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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 11: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak is keen to collaborate with the Entomological Society of Malaysia (ENTOMA) and universities to establish an interactive exhibition at the Sarawak Science Centre that highlights insects and their vital contributions to the ecosystem.
This was stated by MEITD Sarawak Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn in his speech, which was read by Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) general manager Dr Peter Morin Nissom today at the opening ceremony of the 5th International Symposium on Insects (ISoI 2023) held at a local hotel here.
“Entomology, as many are aware, is the study of insects and is a discipline branching from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“It is time for fellow entomologists and STEM researchers to work together to increase STEM literacy in Sarawak.
“Hence, I extend my highest compliments to ISoI 2023 as a platform to present and discuss the astonishing aspects of insects as it is in line with the direction of MEITD, which advocates for STEM education,” he said.
The Education minister also reiterated that Sarawak aspires to obtain at least 60 per cent of students in STEM by the year 2030.
“In response to this goal, stakeholders must play active roles in supporting STEM education.
“It is equally vital that we create a sustainable STEM education, making sure to enable and encourage student participation in this field,” he added.
Meanwhile, according to a ENTOMA press handout, ISoI 2023, held from Sept 11 to 13, is organised by ENTOMA and co-organised by the Centre of Insect Systematics (CIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Cawangan Sarawak, and the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
“After more than a decade of organizing this event, 2023 marks a significant milestone as Sarawak is chosen for the first time as the local host, providing a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the abundant biological and cultural diversity of the region.
“The theme for the 5th ISoI 2023 is ‘Unveiling the Hidden Prospect of Insect’. This theme encompasses a wide range of topics related to insects, including agricultural entomology, behavioural and chemical ecology, biodiversity and conservation, entotourism, entomophagy, education, insect physiology and biochemistry, insect systematics and evolution, integrated pest management, invasive alien species, forensic, medical, and urban entomology, molecular entomology and biotechnology, pesticide resistance and toxicology, acarology, and other topics related to insects,” the handout read.
It went on to say that the symposium will feature keynote and plenary presentations by distinguished experts in insect studies, including Dr Daisuke Kageyama from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organisation (NARO) in Japan; Prof Dr Ir Edhi Martono from the Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia; Dr Fatimah Abang, formerly a professor of Entomology at UNIMAS; and Associate Prof Ts Dr Nur Azura Adam, the Deputy Program Director at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in the Philippines.
“Furthermore, over 150 delegates from Malaysia, comprising 90 oral presenters and 41 poster presenters from local regions including Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sabah, as well as international delegates from Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, Japan, and the United States, will convene to share and exchange ideas on research and findings related to insects in ISoI 2023.” — DayakDaily
