Malaysian

Malaysian INvention and Design Society

Greetings and a very Happy 2015!

MINDS is pleased to inform that the Exco is planning to come out with the newsletter on a quarterly basis starting from January 2015.

In this issue we hope to report the activities for the year 2014. We believe that this newsletter will be a great way to develop a stronger rapport with our members. Don’t just take it from us we would love to hear from you. Give us your feedback, contribute an article or even share with us a joke or two.

We wish all our members a very ‘inventful’ 2015.

11 JANUARY 2014 A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MINDS and the Lions Club International District 308 B2. The main objective of the MOU is to offer innovative, creativity and IP talks, seminars and facilities to promote inventive spirit to the community.

Tan Sri Ong exchanging the MOU with Lion Lee Boon Hoe District 308 B2 Governor

22-23 FEBRUARY 2014 DESIGN THINKING COURSE

Design thinking has come to be defined as combining empathy for the context of a problem, creativity in the generation of insights and solutions, and rationality in analyzing and fitting various solutions to the problem context. The purpose of teaching Design Thinking is that by knowing about how to successfully approach and solve difficult, multi-dimensional problems - more specifically, effective methods to ideate, select and

execute solutions - individuals and businesses will be able to improve their own problem solving processes and skills. Recognizing the importance of design thinking, MINDS organized a training course on 22-23 February 2014 at the Taylor’s Technology Innovation Centre, Taylor’s University. About 70 secondary schools teachers and students participated the workshop.

Newsletter January 2015 Patrons: YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad YBhg Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding

MINDS Executive Committee Academician Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Augustine SH Ong President Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May Vice President Dr Loo Koi Sang Hon Secretary Ms Christine Ong Hon Treasurer Committee Members Dr Ravigadevi Mr Tan Kim Seng Dr Mukhzeer Shahimin Ir Yap Mew Sang Mr Stephen Poon Mejar Munusamy Dato’ Dr Cheah Cheng Huat Dr Sarina Sulaiman Executive Secretary Kendra Lam Publication Chrys Tee

CONTENTS MINDS Roving News Arts & Creativity Exhibition Reasons for Hope A Johor Getaway Invention Asia Membership Matters Congratulatory Message Name the Newsletter Contest

Malaysian Invention & Design Society C3A-10, 4th Floor Block C Damansara Intan 1 Jalan SS20/27 47400 PJ Tel: 03-71182062 HP: 012-9032312 Email: minds.invent@gmail.com Website: www.minds.com.my

MINDS FOREVER

Catherine Shoon

Mr Stephen Poon, lecturer in Design School, Taylor’s University, has been working closely with Dr Edwin Chung

Assoc Prof Dr Edwin Chung, Director – Taylor’s University - Technology Innovation Centre “I was thinking that there’s a good chance these people are not familiar with the topic of creativity, design and innovation. There is a need to ‘shock’ them – expose them to a new way of doing and seeing things.”

The objective of the workshop is to introduce participants to the concept of Design Thinking, demonstrating how it can be used across many businesses, how it empowers one to solve issues and also how to master the tools and techniques. Participants also learnt how to apply the process to real business challenge. Following the launching of the course in Taylor’s University, 2 subsequent courses were held in Kuching and Penang in the month of August and October respectively.

The camp held at Kuching Park Hotel (15-16 August) involved 49 participants who are mostly teachers from 15 schools in Kuching, Sibu and Miri. There was also an officer from

the Academic Management Sector or State Education Department. Catherine Shoon, a teacher and Co-curriculum senior assistant from SJK Chung Hua Batu 15, said Design Thinking Boot Camp 2.0 was new to her. “I thought it would be boring but it was not. This is a new experience for me. The facilitators were very professional, sharing their knowledge. The presentations were interesting, and they provided sufficient exercises and assignment”.

“In terms of design thinking, this camp helped me think on what I wanted to do all this time as my interest lies in innovation. I have always been interested in creating and innovating, and from here, it helps me to think in a wider perspective, especially on ways to generate ideas,” Azrai said.

Azrai who has participated in several science competitions also hopes that he will be able to showcase his creative work during the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) organized by MINDS this year (2015).

A total of 80 participants attended the Design Thinking Camp (18-19 Oct), out of which 3 were from the Institute Pendidikan Guru, Bukit Mertajam. The 2-day camp was held at the Chung Ling High School, Butterworth. MINDS would like to acknowledge the efforts put in by the Organising Chairman of the Penang Design Thinking Camp, YBhg Dato’ Dr Cheah Cheng Huat for the successful turnout.

Students of MIGS singing their school song

Students from SJK(C) Batu 15 Kuching with their medals

MINDS poster at BAST

1 MARCH 2014 Launching of MINDS Chapter in Mutiara International Grammar School (MIGS). It was indeed another milestone for MINDS as it established a chapter in MIGS. Following the launch there were talks on Creativity, Intellectual Property System, Invention in School and Successful Inventor. 27-30 MARCH 2014 BAST (Beijing Association for Science and Technology) Exhibition Three MYIE (ITEX) winners of 2013 from SJK © Batu 15 Kuching with their teachers, Ms Lily and Ms Dew represented MINDS at the Beijing Association for Science and Technology Exhibition in Beijing from 27-30 March. The trio exhibited their invention “Light Bulb Fixer”. The delegation was led by MINDS Executive Secretary, Kendra Lam.

(L to R) Ms Lily, Harvy, Wai Yie, Adryanna and Ms Dew

Tan Sri Ong Helen Swan

Stephen Poon talking about Design Thinking at the AGM

Meal Time

26 APRIL 2014 MINDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/MINDSTORMING SESSION The AGM was held in the General Committee Room of the Royal Lake Club and a total of 41 members attended the meeting. Minutes of the 26

th AGM were tabled, events and

activities were reported, the chapters gave their report on their various activities for the year. It was indeed a ‘meeting of MINDS’ as members from the different chapters come together to catch up with one another. Busy “storming” each others mind

The

A MINDS FAMILY PORTRAIT

ITEX 2014

8-10 MAY 2014 ITEX 2014 – Silver Jubilee ITEX celebrated its 25th anniversary and on this auspicious occasion we welcomed 20 countries and about 1000 participants to ITEX 2014. We believe that this is indeed a testament of how highly regarded ITEX is among international communities. The ITEX IPI workshop was very ably conducted by Prof Stephen Ong. Prof Ong talked on the topic “SPACE® Design Thinking : Startup Your Invention Now!” The first session of the workshop “From Idea to Product” was an interactive session to apply SPACE® Design Thinking to create a product from an invention by understanding customer needs. The second session entitled “Invent your Market” was also an interactive session to SPACE® Design Thinking to create the market for your product by defining its unique value proposition. With the collaboration of Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia (FMM) we are able to create the opportunity for an “Inventors Meet Investors” session during the Intellectual Property & Innovation Seminar on 10 May. For further details on ITEX 2014 please visit our website www.minds.org.my The enthusiastic

crowd milling at the entrance of the ITEX 2014 exhibition hall, KLCC

Winners of the MYIE – Primary School Category Winners of the MYIE – Secondary School Category

The young and budding inventive talents of the school children are not forgotten as the Malaysian Young Inventors Exhibition (MYIE) and Asian Young Inventors Exhibition (AYIE) were also held concurrently during ITEX. ITEX 2015 21-23 MAY 2015 KLCC Look out for more information on ITEX 2015 in our March newsletter, our website or call us at the MINDS Secretariat for details. We are expecting a bigger crowd and better inventions at ITEX 2015.

Watch out for ITEX 2015!

The striking of the gong signifies the official opening of ITEX 2014, (L) YBhg Tan Sri Omar Abd Rahman, YB Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, Deputy Minister of MOSTI and YBhg Dato' Vincent Lim, President of CIS Network Sdn Bhd

Dr Jane Goodall

Lake of UTM

Recreational Forest

ARTS AND CREATIVITY EXHIBITION 2015 (ACE) It is indeed good news for those who are more inclined to the arts and creativity as MINDS intends to embark on another genre of exhibits showcasing creative talent in artistic works. It is proposed that this exhibition be called ACE (Arts and Creativity Exhibition).

ACE will be an annual event. As the first initiative of ACE planned to run the exhibition from 17 Sept to 16 Oct 2015, at the Universiti Malaya Art Gallery. It is proposed that a competition based on illustrated creative writing will be held with the theme “58 YEARS OF MALAYSIA – PERPETUATING NATIONAL UNITY”. The programme will run from 17 – 20 Sept and will include talks and workshops. Prizes will be given out on 20 Sept. While short story and art competitions are not new, what is proposed is one of a kind, NEVER before in Malaysia. The competition targets schoolchildren and young Malaysians. Do keep a lookout for further details on ACE in the coming issue of our newsletter.

30 January 2015, 9.30am – 12.30pm Reasons for Hope – A Talk by Dr Jane Goodall Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur For the first time in Malaysia, meet Dr Jane Goodall, world renowned primatologist, ethologist, environmentalist and United Nations messenger of peace. Dr Jane Goodall shares her vision in which youths from around the world turn their passion into action. If you are interested in the talk, do contact Kendra at the MINDS Secretariat by 15 January 2015 to secure a seat.

A JOHOR GETAWAY! 7-8 March 2015 How do you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a 2-day 1-night stay at the Ecotourism Campus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor. You can enjoy lush greenery, fresh clean air and where you can feel that time stood still. However we will bring you back to reality by having a-half day Design Thinking Workshop to teach us how to look at problems in a different perspective and learn the skill at how we can go about solving it. So, there you are a relaxing and beneficial getaway with MINDS. For further enquiries give us a call at MINDS Secretariat.

Deer Park Tropical Garden

INVENTION ASIA – Inspiring Inventions Championing Commercialisation The inaugural issue of Invention Asia, unveiled in May 2014, is a publication that fosters the spirit and practice of innovation. Its launch coincided with Invention Exhibition, ITEX Malaysia 2014, which was held from 8th -10th May 2014 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The launch was in tandem with the Silver Jubilee of ITEX and also the 2014 Commercialization Year by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI). INVENTION ASIA explores issues pertaining to the commercialization processes of cutting edge inventions from Asia. This twice yearly magazine features the most progressive trailblazers such as innovators, researchers, government representatives, industry leaders, academicians and decision makers in the Asian region.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS MINDS is pleased to announce that as of 2014 we have a total membership of 2066. We would like to welcome the following into our MINDS family for the year 2014: Mr Yong Kee Chiang Ms Lau Pik Ying Mr Lee Peng Who Dr Tan Cheng Im Mr Richard Hoy Yew Bong Mr Ranjit Singh Mr Eng Bung Chai Dr Guan Teik Ee Mr Oh Teik Swee Mr Teh Bah Chuan Mr Lam Ken Lun Dr Lee Chien Sing Dr Koay Chew Aik Dr Ahmad Altheidi Dr Palsan Sannasi Abdullah Ordinary members can convert their membership to life membership by making their total payment up to RM300. On becoming a life member you will receive a copy of the MINDS Commemorative Coffee Table Book (worth RM150). If you have any query, do give us a call at the MINDS Secretariat and we would be most happy to assist.

FELICITATIONS DATUK DR CHOO YUEN MAY Our heartiest congratulations to YBhg Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May, Vice President of MINDS, on being awarded the prestigious Merdeka Award on 9 December 2014. The Merdeka Award is conferred on eminent individuals for their outstanding and lasting contributions in their respective fields to the nation and the people of Malaysia.

The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah, the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan and Royal Patron of the Merdeka Award Trust, at an event held at the Petronas Philharmonic Auditorium.

YBhg Datuk Dr Choo (far right) recognized for her outstanding contribution to the development of novel, efficient and green processed for the plam-based industry through research and commercialization of various technologies.

MR ROBEST YONG MINDS is also proud that another of our member, Robest Yong has been awarded the Asian Pacific ICT Award for his latest invention VISION TOUCH. The VISION TOUCH enables the blind to use any smartphone, this involves 2 steps – download the application for Vision Touch and stick on a film with punched out holes. Although there are some other smartphones that have been invented the cost is too high to manufacture for sales. Vision Touch is cheap to produce as a film (very much like your screen protector) with perforated holes placed on the dialing pad is all you need to enable the blind to use the smartphone easily.

Robest is not new in the field of invention as he first made the Polyclone instant rubber stamp machine which hit the market in 1993. In 1994, it won the Gold Medal at the Geneva International Invention competition in Switzerland and it completely revolutionised the art of making rubber stamp worldwide. “To be an inventor, you must have at least one source of steady, reliable income first to finance the experiments and support marketing efforts,” advises Yong. Another thing is not to rest on one’s laurels.

“Like trends, ideas can become passe so an inventor must always come up with fresh ones,” says Yong

NAME THIS NEWSLETTER AND WIN A PRIZE We tried to think of a cool name for the newsletter but we decided the creative and inventive members of MINDS could help us out. So, we are announcing our newsletter naming contest. The contest will run for 4 weeks (1st – 31st January 2015). The closing date for the competition is 31

st January 2015. Winner of the contest will receive a cash prize of

RM200 (Ringgit Two hundred only). Eligibility: You must be a MINDS member, you may submit as many newsletter name entries as you wish. We are looking for a short, catchy name for the newsletter, which should not be too long, not be registered or be a trademark or brand for any other person or entity or be the name of any other business or company. By submitting an entry, you have irrevocably agreed that we may display, use, or transfer the winning entry, in its sole discretion, on any websites and for any other purpose. Do you already have a great name in mind for the newsletter, if you do, submit your entry to Chrys @ email: minds.invent@gmail.com