The ASTI Innovation in Community Award (ASTI-ICA)

ASTI-ICA is designed to recognise the contributions of an individual or a group of people in doing projects in the community by using Science and/or Technology and/or Innovative methods.

Background of the Award

ASTI recognises that great work and change can source their origin from simple acts of an individual or groups of individual. There are rare breed of people who see a problem and do not sit by and let the world dictate to them their future. These are people who work tirelessly, often not wanting recognition or, in most cases, are not recognised for their work, no matter how amazing they may be. These people also use simple and yet innovative methods to start their work.

ASTI, being a group of scientists, engineers, educators, professionals and more, recognises the need to be able to use knowledge effectively when conducting projects in society. Often some people are able to use their knowledge effectively with minimal funds to be able to make a huge difference in society.

Objectives

With the above in mind, ASTI has launched this initiative called “The ASTI Innovation in Community Award, ASTI-ICA”. The objectives of this award include:

  • To recognise individuals and/or a group of people (and the community in which they work) who use innovative methods to make a positive difference to the people around them (the community)
  • To highlight these types of works in order to give young people a source of inspiration and role model in hopes of inspiring them to be positive change agents in their community
  • To avoid already well-known change agents – but rather focussing on the newer up and coming, not yet recognised change agents.

Method

ASTI-ICA will be administered by a committee elected by ASTI central committee who would request nominations for the award annually from its networks. The recipient can be from any part of the world. The committee will deliberate on the nominations received, and the award will be given based on:

  • The impact of the project on the community both horizontally and vertically (horizontal = numbers-quantity, vertical = depth-quality)
  • The innovative methods used in the project which include the effective use of resources and knowledge and the level of perseverance to achieve their goal.

We hope to give the award annually in conjunction with the Young Inventors Challenge, YIC. It can be given in person, or in absence when the person is unable to attend.

Funding and Budget

Considering the nature of ASTI being a non-profit organisation, the awards will be conducted modestly, with internally generated funds. Each year the quantum amount of the award will be determined by the ASTI central committee based on funds generated.

Winners

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2014

ADHAM EL SHARKAWY, from Cairo, Egypt.  

In 2014, the award was given to Mr. Adham El Sharkawy from Cairo, Egypt. Mr. Adham was born into a community which literally lived in a garbage village. They live by collecting and recycling garbage from Cairo. They recycle more than 80% of all the garbage they collect. Their mostly Coptic community is called the Zabaleens. Mr. Adham has been an active member of the community and has been very active in helping ‘modernise’ the community.

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2015

YB. RAVEN KUMAR KRISHNASAMY, from Malaysia

In 2015, the award was given to YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy for his invaluable work for community development and continuous support towards empowering the youths of Malaysia. We feel honored to present this award acknowledged his continuous contribution and commitment to ASTI and its efforts over the years as well as initiative and contribution to the Indian Community.

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2016

Mr.Soros Kim Rae

For 2016, we are proud to announce that the recipient is Mr.Soros Kim Sun Rae from Korea for his precious work for community improvement and endless support towards empowering the youths of Malaysia. We feel honored to present this award acknowledging his continuous support and commitment to ASTI and its efforts over the year’s contribution to the Community.

Mr.Soros Kim Sun Rae Contributions:

  • Continuous contributions to Johor State Science Fair for Young Children throughout the years since 2007, when ASTI launched the historical event for the first time.
  • He has never fail to attend our Science Fair and encourages all our students.
  • Contributed and encouraged schools to participate in National Level Science Fair as well as other international education related events.
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2018

Mr.Paskaran Subramaniam (Forme Assistant Director of School Education )

Mr. Paskaran was a former civil servant working with the Ministry of Education in charge of Tamil schools. As any civil servant, his contribution to the development of the nation is often overlooked. He played an integral role in transforming the Tamil schools in the nation to be national leaders. Today these schools are some of the best schools in the country, thanks to his contribution.

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2018

Dato P Kamalanathan (Former  Deputy Minister of Education)

Dato’ Kamalanathan was the retired Deputy Education Minister of Malaysia. He has been very active in community building and youth empowerment. His area of work includes education, social work and leadership. He has also been effective in helping to develop many student leaders who themselves have grown to become change makers.

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2020

Mr. Daiji Kojima  (President of JACTIM and Chairman of JACTIM Foundation)

The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia, or JACTIM, consists of about 600 members, was founded in 1983 with the objective of promoting economic relations between Malaysia and Japan, in the areas of international trading, commerce, industries and investment. In 1994, established JACTIM Foundation for the purpose of assisting cultural, social and educational development in Malaysia. JACTIM Foundation started to implement its activities since 1996. To date, JACTIM Foundation has donated about RM6.53million towards its activities. JACTIM Foundation has sponsored the Young Inventors Challenge (YIC) annually since 2016. The YIC is a team-based invention competition open to secondary school students, is organized since 2013 by The Association of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI). From 2016 to 2020, the foundation has contributed a total of RM125, 000 to YIC. JACTIM Foundation hopes this sponsorship would contribute towards encouraging and developing the creativity and inventive capability of the young people.

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2020

Datuk Nilla Raja

Datuk Nilla Raja started his life from a humble beginning as a child in Kedah. Through his hard work and perseverance, today he is a successful entrepreneur in many business sectors. Despite his success, he has never forgotten the community that helped him achieve his success and decided to give back through his community work. He has been actively involved in areas such as social work, cultural activities and educational projects. In 2019, he was conferred the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (D.P.S.M) which carries the title Datuk by the Melaka state government for his contribution to society. Datuk Nilla Raja has shown continuous financial support for many projects including Science Fair for Young Children project since 2015.

Year 2016

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Ramanujan Award for Outstanding Teachers (RAOT)

Association of Science Technology and Innovation (ASTI) aspires to be the premier Malaysian association for the promotion of education and understanding in scientific knowledge and also the organizer of Science Fair for Young Children (SFYC) and various other initiatives.

During SFYC 10 year Anniversary, ASTI launched a new award called the Ramanujan Award for Outstanding Teachers. RAOT is an award designed to honor teachers who have contributed to student’s achievements in both inside and outside the class rooms, specifically in the area of Science and Mathematics.

We invite teachers to nominate themselves or others whom you think deserve this award. The teacher need NOT have won any prizes or awards. We are also looking for the “unsung” teachers who show perseverance, tenacity and courage. However, the teacher must have been involved in SFYC for at least 3 years.

Winners of Ramanujan Award

Year 2016

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  • Mrs.Gomathy Sankaran-SJKT Kangar Pulai
  • Ms.Syiamala Devi-SJKT Ramakrishna
  • Mrs.Logeswari- SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal

Year 2017

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  • Mrs.Puzpayathi Govindasamy – SJKT Kangar Pulai

Year 2018

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  • Ms. Nirmala Devi Murugesan-SJKT Bulor Akar
  • Ms. Anurada Murugesan-SJKT Bulor Akar
  • Ms. Vijaya Lechemi Venkitasan-SJKT Permas Jaya
  • Ms. Saraswathy Munian-SJKT Taman Permata

Year 2019

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  • Ms. Puvanesvari Aramugam SJK(T) Taman Tun Aminah
  • Ms. Komathy Naliane SJK(T) Taman Tun Aminah
  • Ms. Parwazi Ayakanoo SJK(T) Vageesar
  • Ms. Sangkeri Gannasen SJK(T) Kinrara

Application Form

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