ASM Sarawak Chapter to launch science and innovation-driven initiatives this year
by lim how pim · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (March 2): The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) Sarawak Chapter will roll out a series of science and innovation-driven initiatives this year.
In a statement, the chapter said these initiatives align with ASM 2025 theme, ‘Forward Together: Reconnecting Regional Stakeholders in Transforming the STIE Ecosystem’.
“These efforts will empower researchers, innovators and policy makers to drive sustainable development and scientific excellence in Sarawak,” said the chapter following its inaugural general meeting held at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) in Kota Samarahan near here yesterday.
The organisation said this marks the beginning of a new chapter in advancing Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE) in the state.
Fifty experts including 18 physical and 30 virtual participants from across Sarawak, attended the hybrid meeting. Among them were ASM fellows, members of the Young Scientist Network and Top Research Scientists Malaysia.
Chairing the meeting, Tropi director and ASM fellow Datu Dr Lulie Melling highlighted the crucial role of the ASM as a platform for multidisciplinary experts to engage with government agencies on national and regional STIE issues.
She cited the Second International Conference on Tropical Sciences, held in Kuching on last Oct 16–17 as a prime example of how ASM can collaborate with the Sarawak government to address pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation and habitat degradation.
The establishment of the ASM Sarawak Chapter is a critical step towards strengthening scientific leadership, policy engagement and cross-sector collaboration — positioning Sarawak as a regional hub for science, technology and innovation.
It aims to strengthen regional scientific collaboration and promote evidence-based policymaking in the state.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1994, ASM serves as Malaysia’s leading think tank on matters related to STIE, driving excellence and fostering impactful solutions for national development.