Malaysia introduces astronomy module for students with visual disabilities
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the module was a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad.
"This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here Monday (July 7).
Also present were the secretary-general of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad chairman Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain.
Chang said 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme.
He said the module used tactile models of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects, which allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive.
"With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said.
Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises fair access to education for all.
He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
MOSTI reaffirms commitment to strengthening collaboration with Petra on nuclear energy
CYBERJAYA: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to explore the potential of nuclear energy in Malaysia. Its minister, Chang Lih Kang, said nuclear energy has long been identified as a strategic area, with MOSTI playing a key role in advancing related technologies, developing talent, and formulating the regulatory framework. "Exploration in the nuclear field is not new. Discussions between MOSTI and PETRA have been ongoing, but this time, with clear government backing under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), we are now moving forward in a more comprehensive and structured manner. "This reflects a whole-of-nation approach, where all relevant stakeholders are being engaged. We have formed six task forces, three led by MOSTI and three by PETRA," he told Bernama and RTM after opening the International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in ASEAN here today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP last Thursday, said the government was considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive and safe energy sources Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan last Thursday, stated that the government is considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive, and safe energy sources for the future. A structured assessment is currently underway to evaluate its role in Malaysia's long-term energy mix. The initiative aims to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, support national carbon reduction targets, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the country's climate commitments and rising energy demand. In addition to nuclear energy, Chang said MOSTI is also involved in developing other strategic sectors such as rare earth elements (REE), with a similar focus on technology development, talent cultivation, and regulatory frameworks. He added that MOSTI is preparing to implement a range of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiatives outlined in RMK13, as part of efforts to elevate Malaysia into a high-tech economy. "As the implementing ministry, we are fully committed to driving the country's progress through the successful execution of these STI initiatives," he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
MOSTI to host Malaysia's first space law moot in Dec 2025
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will host the Space Law Moot Court Competition (PMPA) 2025 to raise public awareness and understanding of the increasingly significant field of space law in the nation's space technology development. Scheduled from Dec 5 to 7 at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in Nilai, the PMPA 2025 is spearheaded by MOSTI's Space Regulator Division in collaboration with USIM and supported by the Malaysian Innovation Foundation. In a statement today, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang encouraged more law students to embrace the challenge, not merely to compete for victory, but to explore an emerging field that connects science, technology and law. 'I believe this competition can produce a generation of young lawyers ready to face future challenges and safeguard national interests as we compete on the global stage in the space industry,' he said. PMPA 2025 is designed to highlight the importance of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 [Act 834], while providing an avenue for participants to debate critical issues in international space law in the context of current technology and future space exploration. The event is more than just a simulated moot court proceeding; it is a practical training platform for law students to hone their advocacy skills in the context of space trials, while gaining insight into the real challenges facing the national and international space industry. Chang said the competition is seen as a step towards strengthening academic collaboration between higher learning institutions and government agencies in formulating and implementing national space law policies. It also aims to raise awareness among the public and the academic community about the existence and importance of Malaysia's space law in safeguarding the nation's security, sovereignty and development in the space sector, he added. The PMPA 2025 is aligned with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which emphasises knowledge, inclusivity and compassion in shaping a progressive society. It also supports the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021–2030, particularly in nurturing science, technology and innovation talent and advancing data-driven governance. In addition, MOSTI views PMPA 2025 as part of its strategy to achieve the goals set under the National Space Policy Action Plan 2030. Among other aspects, the policy targets a space sector contribution of at least 1 percent or RM10 billion to the national GDP, while creating 5,000 new high-skilled jobs within a progressive and sustainable space ecosystem. Meanwhile, USIM's Faculty of Syariah and Law senior lecturer, Dr Che Zuhaida Saari, said that as technology becomes deeply embedded in daily life and reaches for the stars, the law must stay ahead to ensure space remains a peaceful, ethical and inclusive domain. She emphasised that space is not just an empty void, but a trust that carries a profound responsibility to protect all humanity. PMPA 2025 is expected to attract up to 50,000 participants from public and private higher learning institutions nationwide, solidifying its role in advancing expertise in space law, a field increasingly drawing global attention. Further details on participation requirements and competition guidelines are available on the official PMPA 2025 website at - Bernama
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
506 local products approved for MySTI logo as of July
TANJONG MALIM: A total of 506 products under the Use of Local R&D Products and Services Programme (MySTI) have been approved for the MySTI logo as of July, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang stated that products and services with the MySTI logo are now prioritised in government procurement since June 23, 2025. 'The implementation of MySTI is one of the Government's strategies to prepare the country towards achieving technological sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign technology,' he said. Approved products are listed in the MySTI Inventory, accessible via 'Registration for logo application is currently free of charge,' Chang added during the closing of the Effectiveness Programme for Dengue Vector Control Strategy. Among those present were Boniface anak Edwin Manung, Secretary of MOSTI's Technology Transfer Division, and Associate Professor Dr Rahmat Dapari from Universiti Putra Malaysia. MOSTI also showcased the eco-friendly *Aedestech Mosquito Home System* (AMHS), developed by One Team Networks. The system was tested over 24 weeks from February to July. Chang noted that before AMHS implementation, the Ovitrap Index (OI) was 45% in intervention areas and 39% in control areas. By week 22, intervention areas saw a slight drop to 44%, while control areas surged to 62%. 'This shows intervention areas maintained mosquito control, unlike control areas, which saw a 24% increase without AMHS,' he said. The results align with WHO-recommended OI monitoring, proving AMHS reduces Aedes breeding. 'MOSTI supports local tech that tackles national issues like dengue. Innovations like AMHS show R&D directly benefits public well-being,' Chang concluded. - Bernama
