INTRODUCTIONThe Academy of Sciences Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) organized the OIC Conference on Science and Technology from 7 - 10 October, 2003 in Kuala Lumpur. This conference was organized as a side event of the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, which was held on 11 - 18 October 2003 in Putrajaya. This conference has produced the resolutions called Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Well Being of the Ummah, which declared VISION 1441 as a vision for Muslim world to rededicate themselves to mastering science, and technology to ensure that they can face the challenges of the new global economy.
VISION 1441 - “OIC member states are committed to become a community that values knowledge and is competent in utilizing and advancing Science and Technology (S&T) to enhance the socio-economic well being of the Ummah”.
Kuala Lumpur Declaration was then adopted by 10th. Session of the Islamic Summit Conference. The Declaration has identified 7 key strategic thrusts in achieving Vision 1441 including capabilities and capacities. In the era of knowledge economy, skilled people are at the centre of this economy. They are the building blocks of most of the OIC countries efforts to transform their economies. The availability of skilled people especially in science and technology among member countries is extremely low - in most cases the figure is less than 10 researchers, scientists and engineers per 10,000 labour force. Member countries need to urgently address this deficiency by instituting various human resource development programmes. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Well Being of the Ummah has outlined six recommendations on strengthening S&T capabilities and capacities including to launch science and technology management training courses for senior personnel of S&T institutions as well as those from industry among member countries.
The first, second and third Science and Technology Management Training Courses for Researchers in OIC Countries were organized in 2005, 2006 and 2007 under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP). A total of 108 participants from OIC member countries attended this course. Following the success in these courses, the fourth training course will not only contribute towards developing the human capital of OIC countries but will go a long way towards building greater people to people understanding among the Ummah.
COURSE OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the course are to provide participants with :
Sufficient theoretical insights on current trends in science and innovation management including the concept of a National Innovation System; science awareness, R&D commercialization, technology transfer, public-industry linkages and techno-entrepreneurship;
Skill on sound research management practices including writing of research proposals and presentation of technical reports as well as activities aimed at fostering a creative and innovative organizational culture;
Opportunities to establish joint research collaborations among member countries.
COURSE OUTLINE- The main topics covered in this two-week course include, among others, the following :
- Science, technology and innovation in the knowledge economy
- Knowledge society and role of researchers
- Writing a winning research proposal
- Quantitative methods for science and innovation policy research
- Communicating science to the public
- Public sector-industry linkages
- Commercialization of research
- Techno-entrepreneurship
- Intellectual property rights.
In addition to the above topics, technical visits to research institutions and local case studies will be included in the course programme to complement the class presentations.
COURSE DURATION AND VENUEThe programme will las for two weeks. It will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 13th October - 24th October, 2008.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTSA maximum of 30 participants will be selected for the training course. 20 participants will be from OIC countries and another 20 from Malaysia. The mixture of participants from OIC countries and local participants will enable mutual exchange of knowledge and experience among the participants as well provides opportunities for discussion on possible research collaboration.
THE CRITERIA OF PARTICIPANTSThe criteria for selecting the participants are as follows :
(i) Have at least bachelor’s degree in science or engineering. Those who have MSc or PhD in science or engineering are preferred.
(ii) The participant should hold at least one of the following responsibility :
Senior scientist heading the public research institution or research centre within institute of higher learning; or
Senior scientist heading scientific research programme.
(iii) Responsible for decision making on matter regarding research on science and technology in country.
(iv) In order to take full advantage of this course, the participants must be proficient in English.
(v) Preference will be given to those who are able to actively participate in the course and to influence the course outcomes.
(vi) 45 years of age or below.
(vii) Participants must be in good health (Applicant must submit his/her medical certificate together with the application form).
RESOURCE PERSONThe Academy of Sciences has 145 Fellows drawn from eminent Malaysian scientists, engineers and technologist in the fields of medical sciences, chemical sciences, biological sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, chemical sciences, information technology, and science and technology development and industry. Fellows of the Academy and other local experts from universities and research institutions will be selected as the resource persons for the training course. They will be selected based on their expertise, experience relevant to the course.
MODES OF DELIVERYA combination of the following will be used in the delivery of the training course.
- Lectures
- Workshop and discussions
- Case studies
- Role play/simulation
- Visit to selected research institutions/research centres both public and private.
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTIONThe course will be conducted in English.
CERTIFICATESCertificates will be awarded to participants upon the successful completion of the course.
ALLOWANCEAll sponsored participants will be provided with the following :
Air ticket (economy class) round trip from the relevant countries.
Accommodation, food, medical, travel insurance, and transportation expenses within Malaysia.
APPLICATION AND ENQUIRIESAll applicants are required to complete the prescribe application form as in Appendix 1, and submit four (4) copies of the completed forms to the respective Embassies in Kuala Lumpur, which will be forwarded to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Public Service Department (JPA). The Government of Malaysia will inform the successful applicants to the course not later than 22nd September, 2008.
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONSAll applications should be submitted to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia by
13th July, 2008.(Application form also can be downloaded from
http://www.akademisains.gov.my).