KUCHING: The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) wants to collaborate with expert networks in Sarawak to collectively address regional challenges and drive positive change for the state.
The focus of this collaboration, particularly in the area of indigenous culture, will emphasise on strategic socioeconomic aspects that can enhance the well-being of Sarawak’s residents while promoting environmental sustainability and planetary health.
President of ASM, Datuk Dr. Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, expressed his eagerness to learn from the practices of the Borneo indigenous community, who have sustained the environment and its resources for generations.
“ASM, in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), is actively developing a National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP) under the 12th Malaysia Plan,”he said to reporters yesterday.
The NPHAP seeks to integrate planetary health into national policies and plans, addressing ecosystems, biodiversity, health, and climate change for sustainable development. The plan, announced in April 2022, is expected to be published in 2024.
“The ASM IdeaXchange programme, which took place during the ASM Roadshow Sarawak Chapter at Unimas, serves as a platform for the scientific community, expert networks, stakeholders, and ASM members to exchange ideas, discuss interdisciplinary matters, and debate topical issues related to science, technology, innovation, and the economy,” said Professor Datuk Dr. Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
The 38th IdeaXchange event’s theme was “Indigenous Cultures, Practices and Views from Borneo towards the Promotion of Planetary Health.”
It featured key speakers and panelists discussing the importance of indigenous perspectives in advancing planetary health.
This event marked the first time the ASM IdeaXchange programme was hosted outside of Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the Academy’s commitment to engaging with experts and stakeholders nationwide.
“The next ASM roadshow is scheduled for Nov 6 at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, further fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise to address critical regional and national challenges,”he said.
