SITI HASMAH HOPES MALAYSIAN RESEARCHERS CAN EXCEL GLOBALLY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of
former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, wants local researchers to work
closely with international institutions to contribute meaningful research and
ideas to the world.

"We are in the era of globalisation. In that context I would like to see our
academicians spread their wings to rise above the challenges at the
international stage.

"Increase cooperation and activities with international academicians, carry
out more research and publications through joint efforts," she said after being
introduced to the second appointed person to the Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali
Chair here Tuesday.

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Chair is an 'endowment' from the Malaysian Women
Graduates Association to pay tribute to Malaysian women for their contribution
and success in the field of education and research, especially in science and
technology, established in 1997.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr Nik Meriam Nik Sulaiman from the Department of
Chemical Engineering, University Malaya, has been appointed as the new holder of
the Chair replacing former holder Professor Halijah Ibrahim.

Nik Meriam who is currently the chairperson of the "Sustainability Science"
Research Cluster, has research interest in the environment with a special
leaning towards the participation of engineers for a sustainable future.

While presenting a research project entitled "Transforming Sustainability
Strategy into Action - The Case for The Malaysian Process Industry", she said
the focus would be on the application of cleaner production systems approach to
selected process industries in Malaysia.

She said in Malaysia the implementation of Cleaner Production has yet to
gain a firm footing by all stakeholders.

"In recognition of the important contribution by Small and Medium
Enterprises to the Malaysian economy, this research will conduct the
implementation of Cleaner Production Techniques in two indigenous industries,
namely the batik and the natural rubber processing industries," she said.
-- BERNAMA
L