ASM FAScinate™ Series

In conjunction with the ASM’s 25th Anniversary, this new concept of FAScinate™ is not limited to the lecture style. The new branding of more casual talk aims to engage with more public and fascinate them with science. Featuring the tagline “Open Minds, Spark Ideas” in which through the series of talk, it will become a platform for ASM Fellows to share their thoughts and knowledge that will open the minds of people and spark new ideas.

This session featured four ASM Fellows: Professor Dato’ Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh FASc, Dato’ Professor Emeritus Dr Hashim Yaacob FASc, Professor Dr Zainal Abidin Talib FASc and Professor Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei FASc.

This FAScinate™ series welcomed questions from viewers during registration and throughout the Facebook Live session. Mouse over the infographic beside the videos to view the Q&A for each speaker.

First to present was Professor Dato’ Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh FASc. He is a senior consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Pantai Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. He has a sub-speciality interest in rhinology (including allergy, sinonasal diseases, endoscopic sinus, anterior and ventral skull base surgery, and functional and cosmetic nasal surgery). Dr Balwant’s presentation elaborated on the virtues of combining rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery.

Next, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Hashim Yaacob FASc presented his enlightening presentation titled “My God, Your Gum Bleeds!” Dr Hashim is an accomplished scientist in the field of dentistry. He began serving University of Malaya in 1975 until 2008. He was also a Visiting Professor and external examiner in Dentistry to Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA and MAHSA University.

Being in the field of material physics for close to 20 years, Professor Dr Zainal Abidin Talib FASc is privy to the properties of materials at the microscopic level. Utilising his acute knowledge of material properties, Dr Zainal delved into the synthesis of selenide-based semiconductors for photovoltaic uses by adjusting the morphology of the substance to acquire desired properties. His presentation touched upon the approaches that have been taken to synthesise photovoltaic materials as well as the advantages and disadvantages that comes with these approaches.

The fourth presenter was Professor Dr Lee Sze Wei FASc, ASM Fellow and President of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College. Dr Lee is actively involved in the promotion of interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among youths in Malaysia. His presentation today will revolve around the importance of scientific thinking and culture as an essential factor for the wellbeing and progress of societies and nations.