Latest news with #NationalScience
The Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Yusof Apdal ready to contest in state election if selected
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said he is prepared to contest a state seat in his home base of Lahad Datu in the upcoming election. The Lahad Datu MP, however, said it is up to Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to decide if he can contest for the party, which sits in opposition at the state level. "It is up to the president, there are four state seats in the Lahad Datu parliamentary constituency," said Yusof when asked by reporters after his ministry's Kupi Kupi Bah Kita with the media. Yusof, who is Shafie's younger brother, is speculated to be a possible candidate for one of the four seats in Lahad Datu, which is seen as a Warisan stronghold, having won all the seats in the 2020 snap elections. Two Warisan assemblymen—Datuk Norazlinah Arif (Kunak) and Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi (Segama)—have defected to other parties. Earlier, Yusof urged the media to continue helping the ministry create awareness and understanding among the people about the ministry's role. He said various activities by his ministry aimed at creating awareness in science and innovation were still not well known among the people, especially in Sabah. "That is why we have held various programmes such as the National Science Week 2025 in Sabah. "We want Sabah children at the school level to know, understand, and become interested in the field of science, which is an important choice for the future of this country," Yusof added. He said his ministry is also proposing the establishment of a National Science Centre in Kota Kinabalu, with the state government assisting in identifying a site for the facility. He said his ministry's efforts help create a better understanding of the importance of science to the community in Sabah. He noted that many students are not interested in science subjects because they may not see a future in the field. "As such, we have the necessary programmes with scientists on tour to help students gain more interest in sciences and see the potential of its future in their career plans," he added.
Barnama
08-07-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Malaysia Introduces Astronomy Module For Students With Visual Disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Students with visual impairments in this country are now able to 'explore' space after the launch of the Special Astronomy Module for them. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the module, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, is an important initiative towards making science and technology education more inclusive, especially in the field of astronomy. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments, thus making astronomy education more accessible and not limited to those with perfect vision," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here today. Also present were the secretary-general of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, director of National Planetarium Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and chairman of Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said a total of 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models as the surface of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects that allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia MADANI which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Malaysia launches astronomy module for visually impaired
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual disabilities in Malaysia can now engage in astronomy through a newly launched module designed specifically for them. The initiative, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, aims to make science education more inclusive. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang highlighted the module's importance in breaking barriers for visually impaired learners. 'This module is tailored for schools with special needs students, ensuring astronomy education is accessible beyond those with perfect vision,' he said during the launch at the National Planetarium. The module features tactile models of the sun and solar system, accompanied by audio descriptions and sound effects for an immersive learning experience. Chang noted that 12 schools have been selected for the initial phase under the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. The project aligns with Malaysia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the Malaysia MADANI vision, which advocates equal educational opportunities. Chang also encouraged more public-private partnerships to support students with disabilities in pursuing knowledge.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Malaysia introduces astronomy module for students with visual disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual impairments in this country can now 'explore' space following the introduction of the Special Astronomy Module designed for them. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the module was a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here Monday (July 7). Also present were the secretary-general of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad chairman Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects, which allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream. – Bernama
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
FRIM enhances efforts to commercialise forest resource-based research innovations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) continues to strengthen its role in the development of forest resource-based technology and innovation through the comprehensive execution of research, development, commercialisation, and application (RDCA) activities. FRIM said the initiative represents a strategic effort by the institute to support Malaysia's aspiration of becoming a high-tech nation by the year 2030. 'In line with the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia Act 2016 and the National Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation and Economic (RDICE) Roadmap, FRIM plays a key role within the national innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration between the research sector, industry, and government. 'This effort is guided by the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030, which aims to achieve research and innovation investments totaling RM85.7 billion,' FRIM said in a statement. It added that it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research laboratories and the market by actively participating in national initiatives such as Malaysia Commercialisation Year and working closely with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). According to FRIM, several approaches have been implemented to drive innovation, including the provision of technology packages, product certification, technical advisory services, and incubation activities through its Innovation and Commercialisation Division. 'FRIM's intellectual property is managed through the Technology Information Management System (TIMS), ensuring that innovation outputs are well-protected and ready for commercialisation. These efforts are further supported by its wholly owned subsidiary, FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating technology licensing and translating research outcomes to meet market demands,' it said. 'Among FRIM's key achievements is the successful commercialisation of clones and extracts from local herbs such as Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) and Cucur Atap (Baeckea frutescens) which are now incorporated into natural wellness products with strong potential to enter international markets. The institute also provides consultancy and technology transfer services to both government agencies and the private sector. These services encompass a wide range of areas, including biomass product development, plantation silviculture, eco-friendly product certification, and biodiversity mapping. In addition, FRIM offers expertise in the development of nature trails and ecotourism projects, contributing to efforts in environmental sustainability. 'Through strategic collaborations with various local and international organisations, FRIM is also actively involved in implementing greening initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and raising public awareness on the importance of reforestation,' it added. FRIM stressed that the success in creating both commercial and social value from research outcomes underscores how forest resource-based scientific innovation can significantly contribute to national economic development. In line with this, FRIM remains committed to leading the development of an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable forest-based industry for the benefit of the nation.
