Background and Introduction
The Socrates dialogue is a method developed by the Athenian philosopher Plato. It uses logic and reason to break down the essence of an idea and seek out the deeper meaning of things. The goal is to understand the issue in question at a deeper level by asking probing questions and focusing on first principles. The aim is to simplify the process and help understand key concepts that are important. ASTI organizes ASD around various themes.
ASTI SOCRATES DIALOGUE: A DISCOURSE ON BUILDING A BETTER WORLD POST COVID19
On February 10, 2023, the Association of Science, Technology, and Innovation held for the first time a Socrates Dialogue Discourse that discussed the topic of how to build a better world after COVID 19. This topic focuses on how we can build a better world after COVID-19. The discourse was open to certain people and was attended by several invited guests to hold a debate on a given topic. During the discourse, the attendees shared their opinions, thoughts, and suggestions for consideration on how to build a better world after COVID-19.
The dialogue session aimed to discuss building a better world post-COVID-19, starting with what “post-COVID-19” means and its economic effects. Participants covered topics such as changes in the economy, companies adapting to technology, and the positive impact of certain changes.
Details of Discourse:
Speaker 1: Prof. Ulung Dato’ Dr. Rajah Rasiah, Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Institute at the University of Malaya
Speaker 2: Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman of Tabung Haji and University Teknologi Malaysia
Speaker 3: Khailee Ng, Managing Partner at U.S. venture capital firm 500 Global
Moderator: Imran Ahmad, Author and Former Director at Khazanah Nasional
ASTI Socrates Dialogue (ASD) – Series B (Building a Better World), No. 2.
“Special Education in Schools and Neurodiversity at Workplace”
On 27th June 2023, the Association of Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) organised its ASTI Socrates Dialogue (ASD) – Series B (Building a Better World), No. 2. In an effort to promote inclusivity and create a more compassionate society, a dialogue titled “Special Education in Schools and Neurodiversity at Workplace” was held at Sentral Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together educators, regulators, employers, experts, and advocates to discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity and fostering an inclusive environment both in educational institutions and professional workplaces.
The dialogue session aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by individuals with special education needs and those who are neurodivergent at the workplace, while highlighting the positive contributions they can make when provided with the right support and opportunities.
Details of Discourse:
Speaker 1: Mr. Dhruv Patel, the Chief Executive and Founder of Nisai Group
Speaker 2: Ms. Nasreen Ma, a Neuroeducationalist and the Founder of Meaningful Activation
Moderator: Dato’ Seri CM Vigneswaran Jeyendran, CEO of UMPER Consulting
The dialogue session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, urging them to actively contribute towards building an inclusive and caring society that values neurodiversity. Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained from the session in their respective domains, with a commitment to creating positive change and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with special education needs and neurodivergent conditions.
SPECIAL SOCRATES ROUND TABLE: HOW STUDENTS CAN PREPARE FOR AN EVEN FASTER CHANGING WORLD
The Association of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ASTI) organized a special Socrates Round Table on “How students can prepare for an even faster changing world”. The special Socrates Round Table was organized on 23 February 2024 at AC Hotel by Marriot, Kuala Lumpur. The special Socrates Roundtable was moderated by Dato’ Tharuma Rajah. He is a Member of The Board of trustee Teach for Malaysia and Senior Advisor to Pivotus Consulting.
Socrates Round Table was a small interactive group and participated by visionaries and experts on the subject in question from various sectors, particularly in the Education area. The round table aimed to galvanise society to start asking the right questions and expand on this domain of thought towards creating a more balanced worldview.
The need for active participation of all stakeholders in the development and implementation of the education system is imperative to keep pace with the current fast changing trends. Despite the challenges, there are reason for hope, and it’s imperative that we maintain faith to adapt the system to prepare students for the future.
UNDERSTANDING OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE: NAVIGATING THROUGH AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
ASTI successfully organized its 4th ASTI Socrates Dialogue (ASD 4), titled “Understanding Operational Resilience: Navigating Through an Uncertain Future,” on 3 May 2024 at Wyndham Grand Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The event featured Steve Yates, a globally recognized expert in business continuity, crisis management, and operational resilience. Steve is a Founding Fellow of the Business Continuity Institute (FBCI) and is best known for serving as the Head of Business Continuity and Crisis Management for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he was responsible for ensuring the continuity of critical operations and emergency preparedness.
Moderated by Dato’ Tharuma Rajah, the dialogue brought together professionals and thought leaders to discuss how organizations can strengthen their resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. Steve shared practical insights on adapting to disruptions, managing risks, maintaining essential services, and building resilient organizational cultures that can thrive amid change. Participants from various industries actively engaged in the interactive discussion and exchanged ideas on future-proofing their organizations.
FUTURE OF EDUCATION – LEARNING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE CAREERS
On 14 August 2025, ASTI successfully organized the 5th ASTI Socrates Dialogue (ASD) 2025 at PAUM Clubhouse, Kuala Lumpur, themed “Future of Education – Learning Through Technology and Future Careers.” The dialogue brought together educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss how technology can transform education and prepare students for future careers.
The event featured distinguished speakers and panelists who shared insights on educational innovation, technology integration, future workforce skills, and industry-education collaboration. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on creating a more adaptable, inclusive, and future-ready education system for Malaysia.
The programme successfully achieved its objectives by fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and actionable ideas to support the future of education in Malaysia.
Details of Discourse:
Speaker 1: Dato’ Tharuma Rajah, Member of the Board of Trustees, Teach for Malaysia & Senior Advisor, Pivotus Consulting
Speaker 2: Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, Chairman, Khazanah Research Institute & Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
Speaker 3: Ms. Adilah Junid, Director of Legal & Government Affairs, Microsoft Malaysia
Speaker 4: Dr. Ewe Chun Te, Co-founder, Acton Academy KL
STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS AND AMONG YOUTH
The Association of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI) successfully organized the 6th ASTI Socrates Dialogue (ASD) titled “Strengthening Mental Health in Schools and Among Youth” on 11 February 2026 at PAUM Club House, Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together researchers, educators, industry representatives, and community stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting youth mental health.
Moderated by Dr. Ewe Chun Te, the dialogue was organized in collaboration with the Institute for Health Behavioural Research (IHBR), Ministry of Health and Khazanah Research Institute (KRI). The programme featured six research presentations covering adolescent mental health, access to mental health services, teacher readiness, psychological distress among youth, and mental health awareness initiatives.
Designed as a platform for meaningful public discourse, the ASD encouraged participants to engage in critical discussions and exchange perspectives on building mentally resilient communities.
Through initiatives such as the ASTI Socrates Dialogue, ASTI continues to promote informed dialogue, and collaborative action towards creating a healthier, more resilient, and empowered future generation.
The following paper titles were presented during the ASTI Socrates Dialogues.
- Exploring Psychological Impact Among Adolescents During Home-Based Learning Amid COVID-19 Pandemic in Selangor, by Ms. Norafizah Jaafar
- Perceived Barriers and Facilitators in Accessing Mental Health Services Among Malaysian Secondary School Students, by Ms. Logeswary Krisnan
- Seeing, Listening & Understanding: Integrating Qualitative Methods to Explore Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders Perspectives on Adolescent Mental Health, by Ms. Norbaidurah Ithnain
- MHLCSE: Insight Into Malaysian Teachers’ Readiness to Support Adolescents’ Mental Wellbeing, by Ms. Mariatul Umeera Muhammad Dahaban
- Contributing Factors to Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, and Help- seeking Behaviours Among Adolescents Living in the Klang Valley People’s Housing Project (PPR), by Puan Noorlaile binti Jasman
- Kajian Penilaian Kempen Media ‘Hentikan Stigma Kesihatan Mental, by Masitah Ahmad