2nd International Conference on Tropical Sciences 2024
THE TROPICS MATTER TO THE WORLD
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TROPICAL SCIENCES: 2ND
HARMONISING HUMANITY WITH NATURE
16 & 17 OCTOBER 2024 IN KUCHING, SARAWAK
JOIN THIS MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE WHERE WE FOCUS ON POLICY ISSUES AND SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS IN THE TROPICS.
TRACKS
TROPICAL AGRICULTURE
TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
TROPICAL MEDICINE
TROPICAL NATURAL RESOURCES
SPECIAL THEMES
CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TROPICS
OPEN SCIENCE IN TROPICAL BIODIVERSITY
PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IN THE TROPICS
Message from the Chair of Steering Committee
I am delighted to welcome you to the International Conference of Tropical Sciences (TropSc™ 2024): Harmonising Humanity with Nature in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from 16 to 17 October 2024
TropSc™ 2024 brings together leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners to share cutting-edge research, innovative ideas, and best practices in Tropical Sciences The conference will have four tracks focusing on Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering, Tropical Medicine and Tropical Natural Resources, and three additional Special Themes focusing on Climate Change in the Tropics, Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity, and Protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics
A key objective of the conference is to plant the seeds for the Alliance of the Tropics, a network dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the region We will also work towards the Kuching Declaration of the Tropics, a framework to guide sustainable development in the Tropics Through dedicated networking sessions designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster collaborations, you will be able to build lasting connections
Your participation is crucial to the success of TropSc™ 2024, and we look forward to your contributions and insights Let us together make this a memorable and transformative event
Message from the CEO
At the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, we strive to become a science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE) powerhouse of the nation With that vision in mind, it is crucial for the Academy to champion initiatives of national importance such as the tropical sciences This commitment is particularly important amidst ongoing scientific and technological advancements, considering that 80% of the world’s biodiversity originates from tropical regions
Building upon the success of the inaugural International Conference on Tropical Sciences in 2021, the second edition of the conference in 2024 aims to bring together stakeholders to position the tropics in the context of global development and identify needed interventions by the government, private sector and academia
We are delighted to announce that the conference will feature distinguished speakers in four tracks focusing on Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering, Tropical Medicine and Tropical Natural Resources, and three additional Special Themes focusing on Climate Change in the Tropics, Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity, and Protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics
We encourage government officials, industry captains, researchers and students from all over the world to join us in Kuching, Sarawak for this exciting event We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful city of Kuching, and provide a stimulating and engaging conference
Puan Hazami Habib Chief Executive Officer, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Objectives
1 To plant the seeds for the Alliance of the Tropics, a network dedicated to addressing the
2 To formulate the Kuching Declaration of the Tropics, a framework to guide sustainable development policies
Tracks
Special Theme unique challenges and opportunities in the region
Tropical Agriculture (TA)
Tropical Architecture & Engineering (TAE)
Tropical Medicine (TM)
Tropical Natural Resources (TNR)
Climate Change in the Tropics (CC)
Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity (OSB)
Protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics (ILK)
Tropical Agriculture (TA)
Tropical agriculture plays a vital role in harmonising humanity with nature. Sustainable agricultural practices in tropical regions, such as agroforestry, organic farming, and precision agriculture, help preserve soil fertility, reduce deforestation, and minimise chemical inputs By promoting biodiversity, water conservation, and climate-smart techniques, tropical agriculture contributes to ecosystem resilience and food security while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing sustainable practices in tropical agriculture is crucial for preserving natural resources, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations
Tropical Architecture and Engineering (TAE)
Tropical architecture and engineering have a crucial role in harmonising humanity with nature. Sustainable design principles specific to tropical regions, such as natural ventilation, passive cooling, and efficient water management, help reduce energy consumption and minimise the ecological footprint of buildings Integration of renewable energy sources and resilient infrastructure also contributes to mitigating climate change impacts
Tropical Medicine (TM)
Tropical medicine plays a significant role in harmonising humanity with nature by addressing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the health of ecosystems It focuses on understanding and combating diseases prevalent in tropical regions, where environmental factors and human activities can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. By studying and addressing these diseases, tropical medicine contributes to global health security and the overall well-being of communities, and ecosystems on a global scale Furthermore, advancements in tropical medicine research and interventions can lead to improved healthcare systems, disease prevention, and better management of emerging infectious diseases, ultimately promoting harmonising humanity with nature.
Tropical Natural Resources (TNR)
Tropical natural resources play a crucial role in harmonising humanity with nature in tropical regions, requiring a holistic approach that balances economic development, social well-being, and environmental conservation The rich biodiversity and ecosystems in tropical regions provide essential services like carbon sequestration, clean air, and water regulation. Sustainable management and conservation of these resources are vital for mitigating climate change, protecting habitats, and preserving biodiversity Additionally, tropical resources contribute to food security, medicine, and renewable energy A balanced approach to their utilisation ensures a healthier planet for current and future generations
Special Themes
The Tropics play a vital role in regulating the world’s climate Tropical forests store an estimated 25% of the world’s carbon. Despite this, global warming has resulted in an even warmer tropical region Even slight changes in daily temperatures may have extreme impacts on the species that flourish in stable tropical climates, and the livelihoods of people that depend on them Children under 15 in the Tropics are set to make up more than 67% of the world population by 2050 Issues like climate change may have pervasive effects on the future of young people in the Tropics. Therefore, it is vital that we listen to the voices of youth and protect the future that they will inherit To safeguard the wealth of natural resources that are available in the Tropics, tropical nations must have capable data management and storage systems that can enable scientists, policymakers, and citizens to use data on the Tropics to inform their research and policies Embracing open science will create avenues for this exchange of data.
Climate Change in the Tropics (CC)
Climate change is having profound impacts on the tropics, a region characterised by its warm climate and biodiversity-rich ecosystems Rising temperatures in these areas are causing more heatwaves, changing weather patterns, and intensifying storms and cyclones The warmer climate is also affecting rainfall distribution, causing more severe droughts in some areas while increasing the risk of flooding in others These changes threaten agricultural productivity, which is critical for the livelihoods of millions of people living in tropical regions Additionally, climate change is putting immense pressure on tropical ecosystems, such as rainforests and coral reefs, which are already vulnerable to deforestation, pollution, and overfishing The loss of biodiversity in these ecosystems could have cascading effects, disrupting food chains and reducing the resilience of these environments to further changes As a result, the tropics face the dual challenge of adapting to climate change while mitigating its impacts to preserve both human and ecological health
Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity (OSB)
Open science in tropical biodiversity holds immense potential for advancing research, conservation, and sustainable development in these ecologically rich regions By making research findings, data, and methodologies freely accessible to the global community, open science fosters collaboration, accelerates scientific discovery, and enhances transparency in biodiversity studies In the tropics, where biodiversity hotspots face numerous threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction, open science offers opportunities to generate comprehensive datasets, monitor ecosystem health, and develop evidence-based conservation strategies Moreover, open science principles promote inclusivity by enabling broader participation from diverse stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, and citizen scientists, in biodiversity research and monitoring efforts By harnessing the power of open science, we can unlock the full potential of tropical biodiversity conservation and ensure the sustainable management of these invaluable ecosystems for future generations
Protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics (ILK)
There is an increased global recognition of indigenous communities’ capacities to manage the fragility of their own ecosystems against human and non-human threats such as climate change Hence, the protection of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in the tropics is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also a crucial strategy for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation Indigenous peoples and local communities in tropical regions possess a wealth of traditional knowledge about their environments, including sustainable resource management practices, medicinal plant uses, and intricate ecological understandings Safeguarding this knowledge is essential for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and promoting community resilience. Additionally, respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities to control and benefit from their traditional knowledge is fundamental for achieving environmental justice and fostering equitable partnerships in conservation and development initiatives Efforts to protect ILK in the tropics must involve recognising and respecting indigenous rights, promoting intercultural dialogue, and integrating traditional knowledge systems into policy-making processes and sustainable development strategies.
The TropSc 2024 Committee TM
Advisors
Office of the Premier of Sarawak
Mr Ahmad Syafiq Yusup
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Dr Sarune Beh
Chair of Tropical Science Foundation
Academician Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali FASc
Conference Steering Committee
Chair
Academician Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mazlan Othman FASc
Chair of Technical Sub-Committee
Professor Dato’ Ir Dr A. Bakar Jaafar FASc
Chair of Conference Management & Finance Sub-Committee
Puan Hazami Habib
Chair of Mahathir Science Award Laureates Group
Emeritus Professor John Sheppard Mackenzie
Technical Committee TropSc™ 2024
Track: Tropical Agriculture
Lead / Chair
Professor Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Idrus FASc
Sub-committee Members
Professor Dr Mohammad Hamiruce Marhaban
Professor Dr Mohd Rafii Yusop
Professor Dr Ahmad Zaharin Aris FASc
Professor Dr Shaufique Fahmi Bin Ahmad Sidique
Track: Tropical Architecture & Engineering
Lead / Chair
Ir Dr Suzana Yusop FASc
Sub-committee Members
Professor Ir Dr Fatimah Ibrahim FASc
Professor Ir Denny Ng Kok Sum Dr Nor
Adilla Rashidi Dr Chai Yee Ho
Track: Tropical Medicine
Lead / Chair
Professor Dr Fong Mun Yik FASc
Sub-committee Members
Professor Dr Lau Yee Ling FASc
Professor Dr Hesham Al-Mekhlafi
Dr Lee Wenn Chyau
Dr Wahib Mohammed Mohsen Atroosh
Dr Cheong Fei Wen
Track: Tropical Natural Resources
Lead / Chair
Professor Dr Ahmad Ismail FASc
Sub-committee Members
Dato’ Dr Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah FASc
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Abdul Latiff
Mohamad FASc Dr Mazlan Madon FASc
Special Theme: Climate Change in the Tropics
Lead / Chair
Datu Dr Lulie Melling FASc
Sub-committee Members
Associate Professor Yusri Yusup
Dr Ismail Hj. Parlan
Dr Kaido Soosar
Special Theme: Open Science in Tropical Biodiversity
Lead / Chair
Professor Dr Noorsaadah Abd Rahman FASc
Sub-committee Members
Professor Dr Habibah A Wahab FASc
Associate Professor Dr Liew Chee Sun
Dr Nurzatil Sharleeza Mat Ja Dr Norzulaani Khalid
Special Theme: Indigenous and Local Knowledge in the Tropics
Lead / Chair
Associate Professor Dr Tay Meng Guan
16 OCTOBER 2024, WEDNESDAY
09:00
09:05
09:10
09:20
09:30
Arrival of Participants
National Anthem & Doa Recital
AGENDA
Welcome Speech by Academician Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Mazlan Othman FASc Chair, TropSc 2024, Steering Committee
Opening Speech by Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc
President, Academy of Science Malaysia & STI Advisor to the Prime Minister and Nation
Policy Dialogue on Facing a Post-Normal Era in the Tropics
Moderated by Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc
President, Academy of Sciences Malaysia & STI Advisor to the Prime Minister and Nation
Panellists: Professor Ziauddin Sardar
11:00
Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Development in the Tropics
Moderated by Dr Chen Jit Ern
Panellists: Dr Serge Morand
Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc Professor Eric Meijaard
12:30 Lunch
14:00
The Way Forward for the Tropics
Moderated by Dato’ Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin
Address by the ambassador - (Asia)
Address by the ambassador - (Small Island)
Address by the ambassador - (Latin America)
Address by the ambassador - (Africa)
16:30
19:30 Networking Session
Official Opening and Keynote Address by
The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Premier of Sarawak
20:00
Official Dinner & Cultural Performance
17 OCTOBER 2024, THURSDAY 2
PARALLEL SESSIONS
08:30 Panel Discussion I
(Invited Panellists)
Smart Farming: New Technology Adoption in the Tropics Designing towards Net Zero in the Tropics (Indigenous Design)
Medicine Security in the Tropics (Vaccines, Drugs and Diagnostics)
Oral Presentation of Accepted Papers I
Oral Presentations based on themes
Oral Presentation of Accepted Papers II
Oral Presentations based on themes
14:00
Lunch
Panel Discussion II
(Invited Panellists)
Food Security, Food-EnergyWater-Nexus in the Tropics
PLENARY SESSION
16:00
New and Emerging Smart Sustainable Materials for the Tropics
Impacts of Ecological Change on Tropical Diseases + Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)
Minerals of the Tropics Protection of Biodiversity in the Tropics
Compatibility & Interoperability of Tropical Biodiversity Dataset
Panel Discussion
17:30 Presentation & Adoption of Kuching Declaration on the Tropics Light Reception & End of Conference
Climate Change in the Tropics TA
FEE STRUCTURE
2 0 2 4 SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
Academician Datuk
Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman
Shariffadeen FASc Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Academician
Professor Emerita Datuk
Dr Asma Ismail FASc Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Professor Ziauddin Sardar Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies United Kingdom
Dr Serge Morand French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) Faculty Veterinary Technology Thailand
Professor Asit Biswas Third
Management Mexico
Dr Chen Jit Ern Sunway University Malaysia
Professor Dato’ Dr Ahmad Ibrahim FASc UCSI University, Malaysia
Engr Dr Zubairu Usman Bashar Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Nigeria
World Centre for
Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din FASc Universiti Putra Malaysia
Professor Dr Clive Phillips Curtin University Australia
Professor Lei Shu Nanjing Agricultural University China
Dr Kimberly Fornace National University of Singapore
Dr Ramendra Pati Pandey Professor, Biotechnology, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, Haryana, India
Professor Dato’ Dr Syed Mohamed Aljunid FASc International Medical University Malaysia
Professor Dr Laurent Ré Nanyang Technologica University Singapore
Professor Gs Dr Siva Kumar Balasundram Universiti
Dr Vickneshwaran Muthu Ministry of Health Malaysia
Professor Dr Suresh Kumar P. Govind FASc Universiti Malaya Malaysia
Putra Malaysia
k Dr John Payne @ Junaidi Payne eo Rhino Alliance (BORA) Malaysia
Prof
Dato' Sia Hok Kiang FASc, P. Geol. Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Professor Jatna Supriatna Universitas Indonesia
Ar Dr Serina Hijjas Hijjas Architechs & Planners Malaysia
Arq. Laurent Troost TROOST + PESSOA Architects Brazil
Ir Dr Chong Kok Hing Swinburne University Malaysia
Professor Armando Tibigin Quitain Kumamoto University Japan
Associate Professor Dr Liew Ju Neng
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji Edo State University Nigeria
Professor Dr Suttichai Assabumrungrat Chulalongkorn University Thailand
Professor Christobal Noe Aguilar
Autonomous University of Coahuila Mexico
Professor Ir Dr Mohd Sapuan Salit FASc Universiti Putra Malaysia
Professor Edvin Aldrian
Associate Professor Dr Sharina Abdul Halim
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Indonesia
SPEAKERS
Dr Rahimatsah Amat FASc Sabah Environmental Trust Malaysia
Professor Dr Habibah A Wahab FASc Universiti Sains Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr Ramy Bulan Universiti Malaya Malaysia
Dr Helen Nair FASc Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Professor Datuk Dr Ghazally Ismail New Zealand
Dr Maine Suadik Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Emeritus Professor Da Asmah Haji Omar Dewan Bahasa & Pust Malaysia
