YEAR-LONG PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY NEXT YEAR - MINISTER

KOTA MARUDU (Malaysia), Dec 6 (Bernama) -- A year-long nationwide programme
to promote wider appreciation of science and technology among Malaysians will be
carried out by the science, technology and innovation ministry next year.

The minister, Dr Maximus Ongkili, said the 'I Love Science'
programme would focus on deepening interest and acceptance of science and
mathematics, with activities to be carried out, together with the education and
youth and sports ministries, non-governmental organisations and professional
associations.

“National programmes that will be organised include science lectures, camps,
quiz, competitions, carnivals, science television shows and science magic
shows,” he said, adding that the ministry decided during its post-cabinet
meeting on Thursday that it would promote science and mathematics as its main
activities for next year.

For this year, Ongkili said, his ministry was spearheading the 'Year of
Innovation and Creativity' or Malaysia Innovative 2010 to promote innovation
and creativity among all levels of society.

The Kota Marudu member of parliament said this when launching the annual
'Pesta Jagung' (Maize Festival) in Kota Marudu district. The festival is held
for the ninth year to promote maize as an important agricultural activity in the
district.

Meanwhile, Ongkili urged farmers to open up to new technologies, including
those for fertilisers and seeds, to improve productivity and raise income.

“Branding and packaging too, need to be adopted if Kota Marudu is to
increase the marketability of its agricultural products,” he said.

The four-day festival which concluded Sunday, saw among others, a charity
concert, display booths by various government departments and agencies, as well
as the private sector, sports, fashion show and a successful attempt to enter
the Malaysia Book of Records by having 2,200 people eat corn simultaneously.



-- BERNAMA