition. First organised in 2011, ASM IdeaXchange session is a platform for the scientific community and ASM members to exchange ideas, discuss interdisciplinary matters, and debate on topical issues pertaining to STI.
8 March 2018
The IdeaXchange served to share the findings and impressions that have been collected throughout five regional Strategic Stakeholder Consultation Workshops on the STI Master Plan (STIMP) Study (2020 -2030). Audience’s feedback was obtained regarding their initial thoughts on the sectoral objectives, framework, thematic areas, thrusts, strategies, goals and action plans. These constructive feedbacks will be used to pave the way forward for improvisation.
1 August 2018
Attended by an audience that comprises ASM Fellows, representatives from higher learning institutions, government and industry players, the IdeaXchange served as a session for the Study team to present the findings of the NPSTI 2021-2030 Study to obtain feedback on the proposed policy framework.
8 October 2018
In order to remain competitive in today’s world, Malaysia needs to diversify its agricultural commodities and its applications in order to drive progressive agriculture based industry in the country. This echoes YAB Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that called for more research and development into agricultural commodities. On that note, ASM organised an IdeaXchange titled Alternative Commodity Export for Malaysia.
FELLOWS’ LECTURES
Ir Dr Zuhairi Abd Hamid FASc // Engineering Sciences – 19 March 2018
Typical affordable housing has always been associated with low-quality, poor sustainability and adaptability. D3 was introduced to debunk the idea with an integrated solution for affordable housing that intelligently combines modern STI principles with the old-world sensibilities of a “Kampung” house.
Professor Dr Yvonne Lim Ai Lian FASc // Medical and Health Sciences – 5 April 2018
What if we tell you that gut worms are not as terrible as they sound?
Although they are mostly harmful, gut worms are actually beneficial in some ways. Studies showed the protective effects of gut worms that seek to preserve its own health by keeping its host healthy, on which it depends on for sustenance. In essence, a synergistic effect was found between the prevalence of gut worms with increased gut microbiota and improved immune system. Through various research and cooperative efforts with organisations, various communities have benefitted from the elimination of gut worms, notably disadvantaged ones such as the Orang Asli.
Dr Gan Seng Neon FASc // Chemical Sciences – 2 October 2018
Renewable vegetable oils such as palm oil have the potential as industrial feedstock with a broad spectrum of applications, which contribute to an effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Its more readily available compared to petrochemicals, which are non-sustainable and diminishing in supply. Though not a polymer, suitable chemical reactions upon palm oil can produce intermediates with different functional groups that could interact with other monomers, to form materials with interesting properties and applications.
Dr Zainal Ariffin Ahmad FASc // Social Sciences and Humanities – 18 October 2018
The Nobelist mindset can be institutionalised to build capacity and nurture current and future researchers, scientists, engineers (RSE) and technologists for Malaysia 2030. But what does it take for one to adopt the Nobelist mindset?
Professor Dato’ Dr Ravindran Jegasothy FASc // Medical and Health Sciences – 18 October 2018
Over the years, Malaysia has successfully reduced maternal mortality through several efforts including auditing maternal deaths by the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD).
CEMD practices active capture of maternal deaths to improve reporting. Working closely with the Department of Registration as well as being nonpunitive and anonymous encourage better data yield. Additionally, CEMD could greatly impact existing policies as well as assist in formulating new ones.
Professor Dr Tharek Abd Rahman FASc // Information Technology and Computer Sciences – 15 November 2018
5G possesses ultra-low latency, high availability, high reliability, and strong security features, which enables it to be utilised in mission critical services. Its low cost, ultra-low energy capabilities could be advantageous towards expanding the IoT.
To capitalise on 5G and its benefits, the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) was developed in response to the urgent need to improve broadband quality and coverage, reduce broadband prices, enable Internet access for all, and expand existing fibre networks.
Professor Dr Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair FASc // Social Sciences and Humanities – 29 November 2018
The world economy is fast becoming hyper-converged, reliant on smart systems and algorithms that generate new information, ideas and innovation fuelled by data and machine learning.
Economic drivers are slowly moving away from the traditional land, labour and capital, towards embedded systems, intelligent algorithms and autonomous systems, forming knowledge networks. A robust technology ecosystem equipped with capital and talent investment, the ten pillars of network readiness, as well as dynamic capabilities would yield significant socio-economic impact.
THE ROLE OF STI AND INNOVATION IS CRUCIAL TO DRIVE ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT AND SOCIETAL PROGRESS; THE NATION’S ECONOMY STANDS TO BENEFIT FROM ENTERPRISES THAT LEVERAGE ON S&T. HENCE, (ENTERPRISES) NEED TO STEP UP TO ENSURE MALAYSIA’S DYNAMIC GROWTH.
Yab Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Prime Minister of Malaysia
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ASM’s financial statements provide a bird’s eye view of its financial results, performance and cash flow.
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