ASM crucial to implement Fourth Industrial Revolution — Tangau
PUTRAJAYA: The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) plays a very important role as the nation's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) leader with Malaysia moving toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and National Transformation 2050 (TN50).
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the ASM provides independent, credible, timely and relevant strategic input to ensure sustainable development of the nation anchored on STI.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend ASM for its excellent work in carrying out various flagship studies that have resulted in a highly valuable compendium of advisory reports recommending strategic direction for STI in the nation,” he said.
Speaking at the conferment of Fellowship of ASM and announcement of Top research scientists Malaysia at Marriot Hotel here Thursday, Tangau said the Academy's effort in ensuring integrated and inclusive approach in delivering the highest quality of scientific, intellectual and strategic input had assisted the ministry in ensuring positive results in papers presented at the National Science Council, chaired by the Prime Minister.
“I look forward to more strategic input and reports from the ASM in the future. The ‘Envisioning Malaysia in 2050: A Foresight Narrative' report launched earlier today is highly commendable. Being a young Academy definitely did not deter ASM from braving through the many challenges of producing this report,” he said.
At the same time, he said in the field of science diplomacy, ASM had administered numerous bilateral and multilateral exchange programmes, facilitated several international research collaborations and host two international offices on behalf of MOSTI, namely the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for SouthSouth Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC) and International Science Council (ICSU).
“I thank ASM Fellows who helm leadership positions in international organisations, such as Association of Academies and Societies in Asia (AASSA), InterAcademy Partnership for Health (IAP), International Science Council and many others,” he said.
Tangau said Malaysians must pay greater importance in positioning Malaysia at its best.
According to him, the Transformasi Nasional 2050 or TN50 was an initiative to plan for the future of Malaysia in the period 2020 to 2050, hence the government had been actively meeting and engaging various levels of society especially the youth through TN50 dialogues.
He said the TN50 envisioned Malaysia to be amongst the top countries in the world, by design not by chance, in economic development, citizen well-being and innovation.
“In order to prepare Malaysia to the unknown challenges of 2050, we need to develop a society that is literate and engaged in driving its transformation from within the society.
“Thus, developing talent is key. The government is now critically looking at developing its talent holistically. The children of today who are the workforce of tomorrow will need to be equipped with values, skills sets and knowledge of fundamental science,” he said.
Tangau was happy to note that Mosti's efforts in moving the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) agenda has gained the support of the Prime Minister who announced allocation for the STEM Training Centre when unveiling the 2018 Budget, recently.