11th ASM General Assembly: Sustainability Sciences

Modernisation brings economic and technological advancement in improving the standard of living. As humanity progresses, environment pays the price of irreversible damage such as depletion of natural resources, climate change and extinction of species. In realising this, we must take proactive actions towards safeguarding our planet and her sustainability.

With this in mind, the Academy brings together experts to present their thoughts on the role of sustainability science in shaping the future of Malaysia, as well as addressing gaps and challenges in realising a preferred future.

The panel discussion was preceded by a presentation by Academician YM Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc titled The Emerging Smart and Intelligent World: Implications for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Panel Discussion on the given topic commenced after YM Tengku’s scene-setting. Moderator and ASM Fellow Professor Dato’ Ir Dr A. Bakar Jaafar FASc came on stage to provide an overview and introduced the panellists.

The panellists present were Dr Zainah Shariff, CEO of the Institute of Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES); Academician Emerita Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman FASc, co-chair of the ASM Envisioning Malaysia 2050 Study; Professor Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia; and Professor Dr Ahmad Ismail FASc, ecologist and ASM Fellow.

The audience was also engaged to provide their views throughout the General Assembly. Through the Menti website, the audience were able to provide their feedback on what they think constitutes sustainability; what they think are the important roles of scientists in the pursuit of sustainability; and what they want to see in the ideal world that they would like to live in.