ASM President’s Regional Visit to Kelantan

ASM President Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc paid a regional visit to Kelantan from 28 June 2024 to 30 June 2024.

On the first day, the president visited Lembaga Kemajuan Pertanian Kemubu (KADA) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), together with ASM CEO Puan Hazami Habib and ASM East Coast Chapter Chair Professor Dato’ Dr Jafri Malin Abdullah FASc.

The visit to KADA highlighted some concerns related to the water issue and the paddy yield in Kelantan. In contrast, the visit to UMK enlightened the group about the university’s philosophy, which is focused on entrepreneurship education and enterprises.

ASM’s propositions to both organisations led to the introduction of the 10-10 MySTIE Framework and the utilisation of the varied expert networks inside ASM in managing the issue and strengthening the core of the business, which received great feedback.

The regional visit to Kelantan continued with a courtesy visit led by Deputy Secretary General (Planning and Science Enculturation) of MOSTI Puan Ruziah Shafei to the EXCO of Education, Higher Education, Green Technology, Digital and Innovation Kelantan, YB Ustaz Wan Roslan Wan Hamat.

Along with Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) and Pusat Sains Negara, the discussion centred around MOSTI and the agencies’ efforts to advance the STI agenda to the community in Kelantan.

A courtesy visit to Menteri Besar Kelantan, YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Haji Daud, followed. The visit highlighted how ASM can offer solutions through the ASM Expert Network, in collaboration with other ministries and agencies, to address various pressing issues, especially those concerning water and agriculture in Kelantan.

Along with other ASM initiatives, such as the IBSE module designed to train tahfiz teachers and foster scientific interest among tahfiz students in Kelantan, the proposition received a positive response from YAB Menteri Besar Kelantan.

The day concluded with a get-together dinner with the ASM Kelantan’s Expert Network, comprising Fellows, YSN-ASM, TRSM, and Associates. The ASM President highlighted how, as experts, they must understand the people’s needs and facilitate action, thus emphasising the imperative for scientists to adopt a proactive mindset aimed at impactful engagement.

The last day of the regional visit started with a site visit to the Kelantan Observatory Centre at Pantai Mek Mas. Hosted by Bahagian Falak Jabatan Mufti Negeri Kelantan, the planned establishment is set to conduct astronomical activities and as an ecotourism attraction. ASM fully support the initiation of the Observatory Centre, offering to engage ASM experts in astronomy to ensure its success.

Continuing the agenda, visiting Kelantan Authentic Lifestyle & Arts (KALA) Sentral provided insight into the thriving local entrepreneurial landscape. This complex is poised to evolve further with plans to establish a Makerspace under the Ruang Daya Cipta initiative by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM). Another notable site visit to Jeram Mengaji Agro Resort highlights Kelantan’s potential as a hub for ecotourism and edutourism, with the initial idea to organise the STEM Camp.

ASM extends heartfelt gratitude to all local authorities, organisations and the ASM expert network for their hospitality and contributions. ASM looks forward to future collaborations to enhance Kelantan’s STIE ecosystem and promote sustainable development for the region.