Role and Contribution of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia to the Advancement of S&T in Malaysia and the Islamic World

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1 Role and Contribution of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia to the Advancement of S&T in Malaysia and the Islamic World by Dr. Shukri Ab. Wahab Chief Executive Officer Academy of Sciences Malaysia 1

2 Academy of Sciences Malaysia 1.Established in February 1995 under the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) Act Statutory body under Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) 3.Inaugurated by YABhg. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (former Prime Minister of Malaysia) on 8 September Launching Grant of USD 4.2 million ( ) 5.From 2005 (Operational expenditure & Development budget) from Government of Malaysia 2

3 Vision To be the Scientific Thought Leader in Advancing Science for Malaysia to Become a Contributor to Science Mission.. to pursue, encourage and enhance excellence in the fields of science, engineering and technology for the development of the nation and benefit of mankind.

4 Thrusts 1. Science for Development (utilization of science for development, wealth creation and societal well-being) 2. Development for Science (accelerating STI for knowledge generation, new discoveries & creating new value-added opportunities for future development) 4

5 Programmes 1.Provide Advice to Government on STI 2.Fostering Culture of Excellence in STI 3.Upgrading Technological Capability in Malaysian Industry 4.Promoting Public Awareness and Understanding of STI 5.Enhancing International Collaboration 6.Scientific Publications 5

6 Advice to Government 1. Mega Science Framework Study for Sustained National Development Seismic & Tsunami Hazards and Risk Study 3. Climate Change and Impact on Malaysia 4. Emerging Infections Diseases: Malaysian Scenario 5. Sustainable Management of Lakes and Reservoirs in Malaysia 6. Strengthening R&D and Commercialisation Funding 7. Empowering Society through STI for Sustainable Development 6

7 Fostering a Culture of Excellence in STI 1. Scientific Advancement Grant Allocation (SAGA) 2. Mahathir Science Award 3. Nobel Laureate Programme Meeting of Young Scientists with Nobel Prize Winners Nobel Laureate Lectures 4. Dr. Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh Medical Research Trust Fund 5. Makna Cancer Research Award (in collaboration with MAKNA) 6. Science Funds (Evaluation of Research Applications) 7. Science Funds (Monitoring of Research Projects) 8. Training Course on R&D Management for Young Scientists

8 Promoting Public Awareness on STI 1. ASM Inaugural Lectures 2. Eminent Person Lectures 3. Public Lectures 4. National Science Challenge 5. Back to School Programme

9 International Networking & Collaboration 1. Malaysian Antarctic Research 2. Regional and International STI Networks (Participate in the joint projects, conferences and scientific meetings) Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (FASAS) Association of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (AASA) Science Council of Asia (SCA) Inter Academy Panel (IAP) Inter Academy Medical Panel (IAMP) International Council for Science (ICSU)

10 Scientific Publications 1. ASM Science Journal (Biannual) 2. Journal of S&T in the Tropics (joint publication with COSTAM) Proceedings -Science, Technology and Innovation: Strategizing for Investing in the Future (Malaysian Science and Technology Convention (MASTEC) Animal feedstuffs in Malaysia Issues, Strategies and Opportunities -Proceedings: National Workshop on Seismic and Tsunami Hazards and Risks in Malaysia 2006 Monographs -The Red Jungle Fowl of Peninsular Malaysia (Shaik Mohd Amin Babjee) -Why Study Science? (Nobel Laureate Dr Richard Roberts) Magazine -Estidotmy

11 Activities Involving Islamic Countries 1. OIC Conference on S&T, 7-10 Oct. 2003, Kuala Lumpur (Produced Kuala Lumpur Declaration on S&T for Socio-Economuc Well-Being of the Ummah Vision 1441) 2. S&T Management Training Course for Researchers in OIC Countries 2 weeks training course to share Malaysia experience in S&T Management Funding from Government of Malaysia under Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Started in 2005 and 100 researchers from OIC Countries have been trained 3. International Symposium on STI: Towards a Prosperous and Secure Islamic World, 9-11 August 2007, Kuala Lumpur

12 Activities Involving Islamic Countries 4. International Youth Workshop on STI: Towards a Prosperous and Secure Islamic World, 6-7 August 2007, Kuala Lumpur 5. International Exhibition on Scientific Excellence in Islamic Civilisation: Islamic Science Ahead of Its Time, 8 Jan- 14 Feb 2007, Kuala Lumpur 6. Member of the Network of Academies of Sciences in OIC Countries (NASIC) Co-organise Scientific Meetings and Conferences 7. Co-organise Scientific Meetings and Conferences with the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS)

13 The Science and Technology Challenge for the Muslim World 1. The muslims world were once leaders in S&T in 12 th and 13 th Centuries, followed by a steep protracted decline 2. Statistic scientists per million population in OIC member countries compared to scientists per million population in the west Only 4.18% of total world research papers & 0.05% of world patents are contributed by OIC member countries No OIC countries are categorized into scientifically advanced and scientifically proficient. 9 OIC member countries fall in scientifically developing and 48 countries are in scientifically lagging Source: 17 th IAS Conference, Dec. 2009, Malaysia

14 The Science and Technology Challenge for the Muslim World 3. Now there are signs of renewed ambition & investment in education, science and innovation In Sept. 2009, the King Abdullah University of S&T opened in Saudi Arabia with an endowment of between US$10 and US$20 billion In May 2007, the Prime Minister of UAE announced the creation of a US$10 billion foundation to establish research centres In Qatar, a 2500 acre Education City has been built outside Doha, containing international campuses of 5 of the world s top universities 4. How far and fast the Islamic countries can move up the innovation chain? 5. Islamic countries have the potential to make breakthroughs

15 The Science and Technology Challenge for the Muslim World 6. Some obstacles include: Lack of STI Infrastructures Low R&D expenditure Brain drain Lack of comprehensive STI policy Low number of RSE Lack of R&D focus Lack of political commitment & leadership Lack of infrastructure and quality of higher education 7. Recommendations for consideration: I. Highest levels commitment in government, industry and STI organisation and higher institutions For solid and sustained investments in STI including infrastructures and human capital

16 The Science and Technology Challenge for the Muslim World II. Strengthening capacities and capability Increase number of RSE Improved skills and continuing education Opportunities for women participation Capabilities in new and emerging technologies III. Fostering collaboration Joint projects in specific technologies (e.g. Petroleum engineering, micro-chip, design, highway construction and water desalination) Research collaboration in new emerging technologies and basic sciences Ongoing forum and dialogue to forge alliances among research institutions and industries

17 The Science and Technology Challenge for the Muslim World IV. Concentrating STI efforts Due to limited resources (financial & manpower), Islamic countries must be strategic in approach and support developments in STI areas that promise highest socio-economic return V. Fostering a culture of STI and entrepreneurship Develop a supportive attitude in society for change through STI awareness programmes Will help to create a climate for innovation and entrepreneurship The rich Islamic heritage in science must be capitalized as a source of motivation for excellence in STI

18 Thank you 18