KUALA LUMPUR: Prof Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, a distinguished academician who received the inaugural “Profesor Ulung Negara” in 2010, and four other Malaysians have been conferred a Fellowship by the International Science Council (ISC) for 2023. The other four recipients are Prof Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Yusoff, Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, Prof Datuk Dr Awg Bulgiba Awg Mahmud, and Prof Dr Ramesh T. Subramaniam.
The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) stated in a recent release that these individuals are among the 100 new ISC Fellows globally. This group comprises established scientists and thought leaders recognized for their significant contributions to advancing the understanding, use, and engagement of science for the greater good.
ASM President Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen expressed pride in the acknowledgment by ISC, emphasizing the invaluable contributions and capabilities of Malaysia’s expert network. He stated, “The affirmation by ISC is a testament to our achievements and serves as an inspiration for us to strive harder in the pursuit of scientific excellence.”
The ISC Fellowship is a prestigious recognition that honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of science as a global public good. It is considered the highest honor that can be conferred on an individual by the ISC.
The ISC operates globally to catalyze and convene scientific expertise, advice, and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society.
Additional notable achievements mentioned in the news include Prof Looi’s role as one of the 50 Founding Fellows of ASM in 1995, his receipt of the Merdeka Award (Health, Science and Technology Category) in 2016, and Prof Khatijah’s position as a Senior Fellow of ASM and vice-president of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS).
Prof Asma, an immediate past president of ASM, holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first female Higher Education director-general and the first woman to be appointed chairman of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
Prof Awg Bulgiba, the first Malaysian doctor to gain a PhD in Health Informatics, served as ASM secretary-general from 2019 to 2023.
Prof Ramesh, an ASM Fellow elected in 2016, is a materials scientist with expertise in preparing, developing, and characterizing polymers and polymer electrolytes for various electrochemical devices.
In June 2022, the ISC announced the creation of a Fellowship and the appointment of 66 Foundation Fellows, including ASM Senior Fellow Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid.
ASM, the nation’s thought leader for matters related to science, technology, innovation, and economy (STIE), boasts a network of experts with 1,000 members across eight scientific disciplines.
Source: The Star