ASM Set To Evolve Into ‘Think And Do Tank’ To Advance National Progress

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), which has served as a think tank for the past 30 years by bringing together experts from various fields to mainstream science, technology, innovation and the economy (STIE), is now set to evolve into a ‘think and do tank’ to help drive national progress.

Its president, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, said this transformation aligns with ASM’s role as both a thinker and changemaker.

“One of our key ongoing initiatives is the development of a mission-oriented national STIE system. This framework will unify STIE projects across sectors, involving researchers, public agencies, industry players and the community.

“It also provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to work together, ultimately producing greater outcomes and impact for STIE initiatives,” he said in his speech at ASM’s 30th Anniversary and the 2024/2025 Fellowship Conferment Ceremony held here last night.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang were also present at the event.

Tengku Mohd Azzman also emphasised the importance of expanding the number of Senior Fellows and new Fellows to broaden the Academy’s collective intelligence and network of expertise.

“I hope all existing and new Fellows will be inspired to become outstanding contributors within this intellectual community. Together, we must act as agents of change for the nation and its people,” he said.

He added that although ASM is one of the youngest science academies in the world, it remains committed to identifying the best ways to serve the country.

Meanwhile, Universiti Tenaga Nasional Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ir Dr Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari, expressed his vision for Malaysia to become a regional robotics hub by 2030. To achieve this, he stressed the need to train educators at all levels to ensure future talent meets industry needs.

“We aim to advance robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce dependence on foreign labour to 15 per cent, in line with the National Robotics Roadmap,” he said.

He noted that as the robotics field evolves rapidly, there is an urgent need for trained educators to nurture new talent from school to university levels.

“This is a major challenge for experts in this field — to train teachers across all education levels so that the workforce we produce is truly industry-ready,” he added.

ASM 2025 Senior Fellow, Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim, a chemical engineering lecturer at UCSI University, said science plays a critical role in addressing key emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the rare earth economy.

“All of these require scientific approaches. The media also has a vital role in reporting these efforts to keep the public informed,” he said.

Prof Dr Fatin Aliah Phang Abdullah, from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Science, Education and Technology, highlighted the importance of improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching methods.

“I believe the issue lies not in students’ interest, but in the teaching techniques. Students need to feel confident in understanding STEM subjects. I want to support teachers in this area, and I hope the Ministry of Education will collaborate with us to make this effort a success,” she said.

At the event, Fadillah also presented ASM Fellowship awards to three individuals as Senior Fellows and 63 new Fellows for 2024 and 2025, comprising leading scientists, engineers and technologists from across the country.

Among those conferred Senior Fellows were Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc (2024) and Academician Dr Koh Chong Lek FASc (2025).

Appointed Fellows are entitled to use the title “Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia” or the post-nominal “FASc”.

Fellows are selected from eight core disciplines: Medical and Health Sciences; Engineering Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Mathematics, Physics and Earth Sciences; Information Technology and Computer Sciences; Science & Technology Development and Industry; and Social Sciences and Humanities.

To date, ASM has 535 Fellows, including 30 Senior Fellows and 505 Ordinary Fellows. The titles “Academician” and “FASc” represent the nation’s highest recognition in science, awarded under the Academy of Sciences Malaysia Act 1994.

-- BERNAMA