Forum on Biodiversity & Development Post 2015

 

 

 The Forum was officiated by the Rt Hon the Prime Minister of Malaysia,

YAB Dato' Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd. Razak

 The Forum discussion was participated by representatives of the International Org

 Participants at the Forum

 The PM reminds us that the protection of our planet will ensure that we bequeath future generations a world worth inheriting

 Exhibition of Models of Sustainable Development: SDSN Malaysian Chapter:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Exhibition of Models of SD: Danum Valley Conservation Area 

 

   1. Introduction.  The High Level Forum on Biodiversity & Development Post 2015 was held from the 3^rd to 6^th November, 2013 at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, organised jointly by the Office of the Science Advisor, Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and supported by the Norwegian Environment Agency, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (NRE).  The Forum, as Professor Emeritus Dato’ Seri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, the key person in its organisation, spelled out both in the programme booklet and his welcoming remarks, was to provide the platform to discuss issues that can contribute towards the formulation of the post 2015 global development agenda to ensure that we move towards a sustainable model that would balance development with the need to preserve and enhance our environment, taking recognisance of the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the many challenges that it faces which encompasses population explosion, social inequality, food security, depletion of resources, loss of biodiversity,  waste management, glass house gas emission and climate change. As sustainability becomes crucial, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is expected to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) as the post-2015 development agenda. This International Forum was attended by representative of international organisations such as FAO, IPBES Secretariat, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP; officials of the government ministries and departments, universities and NGOs.

   2. Opening Address.  In his opening address, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun A. Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, reminded the audience that the Muslim faith taught that human beings are the trustees of the world and with the many challenges facing it, we must pursue sustainable development – development that is fair and equitable.  Malaysia is committed to a 40 percent reduction in the intensity of emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 2020, the undertaking given at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit and accordingly, has kept its green cover at 74 percent and that 56.4 of its land area today is still forested and it will continue to strike a balance between environmental conservation and development.  Dato’ Seri Najib indicated that the country’s economic model must have the interest of the people and is guided by the principles of high income, inclusiveness and sustainability.  Recognising that biodiversity provides the fundamental needs of mankind , he advocated the sustainable use of resources and protection of biodiversity must be incorporated into the post-2015 development framework.  However, the success of sustainable efforts requires the collective effort of the global communities to achieve the desired goals.

  3.  Panel Discussion.  The panel discussion, chaired by Sir Robert Watson, former Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Associate Director for Environment in the Office of the President of the US, revolved around Integrating Biodiversity in Sustainable Development Goals and members of the panel were made up of representatives of FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP and World Bank.  The speakers reiterated the critical importance of biodiversity as it provides the needs of mankind such as food security, medical treatments, ecosystem services and that it be the anchor factor to be incorporated in SDG.

   4. Informal Consultation on IPBES & Capacity Building. This consultation took a significant period of the Forum, which according to the programme was allocated two days.  I did not participate in this consultation.

  5. Exhibition.  The exhibition, held outside the Forum hall, entitled ‘Rising to the Challenge’, displayed the models of sustainable development initiatives being undertaken in Malaysia covering:

a. Building Resilient Communities – the model was on Life Cycle Disaster Management by Universiti Sains Malaysia.

b. Advancing Social Inclusiveness – Cure & Care a holistic approach addressing drug addiction spearheaded by ISTIC.

c. Life Long Learning and Education – Teach for Malaysia project with a mission to enhance quality of education in Malaysia.  Another activity under this category is Inspiring Next Generation Scientists led by University of Malaya and supported by MOSTI is aimed at generating interest and equip young individuals with high quality scientific understanding.

d. Health for All – Affordable Diagnostics project by Universiti Sains Malaysia in the development of rapid antigen test kit to provide accurate disease diagnosis to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.  Another model is the Non- Infectious Diseases project on Malaysia Cohort led by UKM and MOH.

e. Green Industries – The manufacturing of green chemicals by MYBiomass Sdn Bhd initiated by MIGHT and the conversion of plastic waste into renewable energy by Syngas Sdn Bhd are the two models under this category of SD initiatives.

f. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security – Zero Waste Campus project of University of Malaya is conducted with the objective of cutting down waste to the minimum through an integrated waste management model.  Also, the ‘White Coffin’ project of USM in banning the use of polystyrene food containers on campus and instead encourage use of eco-friendly packaging.

g.  Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services – Malaysian Lakes project initiated by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia with National Hydrological Institute of Malaysia which formulated the 8 strategies for the sustainable management and development of lakes in the country. Also, the Langkawi Geopark, a holistic approach to sustainable tourism.

 h.  Sustainable Cities – The Low Carbon Cities Framework of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water that provides guidelines to local authorities, town planners, architects and individuals on the nation’s aim of carbon reduction.  MURNInet developed in 1998 was to determine the level of sustainability of urban areas by using a set of indicators.

i. Business with Soul – United Plantations is recognised as the best managed, eco-friendly and integrated plantation in the country.  Another business with soul project is Cess Money Systems whereby enterprises and smallholders contribute a small part of their revenue to support promotion, research, innovation and sustained growth of the industry.

6.  Discussion and Concluding Remarks.  I am greatly heartened by the organisation of this Forum.  Firstly, the person involved in it, Prof. Zakri, is a graduate of the same College as I am, the College of Agriculture Malaysia and a friend.  I am proud of the various appointments and positions he holds both on the national and international arena – among them Science Advisor to the Government; Chair of IPNES, and Special Advisor on Science to the Secretary General of the UN.  Secondly, knowing that the Prime Minister, in his address, demonstrated his commitment to a development that balances income with environmental consideration.  His presence at the Forum was also testimony of his continued interest in science related activities and support for his Science Advisor.  Thirdly, the Exhibition on Models of Sustainable Development initiatives enhances my awareness of these activities, many of which I am not aware of.  I have always looked forward to these sort of Fora and Conferences as these provide the latest information on the subject besides keeping in touch with friends from various organisations who attended these functions.

 

Written and Posted on 24 December, 2013.             

 

 

 



Memoirs of Tan Sri Ani Arope

 The Book

 

 Tan Sri Ani Arope addressing the audience

 

 Tan Sri Leo Moggie officially launching the book

 

 The friends, associates and officials of TNB who filled the hall at ILSAS during the launching

 

   The book 'Memoirs of Tan Sri Ani Arope' was launched on December 17, 2014 at ILSAS UNITEN in Bandar Baru Bangi by Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Chairman of TNB in the presence of around 150 made up of members of the family (Puan Sri Saenah, his children, Sakinah and Ismail); ex- CEOs and officials of TNB, friends in agencies he was associated with (UPM, MARDI, Department of Agriculture, Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia).  The ceremony started with the citation on the author by his own son, Ismail; followed by the address by Tan Sri Ani and finally the launching address by Tan Sri Leo Moggie.
  Ismail in his citation speech confessed that he was quite shy of his father when he was young as he regards him as a towering personality with quite a few legends associated with his dad. Tan Sri Ani, in his usual sense of humour, started his speech with his jokes.  What sparked him to write his memoirs was when at the age of 78, he was asked to undertake a thorough medical exam for the renewal of his flying licence.  The doctor, at the end of that medical diagnosis, told Tan Sri the three words he mentioned that he would never forget 'You have cancer' that it was stage 4 and terminal. Tan Sri provided a brief insight of how he takes this challenge and has outlived the time frame that the doctor has indicated that he would survive the disease.  He covered briefly his early days in school where his close friend was a Jew and the community he lived in was multiracial - the background scenario that has made him able to live in harmony with the different ethnic groups and religious background in the institutions that he has served.  Tan Sri Leo Moggie expressed how happy he was when he was invited to officially launch the book.  He particularly highlighted the greatest legacy that Tan Sri Ani Arope has left is training and human resource development.
  I have, in fact, purchased the book a few weeks ago, before the official launching, when I was informed by my brother, Ahmad Shadzli, that the memoirs was available at the MPH Bookstores. Tan Sri has a special place in the family and to me specially as he has, in many ways helped my career development particularly at the early part when he got me to join MARDI in 1972. We were also neighbours when were living in the Government quarters at the then Crop Production Station Serdang.  Although Tan Sri Ani left the Institute early as he subsequently became the CEO of a number of organisations (RRIM, Guthrie, TNB) we have remained friends and I make a point of visiting him every Hari Raya.  This was the reason that spurred me to get hold of the book as soon as possible.  It took me just a couple of days to go through it.  It is made up of six parts covering The Early Days; Marriage, Career and Challenges of a Growing Nation; Life After Retirement; Ani Arope in Recent Years; Ani Arope's Speeches and finally, Government, People and Power - a Prayer for the Nation.
    There were a number of things that are of interest to me in the book.  The first topic of interest was his early childhood days.  In the course of our friendship there never occurred a time when this was discussed.  The only thing that I am aware of was that Tan Sri has Achenese blood lineage and that his father was working in the Agriculture Department.  As narrated in the book I did not realise he has a difficult childhood and that he was raised by a single mother.  Tan Sri has served in a number of organisations. His first appointment was as agronomist in the Department of Agriculture, then as Deputy Director MARDI and CEO of RRIM, Guthrie and finally as Chairman and CEO of TNB.  His biggest contribution particularly when he was in MARDI and RRIM was in human resource development where he provided opportunities for research officers in these organisations to pursue the highest academic achievement in obtaining doctorate degrees. Tan Sri in his modesty did not highlight this but from the testimonies of the officers who has benefitted from his futuristic action, this was his biggest contribution in developing human capital resource at the initial stages of R&D interest in the country.  Tan Sri's stint in the various organisations, however, lacks the details of the his management philosophies underlying the various actions he has taken.
   His high profile and successful career were not without their pitfalls and challenges.  His oft discussed unhappy incident is the misunderstanding on the establishment of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) with the Government, which he as the CEO of TNB, refused to sign the agreement as he felt the terms of the agreement was not in the best interest of the TNB.
  Tan Sri Ani lives an exemplary life after his official retirement. Guided by his philosophy that high achievers are avid readers and that high achievers have a wide range of interest, he continues to devote his time to a few companies which he serves on their boards.  He believes in keeping fit and healthy and accordingly engages in cycling, tennis and gardening.  He has a patience for flying and picked up this hobby at the age of 70 and in the book has described the various flying routes in the country that he has taken.
  For his contributions to the country he has been accorded awards and recognition among which is the Tan Sriship and the Honorary PhD from UNITEN.
  I write this review as a tribute to this towering Malaysian and a friend that I have high regard for and that his legacies, words of wisdom and practicing healthy and happy lifestyle will be the guiding light for generations to come, in accordance with the simple autograph message in my copy of his  memoir 'Continue to provide the guidance to the young set'.

Written and published on 18/12/2013
   
       
      

Renewal Energy Technology

The topics of the two lectures and the speakers

The two speakers (from left) Prof Dr Hamdani, Prof. Dr Kamaruzzaman and moderator, Prof.  Ir Ahmad Faizal

A section of the participants at the Fellows' Lecture

Photovoltaic cell as a Renewable Energy Technology

                       
        Renewable Energy Resources - Hydro, Wind, Municipal Wastes, Biomass & Nuclear
   

                                                         Fuel Cell Engines

                                                              Renewable Hydrogen Energy System

                             President ASM, Y Bhg Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali,
                             giving away memento to Prof. Hamdani
 

1.     Introduction  

The two lectures were part of the ASM Fellow Lecture series organised on October 30, 2013 at the  Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) premises on the 20^th floor of the imposing MARTRADE Building.  It was attended by an estimated 50 made up of Fellows, staff of the Academy and invited guests.  The programme started at 09 30 hrs and ended at around  13 00 hrs.  It was officiated by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, ASM President with Prof Ir Ahmad Faizal Mohd Zain, Chairperson of Engineering and Computer Sciences Discipline Group, moderating the session. The first topic discussed was on Sustainable Path for a Carbon Free Future by Prof. Dato’ Dr Kamaruzzaman Sopian.  Prof Kamaruzzaman holds a Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering from University of Miami Florida and his involvement for 25 years in solar radiation modelling and resource assessment and other related renewable energy studies has yielded more than 700 papers published in journals and conference proceedings.  His research and other contributions have been recognised both nationally and internationally with many awards and medals.  The second lecture entitled Looking for Green Solutions to Our Energy Need was delivered by Prof Dr Hamdani Saidi.  Prof Hamdani holds a doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bradford, UK.  He is currently attached to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and known for his pioneering research in membrane technology in Malaysia.  He subsequently founded the Institute of Hydrogen Economy at UTM and appointed as Dean, UTM Energy Research Alliance.  He has also published widely and accorded recognition for his work both at the domestic and international fronts.     

        2. Sustainable Path for a Carbon Free Future

  Prof. Kamaruzzaman, the first speaker of the Fellow’s Lecture,  and who has a long credential on renewable energy technology  especially in solar energy, deliberating on Sustainable Path for a Carbon Free Future listed the three challenges that Malaysia encounter in the effort for a sustainable economic development – increasing price driven by a widening gap between supply and demand of fossil fuel, energy security and climate change.  These challenges have driven the need to explore for alternative particularly renewable energy sources which, in Prof Kamaruzzaman’s list, include solar radiation, municipal wastes, hydropower, wind and biomass. He devoted quite a bit of his lecture on his own work in solar energy, researching into the more effective photovoltaic silicon based panel and with his long experience in this field, he has been entrusted by MOSTI to develope the roadmap for the country’s Renewable Energy. Advocating for more investments in R&D in renewable energy, Prof Kamaruzzaman, believes that hydrogen energy resource may be the future as the element is available in abundance in the universe and is not polluting.    Among the strategies that he suggested for implementation for an increase in the utilisation of renewable energy technology include : (a) intensifying awareness and capacity building programmes, (b) enhance market and infrastructure development, (c) enhancing policy instruments supportive of market sustainability, (d) establishing competitive local manufacturin industries, and finally (e) formulate a long term R&D roadmap.  With these strategies, Prof Kamaruzzaman, concluded with optimism that, a carbon free Malaysia and the world could be attained in the future.

3. Looking for Solutions to Our Energy Need

    Prof Hamdani presented a global scenario of electricity generation which, according to the figures provided,  is contributed by coal (37%), gas (18%), hydro (18%), nuclear (17%), oils (8%). With the current sources of electrical energy resources,  43% of the carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere is at the high 43% with 15% of this gas emission coming from the burning of fossil fuel of motor vehicles. These and other gas emisions have enhanced tremendously the concentration of atmospheric gases resulting in the horrendous climatic change causing floods, droughts, melting of ice in the cold continents and the high mountains and other weather hazards.  However, resources such as gas, oils and coal are not only polluting but depleting in their availability and the demand which far outstrip supply, has contributed to the escalating prices of both the fossil fuels and coal.  These environmental, price increase and energy security considerations demand that alternative renewable resources or green solutions be found.  Prof Hamdani reviewed the various green solutions that must fulfil criteria such as high efficiency, minimise waste, low cost, conserve resources and has low carbon foot print.  His many slides display the utilization of photovoltaic cells in the country for drying of such food as salted fish and marine algae, electricity supply for houses and energy storage in hybrid automobiles.  Being a strong proponent of the hydrogen generated energy system, he argued that this is the green solution of the future as its environment friendly, accessibility of the materials, economic and cost effective.  In the interim until 2030, however, the globe must aim for the utilization of 20 to 30% renewable energy, with the non-renewable sources such as gas and oils will still be of some importance as energy generating resources.  He suggested the following recommendations to meet green solutions to the energy need:

(a)    Green Energy Fund be established

(b)    Application of Green Energy System – hydrogen system for transportation and electricity generation

(c)    Establishment of Green Energy Group in ASM

(d)   Establish Green Energy Standards and impose tax on polluters

(e)   Capacity building

    4. Discussion and Conclusion

         The two lectures received a lot of interest from the participants with many raising up their hands to pose questions and make comments.  Time only permitted four among those present and the issues raised revolve around:

(a)   Pico Hydro – in response to the question posed as to the potential of this aspect of renewable energy, Pro Kamaruzzaman felt as Malaysia has high rainfall with many sources of water system that can be contructed, pico hydro has a big potential.  However logistics can hinder and  its development can be confined only to isolated villages.

(b)   Nuclear Energy -  this source of renewable energy was not discussed much by the two speakers and inspite of the question posed not much was said

(c)    Hydrogen System – though both speakers are strong proponent of this renewable energy, it is felt that much research work still needs to be undertaken and resources are still lacking for its uptake

(d)   Energy economy under the capitalist economic system – from the discussion it is obvious that the direction of development of renewable energy will largely be influenced by the capitalists, who will view the availability of technologies and resources in the light of where they could get the highest profit, with perhaps, little social and environmental considerations. Accordingly, government intervention will have to come in to steer the direction it wants to go on renewable energy, taking cognisance of the three dimensional approach of harmonising wealth creation, social needs and environmental protection.

On a personal basis I have found the lectures very informative and enlightening.  As an environment conscious individual, having served for a long period as Vice-President of Malaysian Nature Society with Tan Sri Salleh Moh Noor and linked up with other environmental NGOs in Sabah, I came out of the lecture hall that day with optimism as human ingenuity in science and technology, is paving different routes to show the way for the well being of human kind, in this instance, green solutions to the energy economy. Also, having been associated with the Academy for around three years, I feel that the Academy of Sciences Malaysia is under good hands and that it will pursue key scientific issues such as this iconic project and serve as the pressure and knowledge group to provide the political leadership the way forward. Long live ASM. 

 

Dr. Hashim bin Abdul Wahab, FASc

Email: hashim.abdulwahab@gmail.com

Website: Dr. Hashim's JofHappiness

Date of Posting : 2nd November, 2013

 

 

 

 

     

VISITING OUR POLYNESIAN COUSINS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - October 2013

 

Meeting Polynesian representatives at Radio Watea, Mangere

 

With the Trade Commissioner and official, Michael Jones at the Consul Office of Samoa

With the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Fiji, Mr Harish Lodhia JP at Tulja Centre, Mt Roskill

 

 

1.       INTRODUCTION .

  The second trip to Auckland was planned for quite some time as follow-up, firstly,  to promote the World Melayu-Polynesian Organisation (WMPO) after its establishment, following one of the resolutions at the Ist International Conference of the Malay-Polynesian Ancestral Nations held in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia in July, 2012 (see the write-up in this blog on the retionale and objectives of the formation of WMPO and other adopted resolutions in the article entitled ‘The First International Conference of the Malay-Polynesian Ancestral Nations’ ); secondly, to facilitate the preparation and organisation of the 2^nd International Conference of WMPO scheduled to be held in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand in March 2014 and attend the fund-raising dinner; thirdly, to get acquainted and expand the WMPO network with other Polynesians; fourthly,  to seek the views of all stakeholders on the proposed Nusa-Polynesian Internatioanl University (NPIU); fifthly, to explore opportunities of collaboration in trade and business in the areas of fishery, agriculture and eco-tourism. The visit extended from October 9 to 15, 2013. 

        

        2.   FUND RAISING DINNER

               The Dinner was held on Friday Oct 9 in the main hall at Mahurehure Marae Powhiri starting at 17.45 hrs. It was attended by an estimated 150-200 participants, made up of community and business leaders of the Polynesian communities.  The programme of the night started with the opening address by the Hon. Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs, who highlighted the common Austronesian ancestry of the Malay-Polynesian peoples, with the Malay stock inhabiting Brunei, Indonesia,  Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and the Polynesians making the islands in the Pacific Oceans of Aotearoa, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and others, their homes.  Dr. Sharples with loud emphasis announced that ALL OF US AUSTRONESIANS  ARE COUSINS, to the applause of those present .  He indicated his support for the strengthening of the linkage among the Malay-Polynesians or Austronesians through WMPO and its programmes, activities and projects. 

    The address by Y. Bhg Col Prof Dato’ Dr Kamarudin Kachar, President of WMPO, reflected that the many commonalities and practices in culture, language and genetic make-up observed on his first visit to Maoridom in September 2011 inspired him to organise the first International Conference which resulted in the establishment of WMPO, among which, the objectives are:-

a.       To provide a platform to reestablish and revitalise socio-cultural values, customs and practices

b.       To promote cooperation among educational institutions and where appropriate, establish institutions to enhance the  professional capability and skill

c.       To explore and embark on trade and business partnerships in agricultural, fishery, ecotourism, oceanography and other sectors of the economy

among the 33 Malay-Polynesian ancestral nations.

  Dato’ Kamarudin went on to elaborate on the proposed establishment of the NPIU which is an international university to generate graduates of high achievers focussing on areas where the Malay-Polynesians are best at – oceanography and related marine sciences. He recognises that the key element in the establishment of the university is its high capital costs but hope to raise funds from the many wealthy philanthropic leaders in the Malay-Polynesian community.

  The third speaker, Dato’ Dr Hashim bin Abdul Wahab, Deputy President of WMPO, shared his thoughts on the possible areas of  technology, trade and business collaboration in agricultural, fishery and ecotourism sectors.  He illustrated how technology development through R&D has propelled oil palm, petrology and ecotourism into significant foreign exchange earners and contribution to the economy of Malaysia.  Various area of technology, management expertise and marketing strategies available among the Malay-Polynesian communities could be shared.  In his effort to encourage leaders within the  communities to leave useful experiences, wisdom and other legacies, he prodded them to write about them.

  The Dinner participants were entertained with cultural show and a band.  President Kamarudin displayed his talent with the violin with the rendition of two ‘dondang sayang’ songs.

 3.       MEETING LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POLYNESIAN COMMUNITIES

  The following representatives were among those that we met during the visit, excluding the participants at the Dinner. The participants at the Dinner represented community and business leaders from 16 tribes of the Maoris and other Polynesians residing in Auckland and the neighbouring cities. The issues that were highlighted and discussed include the aim and objectives of WMPO, the establishment of NPIU and how,  through the  network, WMPO  can provide a platform for us to get acquainted with one another, build friendship and trust which are the foundation for cooperation, collaboration and partnership in many areas – education and training in capability building, research, trade and business in such economic sectors as oils&gas, livestock, agriculture, fishery, ecotourism etc.

     a.       Melino Maka – Tonga – Tongan Advisory Council

                b.      Faavae Gagamoe – Samoa

                c.        Maiti Arama Tamaabiki  -  Ngati Whatua Tai Nui – Cook Is. Tahiti

                d.       Taha Fasi -  Niue Island -  business consultant

                e.      Rereata Makiha – Te Mahurehure

                f.        Harish Lodhia JP  - Honorary Consul for the Republic of Fiji

                g.       Trade Commissioner and Michael Jones at the Consul Office of Samoa

                h.      Captain Hoturoa Kerr  -  Captain of Haunui Waka and members of the crew

                i.         John Panoho  -  Director Sales and Marketing, Navigator Tours

                j.        Prof Manuka Harare- Professor at The Univ of Auckland Business School        

                k.       Emeritus Prof Nicholas Tarling – Director, Southeast Asian Studies 

                l.         Assoc. Prof.  Dr Don Sheridan – Dept of Information Systems and Operations

                          Management, The University of Auckland 

                m.    Ockie Simmonds -  Business Advisor Health & Safety Group, Ministry of 

                       Business, Innovation and Employment, NZealand

                n.      Wesley Faleolo  - Samoa -  Training Centre for Maori Youth

                o.      Murray Bright -  one of the members of the crew of Huinui Waka

      

            4.       PREPARATION FOR THE 2^nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

                 4.1        Secretariate -  the Organisers have located the secretariate at the training 

                           centre for Maori youths under Ms Ann Willoughby

                  4.2       Participation -  the planning is on the basis of 200 participants. A                 participants are expected from Malaysia

                  4.3       Programme -  the Conference proper is two days on 28 and 29 March, 2014 which is to be held at  Copthorne Hotel, Bay of Islands.  The no. of papers needed will be around 15-20.  The post-conference activities are:

(a)    One- day tour around Bay of Islands and one day tour around Auckland

(b)   Six-day tour of the Polynesian Islands of Cook, Samoa and Fiji

        A two-day trade show in Auckland will also be organised. The secretariate is to work out the costs of the various packages – the    Conference proper, the tours around the Bay of Islands and around Auckland, the six-day tour of the Polynesian Islands

 

                   4.4  Papers .  To date the no of papers are still short of the target 20.  Among the papers considered important include the following topics with the respective proposed speakers to be invited to contribute:

                        (a)    Oceanography  -  Prof Redzuan Halim of UniMAP

                          (b)   Deep Sea fishing – Dato’ Dr Halim Hamat, 

                          (c)    Livestock – Dato’ Amir Kamarudin

(d)   Halal Products  -  Dato’ Dr Zamzam of MARDITECH

 

(e) Oils & Gas  -  representative from PETRONAS

               

                      4.5      Communication -  a website on the Conference will be established with background information on the Ist International Conference, WMPO,  the videos taken on the Ist Conference, details on the 2nd Conference, as a promotion tool. An IT consultant has volunteered to undertake the task of establishing the website.

4.6        Finance –  the Organisers will finance the costs of the Conference through sponsorships, donations, registration fees and through sales of stall spaces for trade show.

 5.       TOURS OF PLACES OF INTERES

Among the places of interest that have been incorporated in the itinerary are as follows:

(a)     Vegetable and Fruit Market

(b)   Auckland War Memorial Museum – sections of interest that were visited were the Maori Polynesian, Natural History, Military.  We were brought around by two guides of the Museum.  The visit was on Saturday and the museum had many visitors.  At the same time the Museum was celebrating the Military Heritage Week and many of the war veterans including those that served in Malaysia during the communist insurgency were present in their uniforms.

(c)    Sailing in Haunui Waka around the the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Waitemata.  Captain Hoturoa Kerr briefed the participants which include a few members of the Maori community, on the sailings of the Polynesian ancestors to discover and settled the many islands in the Pacific Ocean.

(d)   City tour covering both the east and west side of Auckland, the memorial of the beloved Prime Minister Savage, Queens Street in the city centre.

         7.       ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CONCLUDING REMARKS

  We were warmly received on arrival and at all the scheduled events.  The Polynesians we met accept that we share a common ancestry and that, as Dr. Pita Sharple said, the peoples of Malay-Polynesia are cousins.  The formation of the WMPO with its aims and objectives of reestablishing and revitalising the communities in the various fields encompassing socio-cultural, education, R&D, trade and business received a positive response with its iconic project of establishing the NPIU particularly is viewed as a unifying institution, in the long term, of bringing  the Melayu-Polynesian communities together.

  This visit has certainly advanced another step in bringing about better understanding that will foster subsequent cooperation in the various areas.

  We wish to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Matutaera Clenden and Mrs Clenden and also Dave Fenton who have been with us throughout our stay in Auckland making sure that we have warm clothes to take care of the cool windy spring weather;  providing fruits, cereals, milk and crackers for our breakfasts; taking us to a Malaysian restaurant where Dato’ Kamarudin can have his rice and chicken curry and his younger brother, Dato’ Hashim, his varied taste of chicken briani, roti canai chicken curry and fried kueyteow.

 

Hashim bin Abdul Wahab

Email: hashim.abdulwahab@gmail.com

20/10/2013