Regional Engagement With ASM & TROPI
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The 2nd International Conference on Tropical Sciences 2024 officially commenced on 16 October 2024, featuring an opening ceremony and three policy dialogue sessions. In her welcoming address, Executive Director of Tropical Science Foundation, Academician Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mazlan Othman FASc, emphasised the conference’s goal of laying the groundwork for the Alliance of the Tropics, a collaborative network designed to address the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. She also underscored the significance of the upcoming Kuching Declaration of the Tropics, which is set to guide sustainable development policies for years to come.
President of the ASM, Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc on his opening speech, noted that the conference theme, “Harmonizing Humanity with Nature,” closely aligns with Malaysia’s leadership in advancing planetary health through the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP). This alignment underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability. The guiding principles of NPHAP – humanity-centric, STI-enabled, nature-based, and values-internalised, serve as the foundation for the nation’s journey toward a sustainable, balanced future for both people and the planet.
The first day’s policy dialogues focused on three key topics: Facing a Post-Normal Era in the Tropics, Sustainable Development in the Tropics, and The Way Forward for the Tropics. Among the distinguished panellists was Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who emphasised that a sustainability education should be prioritised within educational institutions to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement among youth to foster a sense of responsibility towards their communities.
All three policy dialogue sessions were met with enthusiastic participant feedback, sparking meaningful discussions on how stakeholders can collaborate to shape sustainable solutions for the Tropics. ASM, TSF and UNIMAS extend our gratitude to all participants and look forward to the continued exchange of ideas as we chart the way forward.
TropSc2024 Day 1
Tropical Science Foundation and co-organisers ASM and UNIMAS were delighted to welcome all participants of the 2nd International Conference on Tropical Sciences at the Conference Dinner on the night od 16 October 2024.
We were deeply honoured to have the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg to officiate the event. His speech emphasised that Sarawak has always welcomed scientists who offered to assist the State government in taking new approaches in policy formulation to preserve the environment that the people have been enjoying all this while. He also hoped that the two-day TropSc 2024 conference could provide Sarawak with inputs that could facilitate the achievement of its environmental sustainability policies and find solutions to deal with the current global environment.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang was also in attendance. In his speech, he highlighted that MOSTI recognises the importance of integrating science, policy, and community engagement in addressing the challenges of the tropics. This is why the Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development, conservation and the equitable use of natural resources.
Adding a cultural touch to the evening, participants were treated to a vibrant display of local Sarawakian dance, allowing them to experience the region’s rich traditions firsthand. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for your valuable presence and contributions and look forward to fruitful outcomes from this important conference.
On 17 October 2024, the participants of the 2nd International Conference on Tropical Sciences (TropSc) 2024 participated in the panellists’ session, where they actively contributed to discussions in various breakout rooms following the theme: Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering, Tropical Medicine, and Tropical Natural Resources. Additionally, three special themes cover Climate Change in the Tropics, Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity, and Protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics. We are glad to see that each participant exchanged insights and contributed ideas to address the pressing challenges and opportunities within each area, fostering a spirit of cooperation and forward-thinking solutions for the future of the tropics.
The TropSc 2024 culminated in the Kuching Declaration of the Tropics led by the Executive Director of Tropical Science Foundation, Academician Professor Emerita Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mazlan Othman FASc. It emphasises tropical regions’ significance and challenges, proposes coordinated actions to promote sustainable development, protect biodiversity, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. The Declaration touches on the calls for the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, academia, and local communities, to work together for the future of the Tropics. The way forward for this conference is to protect the tropics’ unique ecosystems while promoting sustainable development.
The two-day programme concluded with a prize-giving ceremony for the best oral and poster presentations, honouring individuals who demonstrated exceptional research, innovation, and impactful communication within their respective fields. We sincerely thank the Government of Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and other strategic partners who contributed to the conference’s success. We look forward to welcoming you again at the next International Conference on Tropical Sciences.
