Strengthening ASEAN collaboration in STI (and human relations)

Many have said that that in order to benefit from innovation, we must collaborate. And, having compatible collaborators are critical, but from experience, that requires quite an effort to find. For Malaysia, it may not have to look far than its northern neighbour. For the Thais have the quality, passion, vision and cultural minded people.

So a Malaysia - Thailand Collaboration in STI would be a good place to start. I truly admire the Thais, for many reasons. Firstly, is their humility and caring for their guests. At the hotel in Bangkok, manned by the locals, I always feel like a VVIP even when I'm just in jeans and sandal. When you ask for directions, they will take you as far as they can and make sure until you can see your destination. With a smile. At the conference, I had ease of access to their ministers, high-ranking officials and officials. We discuss freely without too much protocols. For we need to communicate in order to collaborate!

Secondly, I was impressed by their show of physical strength and nationalist spirit. I know they have Muay Thai coz I saw the movie Ong-Bak. Yesterday evening, I saw and appreciate it further through the Muay Thai Lives theatre at Asiatique. The Thais have a rich history and they are able to dramatise it though creativity and professional showmanship. Reminds me of the NANTA show in South Korea. It is through this kind of experience that a short-stay guests can begin to understand the history and psychology of the nation. And, it was certainly positive!

I'll bring the key messages back to both Government officials and MIGHT's partners back in Malaysia. During lunch, in a face-to-face discussion with the Minister and Vice Minister of Finance, I repeat the proposals that I made during my presentation i.e. 1. To conduct an ASEAN Foresight study. 2. To establish an ASEAN Future Readiness Index. 3. To implement the ASEAN Global Cleantech Innovation Program. I'd also like to encourage and challenged the Malaysian arts and culture people to study NANTA and MUAY THAI LIVE and create a Malaysian-version to depict us in the real and positive light.

Thank you to the organiser, Thailand's National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office for the kind invitation and sponsoring my trip. ?????