M.S.T.E.(MARDI Science and Technology Exhibition) Week)

MSTE Week was held in Bangi on the 20- 22th Dec 2006 in Bangi. The occasion includes Evaluation Exercise of RM8 Projects, Management etc There was exhibition of posters by MARDI scientists from all departments.These posters were judged and prizes were given. This was the 2nd exhibition after meeting in Melaka last two years. New and young RO met and discussed matters related to research.
On the very morning one speaker was invited to give a talk on Knowledge Management (KM).If I am not mistaken his name was Dr.Frank Aw, young, energetic fellow around 35 years old.He gave us a 2-hour solid lecture on practice of KM. A few of his slides that I gathered on Practice On Knowledge Management (POKM) was that scientists need to have first class mentality. Right now , most Malaysians scientists or whatever, he said had third class mentality; meaning that they have to be pushed (young or old) to do work or responsibilities, job etc. However, if they or we need to move forward ahead than others than we need to have 1st class mentality.What do we mean by that ?. Scientists should have four basic characteristics inculculate in them.
1.Self-driven 2.Proactive 3.Collaborative 4.Innovative.
With this features they will able to practice KM. There are 8 principles of POKM.
1.K-identification
2.K-acquisition
3.K-application
4.K-sharing
5.K-development
6.K-creation
7.K-preservation
8.K-measurement.

Chance for jobless grads to become rock melon farmers

PUTRAJAYA, MON:

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CALLING jobless graduates who are interested in becoming farmers. The Cabinet has set aside 20 ha of land in Kluang, Johor, for graduates of who are interested in cultivating rock melon.

Agriculture and Primary Industries Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today that the project was being managed by the newly-formed Malaysian Graduate Entrepreneurs Association.

"I have asked the association to establish a co-operative to start clearing the land. The planting of rock melons has already started on a small scale. It is successful and I have asked that it be expanded," he said.

Muyhiddin said those interested would receive financial assistance from the Ministry.


Source:NST Dec11.2006

M.A.H.A.

Malaysian Expo Provides Opportunities for Agri Entrepreneurs

SERDANG, Nov 23 Asia Pulse Entrepreneurs who wish to venture into agriculture and agro-tourism industries can acquire vast knowledge about them at the Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism (MAHA) 2006 Exposition, being held at the Malaysian Agro-Exposition Park, here.

MAHA Expo Working Committee chairman Mohamed Shariff Abdul Aziz said this was because the expo, the biggest in South-East Asia, showcased the A to Z of various agro-based technologies.

"For instance, visitors will be exposed to value added systems, get to develop new networks with other businessmen, and gain insight on how to market their products at hypermarkets," he told Bernama when met at the expo site Wednesday.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened the expo yesterday, in which 697 entrepreneurs and government agencies are participating.

MAHA 2006 is organised by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry with the co-operation of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Board (FAMA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Shariff said that visitors would also be exposed to business and investment opportunites, methods of securing loans and other aspects of the sector at a special seminar.

Foreign participants including from Yunan Province, China, are also showcasing new farming techniques at the expo.

Other countries participating include Australia, India, New Zealand, Belgium, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada, Laos and Indonesia.

"More than 2,000 people have registered for the seminar. This is very encouraging and augurs well for future expositions," added Shariff.

(BERNAMA-OANA)