FOSTERING A CULTURE OF SCIENCE & INNOVATION

We are at the threshold of a new decade in 2020 and we must face the many challenges in our globalised world. We owe it to the next generation that we prepare the young among us the right knowledge, competencies and values. One area for urgent conversation and discussion is the place of science and innovation in our society. We must re-strategize in the building of human potential. At the heart of fostering a culture of science is to inspire the young in Malaysian society to imagine the impossible and the development of creative minds. The former President of India Abdul Kalam has frequently spoke that it was his primary school teacher who inspired him when he was only 10 years old to mastering mathematics and acquire an ambition for aeronautical engineering. In this context of building a future Malaysia KSI & the Malaysian CSO SDG Alliance is hosting this conversation among scientist, educationist, industry players & policy makes. We seek in this conversation together:

• To review the way our children are being educated and to ensure that innovation, creativity and fostering a rational mind is the cornerstone of the educational thrust.
• To review the quality of teachers as role models and mentors for science and innovation in fostering a creative mind and to make science learning fun and discovery so as to foster a love for science
• To review the role of parents in creating a home environment which fosters creativity in science & enabling parents to be change agents with the right approach to education
• To review the role of private sector in providing opportunities for talent development in R & D in science & innovation and in providing the space for experimental R&D