International Collaboration: IIASA and Malaysia
August 30, 2019
A Lindau Experience – Mohd Arif Bin Mohd Sarjidan, UM
August 30, 2019
Carrying the theme “Sains Untuk Kesejahteraan”, the 2019 Johor State Level of Minggu Sains Negara (MSN) was held from 3 to 4 August 2019. It was organised by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), with strategic partners Bahagian Sains Teknologi dan ICT (BICT) dan Bahagian Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (BPEN) Johor.
The carnival-style science programme was held at Dewan Orang Ramai Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. It was officiated by YB Tuan Haji Aminolhuda Haji Hassan, Chairman of the Committee for Education, Human Resources, Science and Technology.
Mohd Ikhwan (ASM) walking through the Foresight Map with YB Tuan Haji Aminolhuda.
Following the officiating ceremony, the guests of honour were brought on a tour of the carnival, which comprises scientific briefings by several MSN exhibitors. Mohd Ikhwan Abdullah from ASM briefed the guests of honour on the Foresight Map, part of ASM’s Progressive Malaysia 2050 initiative. The Foresight Map features nine key drivers of change in shaping a harmonious, prosperous and sustainable Malaysia.
Representatives from UTHM’s Swidweb Solutions then presented their products that centre around the theme of sustainable environment. Meanwhile, a robotic presentation was delivered by Robopreneurs Sdn Bhd, followed by a drone demonstration by the Southern Drone Club Johor. The latter was led by Dr Jaysuman, a young scientist from the Young Scientists Network-ASM.
YB Tuan Haji Aminolhuda experiencing a live feed from a drone flight via a VR headset guided by Dr Jaysuman (YSN-ASM).
Also, several schools from around Batu Pahat, such as SMK Dato’ Onn, SMK Seri Gading, SMK Parit Raja, SMK Suria Perdana and SMK Sultan Mahmood Iskandar have also presented their inventions and innovations to the guests of honour.
MSN featured 38 exhibitors from schools around Batu Pahat, higher learning Institutions, NGOs, government agencies and science- and science education-based companies.
14 Malaysian young scientists have been invited to present their scientific knowledge in an easily understandable format via the Meet the Scientists Programme. In addition to this, there were other interesting and exciting programmes offered throughout MSN.
A mock crime scene was set up as part of the Crime Scene Investigation Contest.
The Department of Chemistry Malaysia prepared two activities for MSN, targeted at primary and secondary school students. The Crime Scene Investigation Contest tested their observation and scientific skills by studying a crime scene. On the other hand, the Civil Safety Awareness Quiz featured a set of activities and questions based on the six sections of Environmental Health, Customs Tariff Industry and Ship Inspection Centre.
The Meteorological Department Malaysia organised a Weather Forecast Reporter Contest. Participants from primary and secondary schools delved into the science of weather forecasting while learning how to communicate scientific facts effectively and with confidence.
Bubbly schoolchildren from SJK(C) Chong Hwa Senggerang waiting to enter the MSN Carnival.
Aside from the above programmes, Petrosains also conducted a science performance. Other organisers have also organised various interactive activities such as drone-flying competition, remote control (RC) flight demonstrations, a science quiz with Kahoot! and light observation.
As part of the social services programmes, health screening and blood drive were also carried out during MSN, courtesy of the Batu Pahat Hospital. The health screening allows visitors to find out their health status, as well as teaching them the importance of maintaining good health. Throughout the two days of MSN, the blood drive managed to collect 34 pints (~16 litres) of blood.
Fit Malaysia @ Community under way.
Maintaining good health is also a way of applying science in everyday life. With that said, the Ministry of Youth and Sports together with Kelab Kecergasan Jelita from Parit Raja organised Fit Malaysia @ Community, a morning exercise programme.
Enthusiastic exercisers from Kelab Kecergasan Jelita Batu Pahat, the co-organiser of the Fit Malaysia @ Community programme
The exercise programme featured a routine that was inspired by aerobic exercises, salsa, the Malay zapin dance as well as Zumba™ moves. This session was created to improve the stamina, strength and flexibility of participants.
Alongside the exercise programme, a lucky draw was organised that featured prizes such as Tupperware sets, electronic watches as well as a bicycle up for grabs.
Throughout the two days, the Johor State Level MSN has received 6,000 visitors, including students from 50 schools around Batu Pahat.