FREE COPYFEATUREARTICLES:
Future Innovators:
Cultivating Passion for
Science and Tech in Schools
Crafting Futures:
Rethinking Internship
Experiences inSoutheast Asia
The Resurgence of Green
Economy In Southeast Asia
Digging Deeper:
Future for Deep tech in
SEA in the next 5 years

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Nest Garage
2024.3.VOL.20

Education & Human Development

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Chief Editor
Nur Ahmad Zaim Hussin
Editors
Dr. Arief Izzairy Zamani
Dr. Mohd Izwan Zainol
Dr. Muhamad Ezral Ghazali
Ronezza Delos Santos
Writers
Alexander Gali
Bill Joseph Mercado
Chia Shu Sheng Ambrose
Edilyn Grace Odero
Dr. Hadi Akbar Bin Dahlan
Ham Kai Jie
Hannah Mae Balisi
Jondi Doplayna
Mark Chiam
Muhammad Basril Muhammmad Asri
Dr. Nor Ilia Anisa Aris
Pang Ken Ann
Dr. Wan Nur Izzaty Ismail
IssuerLeave a Nest Singapore Pte. Ltd.
(201016851H)
71 Ayer Rajah Crescent#06-11/12
139951, Singapore
Designer in Malaysia
Impexa solution
Lot 35476-2, dataran austin,
Jalan austin 1, wakaf tembesu,
21300 Kuala terengganu,
Terengganu
Designer in Philippines
Mulave Studios
2nd Floor, AAMC Barbo Bldg, Jalandoni St,
Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines

Future Innovators: Cultivating
Passion for Science and Tech in
Schools

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Beyond Borders: Unraveling
Educational Challenges in Malaysia,
Singapore, and the Philippines
The Heart-Mind Nexus in STEM:
Captivating Student Curiosity at the
Crossroads of Passion and Learning
Ki Ni Naru Project: A Beacon for aMore Holistic Research Education

International Collaborationencourage students Exploration
Tsunagu:
Where Curiosity Fuels Change

Yugto: Bridging High School Students
with College Degree Insights

Navigating the Scientific Seas:
A Journey with Science Castle Asia

Geek in You
SCA 2023 Winner

Nest Garage Comic

Human Development
Crafting Futures: Rethinking
Internship Experiences inSoutheast Asia

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Overview of Internship inSoutheast Asia
Internship Relevance in Malaysia:
Illuminating Industry Perspectives

Revolutionizing Internships in thePhilippines: How Startups like
Wela are Making a Difference
Unraveling the Internship Enigma

Career Discovery Forum(MY/PH/SG)

Summer InternshipEmpowering Tomorrow’s
Innovators: Leave a Nest’s
SCENT Program
A Malaysian Odyssey in Space
Education

Turning Pages, Uncovering Stories:
Edilyn’s Literary Infatuation

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Sec. School Students:
Tsunagu Researh Project

71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #06-11/12,
Singapore 139951

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Education Development

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High School Students:
Yugto in the Phillipines

G-B, Block 2330, Century Square, Jalan
Usahawan, Off Persiaran Multimedia,
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

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Sec. School Students:
Science Castle in Asia

Unit 2103, Orient Square Bldg., F.
Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig
City 1600

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

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Nest Garage
2024.3.VOL.20

Research & Frontier Development25

Research Development
The Resurgence of Green Economy
In SouthEast Asia

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Forstering Interdisplinary
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Collaborations in Sinagpore andBeyondPaving the Path for Interdisplinary
Research in Vietnam

Corporates: L Grant Scheme for
Disovering Frontier Tech

S.T. Corporation L Grant AwardPursuing Your Passions ThroughDeep Tech Entreprenuership

Nest Tea Chat 2024

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Frontier Development
Digging Deeper: Future for
Deep tech in Southeast Asia in
the next 5 years

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Deep Tech Award Winner
in Malaysia: Robopreneur

Deep Tech Award Winner
in the Philippines: SolX

Deep Tech Award Winner in
Singapore: ProfilePrint
National Development Company Accelerating Deep Tech Innovationsin the Philippines and SEA
Deep Tech is Defining the Futureof Education

Women Entreprenuers inSoutheast Asia

On the Cover

General Manager of the National Development Companyof the Philippines shares their contribution to deep techdevelopment on Page 38-39.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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IDEALondon, 69 Wilson St, London
EC2A 2BB, UK

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

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Corporates : Gaining
Access to Deep Techin Japan

3350 Scott Blvd. #5502, Santa Clara,
CA 95054

Editors
Aisyah Abdul Hamid
Dr. Cheah Hee
Mahirah Basri
Ronrick Arayata
Dr. Suzianti Iskandar Vijaya
Writers
Addi Ong
Dr. Ayappa V. Subramaniam
Bryan Angelo Foronda
Edilyn Grace Odero
Dr. Hadi Akbar Bin Dahlan
Ham Kai Jie
Jewel Santos
Jondi Doplayna
Pang Isaac
Dr. Sharifah Nabihah Syed Othman
Sivakumar Thamizvanan
Printing Company
KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, 57
Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968

Mr. Antonilo Mauricio

Startups & SMEs : Explore
Deep Tech Collaboratorswith Leave a Nest

Chief Editor
Dr. Ravikrishna Ramanujam

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Center of Garage
Launch in Malaysia

Attin Press Sdn. Bhd. (595562 M)
No. 8, Jalan Perindustrian PP4,Taman Perindustrian Putra
Permai, Bandar Putra Permai,
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
VJ Graphic Arts, Inc. / iPublish
Philippines, 12NO Future Point Plaza 2,
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City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines

Iidabasimiyuki Bld. (Reception : 4F floor), 1-4, Shimomiyabicho, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo, 162-0822, Japan

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MALAYSIA/INDONESIAPHILIPPINES

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Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Future Innovators:
Cultivating Passion for Science and Tech in Schools

Children are naturally curious – it is innate for them to desire for understanding of their world. They often wonder about
different mysteries they encounter, from the material things they see to the actions and phenomena they observe. They canbe sponges for knowledge, capable of absorbing different ideas or concepts. These innate characteristics of children are great
seeds for creativity and passion that can bring change to the world.
But how can we cultivate these seeds to the level that will heal the world? How can we actually educate and nurture future
innovators?
These are some of the questions that our educators often ask and think about, especially in the field of STEM. With the dwindlinginterest in the field and several other limitations and threats, cultivating passion in STEM education has become quite
challenging in Southeast Asia. Different ways are being developed by teachers, administrators, governments, corporations andother stakeholders to overcome these challenges.
In this section, we will be learning about the current challenges in education in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines,
and explore different ways of nurturing the seeds for creativity and passion through collaboration and creation of various
opportunities.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

5Education Development

Beyond Borders:
Unraveling Educational Challenges in Malaysia, Singapore, and thePhilippines
By Ezral Ghazali, Ph.D
The education systems in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines vary in their structures and emphases, with Malaysia
focusing on a diverse curriculum, Singapore prioritizing a globally competitive and technology-driven approach, and the Philippines
adapting a system influenced by both Western and Asian educational philosophies. In this article, we aim to highlight some of thechallenges that may arise in the education systems of these countries as each navigates its unique educational landscape and endeavors
to address evolving needs and aspirations.

Access to Quality Education:
Remote and economically disadvantaged areas often face infrastructural limitations, making it difficult to provide the sameeducational resources and opportunities as urban regions. Addressing this challenge involves developing strategies to bridgethese gaps, such as implementing digital learning initiatives, providing transportation options, and investing in educational
infrastructure in underserved areas.

Curriculum Relevance:
The challenge of maintaining a relevant curriculum involves regularly updating educational content to align with the evolving
needs of a globalized world. This includes integrating advancements in technology, addressing the demands of the job market,
and incorporating interdisciplinary skills. Educational institutions need to collaborate with industries to understand current
trends and future requirements, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern workforce.

Teacher Quality and Training:
Enhancing teacher quality is important for delivering effective education. This challenge entails offering continuous
professional development opportunities for educators, keeping them abreast of the latest teaching methodologies,
technological advancements, and pedagogical strategies. Investing in teacher training programs, mentorship initiatives,and creating a supportive working environment are crucial components in effectively addressing this challenge. Leave a Nest
actively collaborates with government-related bodies such as The Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization - The
Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM) for the Great Teachers Summit, engaging witheducators. Recently, Leave a Nest has extended its efforts to work with teachers from the Asian region, fostering partnerships
and initiatives to collectively tackle the challenges in elevating teacher quality.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from policymakers, educators, communities, and relevant
stakeholders in each country. Collaborative solutions that take into account the unique circumstances of each region are essential
for creating a more equitable and effective education system. Leave a Nest, as an advocate for innovation and education, strives
to provide a collaborative platform among these parties by fostering partnerships and initiatives that actively seek to address thechallenges. For further information and to explore potential collaborations, contact us at info-asia@lne.st.

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Education Development

The Heart-Mind Nexus in STEM:
Captivating Student Curiosity at the Crossroads of Passion and Learning
By Muhammad Basril Muhammad Asri, M.Eng.Sc

In response to Malaysia’s declining Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) enrollment, down from 45.20% to 40.94% between 2017 and 2022, this article explores
the power of curiosity to revive student interest. Anchored in the insights of Associate Prof. Dr.
Hidayah Binti Mohd Fadzil, a distinguished educator and researcher from the Universiti Malaya
Department of Mathematics and Science Education, we delve into how nurturing curiosity canignite student passion for STEM subjects and careers.

Triggering the Spark: How Curiosity Ignites STEM Exploration
In the field of STEM, student learning is profoundly shaped by curiosity. Techniques like theEngineering Design Process (EDP), which uses scientific concepts to resolve issues, can improvestudents’ understanding and draw them towards technical disciplines. The EDP cultivates curiosityand channels it into productive inquiry. It encourages students to pose questions, spot challenges,
and conceive solutions. In this context, curiosity ignites exploration, while the EDP serves as a roadmap to significant learning. However, a positive educational environment is essential to fuel student
curiosity and also enhance the ease of STEM understanding and engagement.

Associate Prof. Dr. Hidayah Binti Mohd
Fadzil from Faculty of Education,
Universiti Malaya

Beyond the Syllabus: Pivoting Students’
Curiosity Outside the Classroom

STEM activities with the school’s teachers and scientist from Universiti Malaya

A stimulating environment, complemented by well-equippedlabs and inventive teachers, can boost student interest. Despite
potential constraints such as insufficient lab equipment,
partnerships among teachers, students, and scientists cansignificantly enhance curiosity. For instance, Dr. Hidayah
has led a successful Scientist Teacher Student Partnership(STSP) program with a number of schools in Kuala Lumpurand Selangor in collaboration with the Universiti Malaya
scientists. This program, featuring hands-on workshops andlab visits, changed students’ views on STEM careers, focusing
on their advantages and societal impacts, thus increasing
their interest.

STEM to Infinity: Channeling Curiosity into Innovation and Global
SolutionsDr. Hidayah suggests that arousing students’ curiosity could mitigate Malaysia’s decreasing
STEM enrollment. She states, “Fostering curiosity through partnerships, innovative practices,and hands-on learning can debunk stereotypes and unveil STEM career merits.” She is confident
that this approach will shape a future-ready generation to lead Malaysia towards an innovationdriven tomorrow.

Sharing Dr. Hidayah’s vision, Leave a Nest champions the earlyinstillation of a collaborative research mindset. It leverages
research-based education and global programs such as Tsunagu
Research Project and Science Castle to boost student curiosityand problem-solving abilities. Recognizing that nurturing an
innovative generation doesn’t stop in early education, Leave a
Nest contributes to the further development of future researchers
via a “Knowledge Manufacturing Platform”.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Associate Prof. Dr. Hidayah with her
students

In conclusion, revitalizing the declining STEM enrollment in
Malaysia can be achieved by stimulating student curiosity.
Techniques such as the EDP can foster learning, problemsolving abilities, and interest in STEM. Educational leaders likeDr. Hidayah and organizations like Leave a Nest, through theircollaborative and innovative initiatives, empower students
to cultivate research skills. By nurturing curiosity today, weare paving the path for an innovatively driven generation of
tomorrow.

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Education Development

Ki Ni Naru Project:
A Beacon for a More Holistic Research Education
By Bill Joseph Mercado, B.Sc

Leave a Nest Philippines Taking theInitiative
In 2021, Leave a Nest Philippines had created an educational
initiative in making a more holistic approach and mindset in
Research - the Ki Ni Naru Project.
The Project aims to allow students who do not have any
research experience to be trained intensely with the basics ofscientific research, without worrying about using equipment
or the “science” itself. All you need is to have CURIOSITY.

Beacon of Inspiration for Better Research
Education
Ms. Misty B. Dela Cruz, a teacher from Orani National HighSchool, shared how Ki Ni Naru program complements theirpresent curriculum, as having Ki Ni Naru as a precursor for
their actual Research subjects establishes a great mindset forthe students when it comes to research.

She added that inspiration from initiatives like Ki Ni Naru are
not limited to students. Experiencing these programs andgetting exposure outside lead to teachers aiming to have theirmasters, students striving to have a deeper understanding of
their learnings and research, and institutions investing more
for their students into STEM.

Ki Ni Naru 2024: Continuing the Initiativewith Extra Steps
Last January 20, 2024, Leave a Nest Philippines had its
successful implementation of the first face-to-face Ki Ni
Naru Kick-off and Opening Ceremony with a Keynote Session
and workshop that let students experience the research
process. After the successful opening, the team trained thestudents closely with quality and technology-powered tools
in several sessions as preparation for the Final Presentation
this March 23, 2024 where they can showcase their research,presentation and communication skills in front of expert
researchers.

More than just a Research Program - A Movement“Sa bawat experiment, sa bawat survey, sa bawat observation [In each experiment, each survey, and eachobservation], you’re not just learning—you’re creating. You’re painting the future not just with data, but withdreams and possibilities. Research teaches us patience, resilience, and the joy of finding out something new. It
shows us that, much like love, the beauty of inquiry grows with time and care.” - Dr. Robero Figueroa Jr. (Ki Ni
Naru 2024, Keynote Speaker)

With Ki Ni Naru, we aim to make research something that can be loved and conducted by everyone. It
is not just a requirement for science classes, but something that changes lives and the society. Leavea Nest and its partners shall commit to be a beacon of hope and of excellence for the development of
STEM and research for our society.

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Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Education Development

International Collaboration Encourage Students Exploration
By Pang Ken Ann, B.Sc

Dear Teachers,

online cooperative video games, learning about different
cultures and countries’ issues.

As educators, we all share a common goal: to prepare ourstudents for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
While academic achievement is important, it alone isinsufficient to thrive in our rapidly evolving globalized world.
Effective communication and collaboration with individuals
from diverse cultures are increasingly vital skills.

Mark, an environmental science and aquaculture graduate
from Singapore, interacted with international students
during his secondary school days, fueling his curiosity about
their lives and experiences.

So, how can we nurture our students to navigate a globalized
world and collaborate with individuals from diverse
backgrounds?

All three individuals are grateful for the opportunity to meet
people from different countries, but they also acknowledge
the serendipitous nature of how they came to meet suchindividuals.

We spoke to three Leave a Nest senior members to learn about
their experiences fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Allow us to share their stories:

Hence, Science Castle and Tsunagu were created to provide
everyone, regardless of their background, with the chance tomeet new people, learn, and create together.

Dr. Ezral from Malaysia had his first exposure to international
students during his PhD, collaborating with students fromvarious cultural backgrounds. Dr. Ezral notes the difficulty
students face in securing a spot in a PhD program, especiallywhen it involves studying overseas. While Dr. Ezral is gratefulfor his opportunity, he acknowledges that not every student
may have the chance to meet others from different countries.

Join us at our events to nurture global citizens and foster
cross-cultural understanding. Let’s equip students with theskills and mindset they need to thrive in our interconnectedworld. Seize this opportunity and warmly welcome you to ourevent.

Dr. Ezral Ghazali

Hannah Mae Balisi

Mark Chiam

Hannah, a psychology degree holder from the Philippines,
initially engaged with individuals from overseas throughAs Hannah wisely puts it, “The world is constantly changing. We
need to adapt, innovate, and meet new people to gain new ideas
and ways of thinking. It’s crucial for our future.”

Education Development, Leave a Nest Malaysia

Human Development, Leave a Nest Philippines

Education Development, Leave a Nest Singapore

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

9TSUNAGU IN 2024: BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE HERE
Are you a secondary school student brimming with ideas
and a passion for solving real-world problems? If so, theTsunagu Research Project 2024 is your platform to shine! This
international initiative connects young, inquisitive minds
from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan, offeringa unique opportunity to dive into the world of research andinnovation. Tsunagu, meaning ‘to connect’ in Japanese,
symbolises the spirit of collaboration and curiosity.
The Tsunagu Research Project started in 2020 with the intention to connect students during the pandemic, since then it has gathereda total of 78 teams and 346 students from Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines and Japan.

Tsunagu’s Mission: Where Curiosity Fuels
ChangeThe Tsunagu Research Project is a journey towards becoming acatalyst for change. Our objective is to empower you, the students,
to take charge, explore, and find solutions to some of the mostpressing global challenges. Through this project, you’ll develop
not only a deep understanding of critical issues but also hone yourresearch skills and turn your innovative ideas into actionable plans.

Research Theme for 2024
For the 2024 edition, the Tsunagu Research Project is focusing on one of the most physiological need that we have: Food Focusing
on food loss and its sustainable application. This theme can encompass a range of issues encountered worldwide such as foodsecurity, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food waste management. With the global population growing and climatechange impacting food production, innovative and sustainable solutions are needed more than ever. We encourage students toinvestigate these areas, seeking out ideas and solutions that could lead to global improvements for food for the future.

How to Register
Ready to embark on thisexhilarating journey?

Join us tochange theworld!
10

Registration for the
Tsunagu Research Project2024 is now open!

Do drop an email totanami@lne.st or
mark@lne.st to register

Secondary school students
from Singapore, Malaysia,
the Philippines, and Japanare eligible to apply.

Visit our official website byscanning the QR code

SCAN HERE

The Tsunagu Research Project 2024 isn’t just about research; it’s
about building a community of young researchers eager to make adifference. Your ideas today could be the solutions of tomorrow. So,
take this chance to step into the role of a problem solver, an innovator,
and a researcher. Join Tsunagu, where your curiosity leads to creating
a better world. Apply now and be a part of this exciting journey.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

YUGTO:BRIDGING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH COLLEGE DEGREE INSIGHTS

Unveiling Yugto in
the Philippines

In the Philippines, high school students often struggle with choosing a university degree,
unaware of all the possibilities. The article featuring Joslin Nicole from the University of
the Philippines - Manila, titled “This UP Student Gets Real About Shifting Late And Getting
Delayed,” highlights the significance of selecting a course aligned with one’s career aspirations
and interests. It underscores the benefits of early course changes to prevent delays, often
necessitated by initial misconceptions about the course content, teaching style, or career
opportunities.
Addressing this issue, Leave a Nest introduced ‘Yugto’—meaning a crucial stage in Tagalog—
aimed at enlightening students about various university degrees, especially lesser-known ones.
Yugto serves as a navigational tool for students uncertain about their future, ensuring they
are informed about all available options. This enables students to make choices based on theirinterests and strengths, guiding them in their critical academic decisions.

Some university degrees attract too many students, while others lack enrollment. This
imbalance affects educational quality and university operations. Yugto addresses this byproviding high school students with comprehensive information, guiding them to makeinformed decisions about their future. The program encourages students to explore a variety ofdegrees, particularly those less popular but crucial for societal advancement.
Yugto’s goal is not to balance student numbers, but to highlight the importance of theseless chosen fields. We believe these subjects are vital for global progress and development.
By emphasizing the significance and impact of these degrees, Yugto inspires students toconsider them. This approach allows universities to showcase their excellence in these areas
to prospective students, fostering a community eager to contribute positively to society.
Ultimately, this benefits all: students engage in meaningful study, and society gains the skilledindividuals it requires.

Yugto in thePhilippines 2024

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Empowering HighSchool Students
and Universities

Leave a Nest is gearing up for another Yugto Project in 2024, targeting Grade 10 - 12 high school
students in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. The program, which will happen
on April 13, 2024, running from 13:00 to 17:00 Philippine Standard Time, aims to connect highschool students with universities and industry partners interested in fostering the next phase of
educational development.
Leave a Nest invites high schools, universities, and industry entities interested in collaboratingon this impactful project to get involved. For more information or inquiries, please contact
info-asia@lne.st.

11Navigating the Scientific Seas:
A Journey with Science Castle Asia
By Edilyn Grace Odero, B.Sc
In a candid interview, the young minds behind a groundbreaking research project share their unexpected journey with Science
Castle Asia 2023 (SCA), exploring their motivations, challenges, and aspirations. Tychie Ereil B. Capuno, Brent Haryl M. Magbanua,and Precious Angel A. Narazo, students from Negros Occidental National Science High School Philippines, delve into the intricaciesof their, “Bio-based Photothermal Film made from Brown Seaweed Alginate” project, offering insights into their experiences at SCA.

The Unplanned Venturebio-based industrial products to combat climate change.
Brent chimes in, highlighting that the decision was indeed aspontaneous one, prompted by the nearing midnight deadline.
The urgency to participate and see if they could rise to thechallenge led them to embark on this unexpected journey.
He also shed light on the challenges they faced during theapplication process. However, the team’s determination andmeticulous approach allowed them to overcome these hurdles.

Tychie reveals the serendipity behind their Science Castle Asia
application. The team joined the competition on a last-minutedecision, receiving the application link from their researchteacher, Miss Kalvin Bauno. Their aim was to test theircapabilities and shed light on their niche research - utilizing

Their project was inspired by a case study contest in thePhilippines seeking solutions to reduce air conditioning
usage, and initiated the endeavor. Motivated to address
societal challenges, the team collaborated with a researchadvisor, envisioning the application of a biofilm as a heatabsorber. Within the support system, Tychie steers conceptual
aspects, Brent delves into details, and Angel significantly
contributes to research, specializing in crafting presentations
and designing posters. Their collaborative synergy involves
task allocation, with each member focusing on specific aspects
like methodology or literature review. The team upholds
excellence through rigorous quality checks and constructive
feedback sessions, ensuring the seamless integration of theirdiverse skills into a cohesive project.

Science Castle Asia Journey
Reflecting on their SCA experience, as for Tychie, the Science
Castle experience was described as unforgettable, offeringa glimpse into diverse projects and community issues. It
provided a broader perspective and emphasized the social
importance of the participants’ work. Brent highlighted thepositive interaction with participants from other countries,
fostering a sense of a shared goal to find solutions for theirrespective nations. Angel found the experience remarkable,commending the welcoming staff, well-organized program,delightful culinary options, and the wealth of knowledge
gained throughout the event. The exposure to diverse projects
and cultures expanded their perspective on global issues. They
had engaging discussions with other participants, forging
connections and even exchanging social media details forongoing inspiration.

conclusion, the interview encapsulates the transformative
journey of Tychie, Brent, and Angel with Science Castle
Asia. Their commitment to societal solutions, resiliencein overcoming challenges, and openness to global
collaboration exemplify the spirit of young researchers
shaping the future through the international conference,
SCIENCE CASTLE.

Looking forward, the team envisions more opportunities toshare their research passion, interact with scientists, andadvance their project towards successful commercialization. In

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Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

EUREKA! COMICS
By Hadi Akbar Dahlan, Ph.D

To understand the research conducted by the
Negros Occidental National Science High School
Philippines students, Dr Hadi has created a creative
comic. Let’s read it!

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

If you want to makeyours comic,
contact us!
hadi@lne.st13

Science Castle in Asia 2024: Nurturing The Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Last October, Leave a Nest Malaysia launched the inaugural Science Castle in Asia 2023, hosted at RekaScape in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
The event attracted active participation from 300 students, aged between 13 and 17, representing Asian countries, including Malaysia,
the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Science Castle in Asia 2023 was not just an ordinary conference for highschool students; it was an immersive experience designed to empower young minds.
Science Castle in Asia 2023 served as a notable illustration of how science education could contribute to fostering positivetransformation. This event brought a positive impact, creating younger generations to excel not just in the field of science but
also in matters of ethics and creativity. Among distinguished partners were the James Dyson Foundation, Suntory, Cyberview, andTiger Campus, all of whom shared a common vision of empowering young talent and fostering the spirit of innovation. Science
Castle in Asia 2023 also received support from leading organizations such as SEAMEO RECSAM, the National STEM Association, theAssociation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ASTI), STEM Education Promotion Alliance Vietnam, Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), and Makerlab UiTM.
Science Castle in Asia 2024 endeavours to draw a broader audience encompassing students, educators, scientists, and enthusiasts
to partake in this grand and transformative event. Your participation promises to elevate the experience and contribute to theresounding success of this monumental occasion.Together, let’s unlock the wonders of tomorrow and pave the way for a brighter
future through the power of science and innovation.

Why Science Castle in Asia 2024?
••••

Research Communication: Students will be able to engage
in discussions about their research work with peers fromvarious countries.
Interactive Workshops and Science Challenges: Engage
in hands-on workshops and science challenges that bringscientific concepts to life.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Hear from visionaries
who have made significant contributions to the world of
science and technology.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-mindedparticipants, university researchers, and potential
mentors.

Are you a secondary school student from Asia working on a research project you’d like to share? If so, Science Castle in Asia 2024
is for you! Please indicate your interest by completing this form (https://global.lne.st/joinsca2024), and as soon as the registrationsite becomes available, we will get in touch with you. Join us for this incredible opportunity to showcase your research.
We also extend a warm invitation to any esteemed organisation to join us as a valued sponsor for Science Castle in Asia 2024, thepremier event shaping the future of scientific exploration and innovation.
Visit us at https://en.s-castle.com/ for more information. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this extraordinary journey into theworld of science!

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Crafting Futures:
Redefining Internship Experiences in Southeast Asia
Universities generate a wealth of exceptional talent, both at the graduate and postgraduate levels. However, in certain SEA
countries, the students’ exposure to the industry ecosystem during their academic tenure is somewhat limited. Leave a Nest
has always strived to bring the best to students, aiming to empower the younger generation as tomorrow’s leaders in advancing
science and technology. To achieve this goal and addressing the aforementioned issue at universities, Leave a Nest offers various
programs specifically designed to assist students in gaining valuable insights and expand their knowledge on the landscape ofinnovation and technology in ASEAN and Japan. Below are some of the notable programmes for universities’ students:

Career Discovery Forum:
Career Discovery Forum (CDF) is aunique event that started in Tokyo,
Japan in 2016. It was introduced
by Leave a Nest and started as aseminar where university students,
researchers,
andcompanies
exchanged thoughts and visions
with the aim of creating new science
research topics and designing
future careers together. Unlike
other career fairs, CDF provides
the opportunity for employers to
identify potential talents outside
normal recruitment channels andalso for students to explore theircareer paths by engaging withindustry.

Overseas Internship
Engagement Programme:
Leave a Nest offers a uniqueinternship opportunity to students
where they will get to experience
multiple countries at once inamulti-national
Internshipprogramme where students willtravel to different countries forexperiential learning during theirinternship locally or overseas.

Science & Technology
Entrepreneurship Training:
Science&Technology
Entrepreneurship
Training(SCENT) is a ~6-month training
program introducing university
and college students to theJapanese style of startup andbusiness concepts with the purposeof implementing research andtechnology into society.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

15

Human Development

Overview of Internship in Southeast Asia
By Arief I. Zamani, Ph.D

engage in internship programs lasting 12 to 24 weeks, gaining
practical insights and applying classroom knowledge. Yet,
the true impact of these internships remains uncertain. Does
interning during studies significantly boost a graduate’svalue, or is it merely a step toward gaining experience?[3]The Philippines:

Talent in Science and Technology (S&T) is like the engine
that drives progress forward, and Southeast Asia has a poolof emerging talent that delves into different spectrum ofinternships. Focusing the countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and
the Philippines, which have unique talent profiles and internshipopportunities that mould their career path. Each country offers a
different but connected set of experiences that help interns grow.
This article tries to shed an overview of internship opportunities
in Southeast Asia countries, namely Malaysia, Singapore, and thePhilippines.

Malaysia:
In Malaysia, the growth of the Malaysian economy spurs
tech hubs like Cyberjaya to provide internships in techsectors for Multinational Corporations (MNCs), local
firms, and startups. Universities integrate internships
into undergraduate programs tailored to industry needs.
For example, engineering majors at Universiti Teknologi
Petronas undertake a 32-week internship mandated by the
Board of Engineers Malaysia [1]. Food science students at
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia complete internships for
up to six months [2]. Internships educate students on work
dynamics and industry norms. They’re vital for grasping job
roles and meeting industry standards in Malaysia’s evolving
market.

Singapore:
Singapore, renowned for its cutting-edge infrastructureand global financial prominence, offers interns a glimpse
into the international work culture. With numerous MNCs
based here, interns encounter diverse perspectives and a
global professional environment. They not only experience
the fast-paced work atmosphere but also learn to navigate
high expectations and efficiency demands. For instance,engineering students at the National University of Singapore

16

The Philippines offers diverse internship opportunities intechnology-driven sectors like Business Process Outsourcing(BPO), customer service, and tourism, particularly in
Makati City. This bustling district exposes interns to local
startups and MNCs. The country’s strong outsourcing
industry provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge
tech. Internship durations, typically up to 4 months, vary by
field. For instance, agriculture students at PhilRice engage
in a 4-month internship focused on hybrid rice breeding andseed production [4]. Pharmacy students undergo a 6-weekinternship, including hospital and manufacturing pharmacy
rotations, aiming for competency in patient-oriented
practice. These internships prepare Filipino talent for roles intheir respective fields [5].

Conclusion:Southeast Asia’s internship landscape isn’t just limited
to cultural pools but extends to the industrial demandand challenges in each internship environment. Interns
navigating through these complexities will likely emerge
as well-equipped professionals that meet the industrial
standards. In general, the Southeast Asia education system
in nurturing talent includes experiences that will generate
individuals that are ready to enrol in the industrial worldand be versatile and adaptable professionals.

References[1] Z.A. Abdul-Karim, 2009. International Engineering Education
Conference: 143-147[2] M. Zul Azri et al., 2016. Jurnal Personalia Pelajar 19(1): 39-48[3] Jonathan K. M. Lian et al., 2018. Engineering, Construction
And Architectural Management. 25(1): 77-89[4] Leonilo Gramaje et al., 2020. International Social Science
Review 1(2020): 175-191[5] Darwin I. Carrido et al., 2016. Pharmacy Education 16 (1): 103- 108

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Human Development

Internship Relevance in Malaysia:
Illuminating Industry Perspectives
By Nor Ilia Anisa Binti Aris, Ph.D, P.Eng

The heightened unemployment
rate
among
Malaysiangraduates raises questions
about
the
relevanceofinternships in the country. To
explore deeper into this issue,
we conducted an interview
with Ir Razak Yakob, aiming togain insights from an industry
expert’s perspective. Ir Razakhasextensive
expertise,
which
he
has
acquiredsince 1996 at well-known
Ir Razak Yakob,
Head of Strategic Growth and Businessmultinational companies such
Advancement, Faazmiar Technology.
as ExxonMobil, and Petronas
Carigali Sdn. Bhd. He iscurrently the Head of Strategic Growth and Business Advancement
at Faazmiar Technology. Throughout his tenure, particularly at
Petronas, Ir Razak has mentored interns of different backgrounds
from various universities globally with local and international
students.

Ir Razak while inspecting the power control room condition on a jack up drilling rig.

“Internship is about experiencing the actual work condition”
Creating Future Job Opportunities ThroughInternships
Internships is an important opportunity for students
to immerse themselves in a real working life industry
environment and hone both technical and soft skills. Whilst
technical skills remain at the forefront, promoting soft
skills such as communication and presentation is equallyimportant. These skills — such as conducting professional
conversations,planning
meetings,
documentation
management, and presenting proposals — are crucial toproject delivery. He also highlighted the importance of
Malaysian universities organising more industry visits that
go beyond mere accreditation requirements. “Exposure to
real industry work gives graduates a deeper understandingof their respective fields of study,” he emphasised. During
his studies in Colorado, the internship was not mandatoryfor graduation. However, many graduates actually went
for summer internships and managed to refine theircareer interest thus making themselves more attractive toemployers.

Support Initiatives from Industry Player
Support initiatives from not just universities but also from
corporations, small-medium-enterprises (SMEs), or evenstart-ups in the form of structured training programs andinternships, play a pivotal role in shaping the graduates readyfor the industry. Multinational companies such as Petronas
offer structured internship programs where they are placedin different department areas in this program to gain
comprehensive insight of the industry. Internships in SMEs

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

and start-ups provide students with invaluable opportunities
to develop various skills, technical and administration.
At these smaller companies, students often have theopportunity to engage in diverse tasks at a dynamic pace andgain hands-on learning experiences that greatly enrich theirunderstanding of the industry.

Mindset Transformation
Internship is an important phase in education that requires thetransition from student to employee and effectively prepares
individuals for their future roles in the workplace. He emphasised,“Regardless of the duration or location of the internship, students
who demonstrate a commitment to developing their skills,
fostering their independence, and pursuing their chosen career
path attract the attention of employers.” Interestingly, in someforeign universities, internships are not integrated into thecurriculum during his time; however, students secure employment
based on their clear career aspirations.
The transition from academia to practical knowledge, facilitatedthrough internships, offers students the opportunity to explore
their chosen career paths. It is imperative to understand how tonavigate and acquire a diverse set of skills essential to the industry.
Internships provide students with a valuable opportunity to
showcase and refine their personality traits and initiatives. It
is a pivotal time for them to understand how to make a lasting
impression on future employers. Employers evaluate job
candidates not only on their technical skills but also on theirability to independently solve problems and communicate
effectively with colleagues, management, and clients. Interns areencouraged to seize this moment for self-discovery, recognizingthat the internship is not just about developing technical skills but
also about understanding their own strengths and capabilities.

17

Human Development

Revolutionizing Internships in the Philippines:
How Startups like Wela are Making a Difference
By Jondi Doplayna, B.Sc

details their unique approach whereby they are doing frequent
mentorship or coaching with the interns, ensuring guidance
for interns to complete their tasks successfully and with
optimum impact. This robust support system is a testament
to Wela’s commitment to nurturing future industry leaders.

From Internship to Industry: Charting a Futureat WelaThe State of Internships in the Philippines
In the evolving landscape of Philippine internships, there’s
a striking difference between official internships, backed byacademic institutions, and the unofficial ones that students
pursue for real-world experience before graduation. These
unofficial internships often lack legal protections, leading toissues of exploitation and poorly structured programs.
JV Fiel of Wela sheds light on this issue, stating, “We reallylet our interns experience real projects which align withthe mission and vision of the company.” This perspective
highlights Wela’s commitment to providing meaningfulinternship experiences.

Wela’s Unique Mentorship and Engagement
Strategy

Under the leadership of JV Fiel, Wela is transforminginternships in innovative ways. Fiel highlights a specificproject in collaboration with the government, focusing ondata science and app development. This project illustrates
how Wela customizes internships to align with the student’s
skills and passions. “We involved our interns in a government
project, particularly those interested in data science andapp development. This assignment was instrumental in
integrating an AI feature into our existing platform andapplication,” he explains, emphasizing the practical andsubstantial nature of their internship tasks.
Wela’s culture, as portrayed by Fiel, champions inclusivity
and open-mindedness. ‘The company is very welcoming...
we listen to your ideas,’ he says, highlighting a dynamic
environment where even interns have a voice. This approachmarks a significant departure from traditional internships,
where such inclusivity is often rare.
Further setting Wela apart is its emphasis on mentorship. He
details their unique approach whereby they are doing frequent
mentorship or coaching with the interns, ensuring guidance
for interns to complete their tasks successfully and with
optimum impact. This robust support system is a testament
to Wela’s commitment to nurturing future industry leaders.

Under the leadership of JV Fiel, Wela is transforminginternships in innovative ways. Fiel highlights a specificproject in collaboration with the government, focusing ondata science and app development. This project illustrates
how Wela customizes internships to align with the student’s
skills and passions. “We involved our interns in a government
project, particularly those interested in data science andapp development. This assignment was instrumental in
integrating an AI feature into our existing platform andapplication,” he explains, emphasizing the practical andsubstantial nature of their internship tasks.
Wela’s culture, as portrayed by Fiel, champions inclusivity
and open-mindedness. “The company is very welcoming...
we listen to your ideas,” he says, highlighting a dynamic
environment where even interns have a voice. This approachmarks a significant departure from traditional internships,
where such inclusivity is often rare.
Further setting Wela apart is its emphasis on mentorship. He

18

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Human Development

Unraveling the Internship Enigma
By Chia Shu Sheng, Ambrose, M.Sc

Mr.
Desmond
Woo

Internships,
oftenamandatory part of InstituteofHigherLearning(IHL)’scurriculum,
have both been seen as
an opportunity to gain
new skills and discoverpotential career paths, andalso just another milestone
to clear before getting a
diploma or degree in one’s
higher education journey.
This
articlefeaturesan interview with Mr.
Desmond Woo, delving
into the complexities of
the Internship Enigma.
Mr. Desmond Woo iscurrently a Deputy Director
at Nanyang Technological
University (NTU)’s Career&
Attachment
Office(CAO). He plays a criticalrole in developing andenriching
students
of
NTU’s overseas internshipexperience.

A Path Less Trodden

Deputy Director,
Overseas
Internship &International
Immersion,
Career &Attachment
Office, Nanyang
Technological
University

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Even in a global hub such asSingapore, the majority of thestudents do not go overseas
for an internship. Heading to aforeign country at times needs
external
encouragement,
explained Mr Woo. There areconsiderations such as interestin the foreign companies, whichis also limited to certain fields.
Students may find it difficult tofind a company whose businessis in their interest field. Whenchoosing a country to do an
overseas internship, Mr Woo
explained there are merits forboth developing and developed
countries. As for developing
countries especially ASEAN,
China and India, students are
exposed to the potential growthin the region and this opens
their mind to the opportunities
in their future business andcareers.

Learning Journey
DilemmaAnother common dilemma thestudents encounter is deciding
on the type of company. Whenconsidering what type of

NTU Students on overseas internshipcompany a student chooses
for an internship, they would
have to carefully consider
the type of exposure andexperience that they would
like to gain. When choosing a
multinational company, thestudent would gain exposure
to hold such a large andreputable company functions
and handles their business.
The downside to this would
be the “distance” between
the upper management andthe interns. Compared tosmaller companies, like asmall medium enterprise orstartup, the student would beworking next to the founders
or directly learning froma manager. This gives thestudents valuable perspective
and insights on leadership andmanaging a growing venture.
The
disadvantages
wouldbe the perspective on size ofoperations and MNC branding.

Skill Development
and Market
Understanding
Another interesting internshipcompany selection criteria a
student should consider for
their future careers is thedomain of which a company isin and the region in which they
operate.
“Choosingthedomain,students can use it to gain
valuable experience throughprojects,
operationsorbusinesses that leverage on

the students’ field of studies”
according
to
Mr.
Woo.
However, this also meansthat for certain domains, thestudents are limited to thenumber of companies and the
spread of these companies
across the region. Each region
has a stronger focus on theirpreferred domain expertisethan others. Students gain
insights and exposure totechnology
andbusinessdevelopment in the developing
ASEAN region, offering a
distinct experience from thatin developed countries.

Role of an Internship
Company
Internship isn’t just about
the students, the companies
that
acceptinternships
have a big role to play in thestudents’ development andexperience. Mr Woo sharedthat in his experience, not all
employers have the knowhow to motivative the students
in developing their chosendomain expertise and givethem a meaningful internship.
Insteadofscopinganinternship as a part-time job.
By accepting students fromoutside their home country,
a company can gain uniqueperspectives from the students
that a local founder ormanager would not be awareofpreviously.
Meaningful
engagement between employer
and intern would be key to this.

19

The Career Discovery Forum (CDF) stands as a distinctive event that originated in Tokyo in 2016.
Its initially took shape as a seminar fostering dynamic interactions among university students,
researchers, and companies. Expanding its footprint, CDF has now extended its influence
to Southeast Asia, amplifying its commitment to fostering meaningful connections andcollaborations across borders. The primary objective was to cultivate a collaborative environment
where innovative science topics could be conceived, and future career trajectories jointly
designed. What sets CDF apart from traditional career fairs is its unique approach: providing aplatform for employers to unearth potential talents beyond conventional recruitment avenues
and enabling students to navigate and explore diverse career paths by actively engaging withindustry professionals.

Career Discovery Forum in the Philippines
The theme “Nurturing Homegrown Talent Through the Digital Frontier:
Balancing Online and Physical Realities” reflects the current scenario wherestudents, having primarily engaged in online learning, are now stepping into
physical workplaces. Its underscores the importance of leveraging digitalproficiency in physical work settings, adapting online-acquired skills forface-to-face interactions, and navigating the nuances of traditional office
dynamics. It’s aimed at guiding students to effectively bridge the gap between
their virtual educational experiences and the interpersonal, hands-on aspectsof the workforce, ensuring a smooth transition into their professional lives.
jondi@lne.st

bill@lne.st

March 16, 2024 (Saturday)

9:30AM-5:00PM

Venue : TBA
Nurturing Homegrown Talent Through the Digital Frontier
Highlights:

Company Pitches

Forum Session

Company Workshops

onic@lne.st

Career Discovery Forum in Singapore“How do I discover a career that is meaningful?” is often the question that
graduates ponder and try their best to answer. Companies often look out forcandidates who are visionary, have the drive and mindset to build the company
to the next level. At CDF SG 24, the candidates find out and discover what they
can do, above what is the written job scope, being the “intrapreneur” within
their work environment. And companies get to hear the thoughts of candidates
and find the candidate that can help them grow their business. Seeking tobring out the best in both candidates’ career journey and companies’ growth.
kaijie@lne.st

The theme reflects the dynamic intersection ofvarious industries, encouraging participants to
explore and capitalize on the synergies arising fromthe convergence of different fields. It serves as acatalyst for individuals to shape their professional
journeys at the crossroads, where innovative ideas,
diverse skill sets, and industry expertise converge toelevate and redefine career trajectories.

20

1:00PM-5:00PM

The Meeting Point @ One North
Vision to Change & Value Creation Through a Meaningful Career
Highlights:

Career Development Forum

Round Table discussion

Keynote Address

Workshopambrose@lne.st

Career Discovery Forum in Malaysia

izwan@lne.st

23rd March, 2024 (Saturday)

ilia@lne.starief@lne.st

27th April, 2024 (Saturday)

08:30AM-05:30PM

Cyberjaya, Selangor
Converge & Elevate: Navigating Careers at the Crossroads of Industries
Highlights:

Career Development Forum

Workshop: Validate Your Crazy idea
Career Matching

Keynote AddressCompany Pitching

Networking Session

cdforum.lne.st/CDFMY2024_Registration

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Leave a Nest
Internship Programmes
Summer Internships have long been a staple part of University programmes, be they self-sourced by passionate students or offeredby Universities themselves. Compared to regular 20-week professional internships that a majority of students go through in
Singapore as a mandatory part of their course in University, these internships are shorter at 12 weeks and do not take up a semesterof the student’s time, hence are more popular among local students.
Being shorter, most summer internships can fit more nicely to the student’s academic calendar between semesters. To offer overseas
students a glimpse into the singapore ecosystem, Leave a Nest Singapore has conducted a startup engagement programme in Junelast year in 2023 for students from Ateneo de Manila University with 5 other startups.

As a step up from the prior programme, Leave a Nest has expanded its programme to cover 3 countries for its programme in
the future. These countries are Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines due to their high concentration of knowledge and funding,manufacturing prowess and young talent respectively. This programme gives the students the opportunity to dive deeper into theenvironment surrounding startups This new programme will be implemented by assigning each country to 1 of 3 roles, where eachcountry will play a role depending on the university or institution of higher learning that wishes to approach us for our programme.
these roles are:Outbound country-

Students from this country will travel to the other 2 countries to learn about their ecosystem and culture so that they
may bring back the knowledge that they gained and apply them locally to boost the local economy.

Inbound country-

Companies and startups from this country will take in students and impart into them knowledge and know-how via aninternship of varying lengths

Experiential country-

Students will travel to this country on an experiential trip to meet with different entities surrounding the country’s
startups in its ecosystems and learn about the difficulties and support that startups are experiencing in different stagesof maturity of their ecosystems.

Each country has different strengths and weaknesses and students will be able to go up and personal with founders and businessmenin these different environments to learn about them from a first-person perspective. Leave a Nest warmly extends its arms to any
institution that would like to give its students a multinational and multicultural experience. To find out more about Leave a Nest,
visit https://global.lne.st/.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

21

Empowering Tomorrow’s
Innovators:
Leave a Nest’s SCENT
Programby: Hannah Balisi, B.Sc

The primary objective of this training program is to shift themindset of students, fostering an environment conducive
to innovation and the subsequent implementation of these
innovations within society. This involves a dual focus:(1) providing comprehensive training to undergraduateswith an emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship as thepreferred career path for students in science and technology(S&T) disciplines.
(2) A commitment to nurturing perseverance among
students, particularly as they embark on the creation of deep
technology startups.
SCENT’s target participants;(1) Tertiary level students who are from various degrees.
(2) Pre-startup researchers across diverse fields of scienceand technology,

22

Our global community has encountered a myriad ofchallenges, prompting the development of advanced
technologies across various domains, including, AgriTech, Marine-Tech, Deep-Tech, Bio-Tech, Med-Tech,and Food-Tech. The real issue now is to assimilate theresearch outcomes from these areas into the fabric ofsociety.

Leave a Nest started the SCENT (Science & Technology
Entrepreneurship Training), a comprehensive initiativethat is fortified by a robust framework encompassing
mentorship and practical exercises. Within this program
is LVNS’ very own QPMI cycle which is an acronym derived
from Question, Passion, Mission, and Ideas. Furthermore,participants get to know about the Entrepreneurial
Ecosystem, Business Development and other important
modules that are related to implementing research andtechnology into society.

(3) Individuals possess nascent ideas or are visionary
thinkers aspiring to catalyze positive change on a global or
national scale.

Leave a Nest’s SCENT program will emerge as a beacon in
implementing research and technology into society. In linewith this initiative, we’d like to invite ministries, government
agencies, MNCs, local corporations and technology
startups to support this initiative and in training our futurescience entrepreneurs to spark a revolutionary shift in theentrepreneurial approach within the science and technology
community.
For all scientists, researchers, graduates, and tertiary-level
students, Come, be a part of this exciting endeavor, and let’s
redefine the future of innovation together!

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

A Malaysian Odyssey in Space Education
By Izzaty Ismail, Ph.D
When it comes to passions, everyone has something unique, from reading to stargazing. Some turn their passion into a career; forinstance, you might become an astronomer if you love talking about the moon and stars. That’s when I realised I was passionate about
learning about our solar system. I wanted to know what keeps Earth safe, what fuels the Sun, and how black holes are formed. So, I
started delving deeper into it. Curiosity is like a strong desire to learn and understand things, and it excited me to dig into the mysteriesof space. At that time, the only resources available were my teacher and space-related books.

My Journey in Exploring Space Education
However, my journey through high school exposed a gaping
void in our education system - the absence of space explorationin our science curriculum. While other countries have sent
humans to the moon, Malaysia was still in its infancy, hunting
for space scientists and engineers to pioneer and lead.
In 2002, the Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA) was formed, thenknown as ANGKASA. It marked the dawn of Malaysia’s spacevoyage, laying the foundation for our first astronaut program.
Designed to spark interest among the young minds, it was tothem, a beacon of inspiration. I also had the opportunity tomeet one of the astronauts when they visited my school. Since
then, numerous science programs related to space education
have emerged, leading me to pursue further academic pursuitsin space education.
Diving deeper, my focus is on space physics, specifically studying
the electrojet current in one of Earth’s atmospheric layers—theionosphere. The significance of studying the ionosphere lies
in its role as home to many satellites. Any disturbance in theionosphere might affect our communication and navigation
systems on Earth. During my academic endeavours, I realisedthat most experts in my field were from other countries. I
genuinely hope that one day, Malaysia will have more experts
in the field of space.

Fill in the Gap of Knowledge in Space
Education
My experience being involved in various talks and workshops on
space education in secondary schools reveals the critical gaps,
such as insufficient engaging content and a lack of teachers withspace science expertise. To address this, interactive sessions canbe held to introduce students to space technology, but this is not
one-man work. Everyone has a role in sparking curiosity. For
example, teachers can transform classrooms with dynamic models
and virtual reality, engaging students in project-based learning.
Community involvement through events and collaborations
with professionals further enhances space education. Parental
support is crucial in exposing children to space-related activities.
Ultimately, creating a supportive environment with resourcesand opportunities is essential to inspire the young generation
to explore space education. Collaboration among educators,
students, communities, and professionals drives innovationin space education, making it an exciting adventure for all in
Malaysia.
Today, an innovative wave is sweeping across Malaysia, with a sizable group of start-ups setting their sights on the infinite potentialof the space industry and technologies. Their enthusiasm knows no bounds, as they’re fueling the engine of space education acrossdiverse educational platforms. We are, indeed, embarking on an exciting mission to broaden horizons and illuminate the wondersof space. So, let’s unite, fired up by the mysteries of distant planets and stars, and make space education in Malaysia a thrillingadventure for one and all.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

23Turning Pages,
Uncovering
Stories:
Edilyn’s
Literary
Infatuation
By Mahirah Basri, MBA

Amidst the social media frenzy that consumes Generation Z, where videos and pictures flood
timelines, Edilyn Odero emerges as a rare gem—the girl who finds solace in reading. By thewindow, bathed in natural light, Edilyn’s favorite reading spot unfolded. The convergence of theoutside world with the realm of her book created a harmony that fueled her imagination. Quiet
evenings spent lost in the pages until sleep found her were cherished moments of serenity.

Mythical Journeys: Edilyn’s Entrance intoBook Worlds
In the tranquil recesses of Edilyn’s childhood, the enchanting artof storytelling blossomed under the nurturing guidance of her lategrandmother. The air was filled with vivid tales from her youth,
weaving narratives that ignited Edilyn’s appreciation for life’s
concealed blessings. What initially started as a cherished habit ofreading stories eventually evolved into an eagerness to hear them.
Mythical creatures, superheroes, and magical realms beckoned
Edilyn into the world of books. Little did she know that the firstbook etched into her memory, a compilation of Disney stories,
would be the gateway to a lifelong affair with literature.

A Tale of Transformation: How Edilyn’s Book
Choices Have Grown
As the chapters of Edilyn’s literary journey unfolded, a discernible transformation marked her
evolving preferences. In her earlier years, she leaned towards books with sequels and happy endings,
seeking the comforting embrace of conclusive sweetness. However, her literary inclinations tooka dynamic turn as adventurous tales, science fiction, and mysteries that once enchanted her youth
gracefully yielded to a newfound admiration for historical fiction. The pages of books, once mere
vessels of entertainment, metamorphosed into conduits guiding Edilyn through a profound roller
coaster of emotions, mirroring the ebbs and flows of real life. The process of selecting her next literarycompanion transformed into a more intentional and contemplative pursuit. Amidst this evolution,
historical fiction emerged as a captivating muse, casting a spell with enthralling stories of Spanish
and Japanese colonization. Within its pages, a rich tapestry of narratives unfolded, offering uniqueinsights and immersive storytelling that historical fiction excels at. This genre, once unexploredterritory, now held Edilyn captive, weaving an intricate web of fascination around her literary
sensibilities.

Edilyn’s Unlikely Literary Hero: The SpongeBob Phenomenon
Interestingly, if Edilyn were to immerse herself in the pages of her absolute favorite book, it would undoubtedly be a SpongeBob
SquarePants Adventure, created by Stephen Hillenburg, developed by Derek Drymon, Tim Hill and Nicholas R. Jennings andpremiered on Nickelodeon. The animated sea sponge’s boundless optimism, dedication, and unwavering enthusiasm for life
resonated profoundly with Edilyn. Despite the apparent dissimilarities, SpongeBob’s character emerged as an unexpected source ofinspiration—a shining example of perseverance in the face of doubt.
For someone who is skeptical about the magic of reading, Edilyn offered a gentle suggestion,“the journey into literature should begin
with understanding personal desires and acknowledging limitations”. Reading, she believed, was a voyage of self-awareness—a
conscious and joyful endeavor guided by the pages of books. And so, Edilyn’s literary odyssey continued, each page turning, revealing
new adventures and undiscovered worlds.

24

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Interdisciplinary
Research and Collaboration
Key Towards Resurgence of Green
Economy In Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, fostering a green economy is imperative for sustainable
development. For example, Malaysia started implementing sustainable oil palm
production and Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP), while Singapore is focusing on
Smart Nation Initiatives. Other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam also started
investing in renewable energy development. Recognizing the intricate links between
environmental preservation and economic growth, the region is recognizing the needs
for interdisciplinary research and collaboration. By merging insights from diverse
fields in science, technology, and economics, Southeast Asia aims to formulate holistic
solutions to environmental challenges.
This holistic approach, centres on continuous research and development, ensures anuanced understanding of the complex interplay between ecosystems and economies,
paving the way for effective and sustainable initiatives. The call for interdisciplinary
research signals a strategic shift towards a greener, more resilient future, stressing on
the importance of researchers from various fields to work together with industries andpolicy makers.
To address the challenge of limited platforms for cross-disciplinary collaboration,
researchers can find a solution in conferences where diverse
backgrounds converge. Enter the Hyper Interdisciplinary
Conference (HIC), born in Japan in 2008. Its mission:
Now,
uniting stakeholders from various
with a shareddisciplines under one roof.
goal for stimulatingsuchcollaborations
inSoutheast Asia (SEA), HIC has
become an annual event across six SEA
countries. Starting in Malaysia and expanding
to Singapore in 2019, the Philippines in 2020,and evolving into physical events in Vietnam,
Indonesia, and Thailand in 2022, HIC is fostering
a vibrant space for fruitful collaborations. In thefollowing pages, we delve into the case studies
and outcomes emerging from SEA HICs.

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

Singapore’s Greatest Resources: Its People and its Minds
By Ham Kai Jie, B.Eng

Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) has been the Leavea Nest way of amassing knowledge and using that knowledge
to advance science and technology for global happiness. It
seeks to gather researchers, corporates, government bodies
and individuals sharing the mind and mentality to advancescience and technology for global happiness. In the Hyper
Interdisciplinary Conference in Singapore 2024, which Leave a
Nest Singapore has been holding for the past 5 years since 2019,
an unlikely relationship was born from a meeting between a
Singaporean restaurant chain and a Japanese deep tech startup.
It is for these collaborations that birth potential innovations that
advance science and technology that we see value in bringing
corporates, researchers, startups and government organizations
together.
The theme for Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Singapore
2024 was Nexus of Knowledge Spheres: Rise of New Resources
for Singapore. Topics revolving around prototyping, innovationand discovering technology were discussed with the audience ina series of panel sessions and audience Q&A. Various startups andresearchers also presented their research in front of the audiencein the special research splash session, giving them a glimpse into
the newest and latest technologies Singapore has to offer.
Research was showcased, bonds were forged and partnerships
were born in the 2 poster sessions that were held in Hyper
Interdisciplinary Conference Singapore. Organizations comingfrom various sectors such as academia, corporate, research
centers and government were among those present in the rowdy
showcase sessions with heated discussions about new ideas,
projects, business deals and applications of technologies.

Discussions between Researchers and Corporates

Leave a Nest continues to be committed to its goal of advancing
science and technology for global happiness by accelerating thedevelopment of new technologies and the implementations ofthem into society.

For more information
regarding HIC,
scan here:
Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Singapore

26

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Expanding Horizons: Paving Path for Opportunities
By Edilyn Grace Odero, B.S ( Industrial Eng)On February 11, 2023, the first Hyper Interdisciplinary
Conference in Vietnam took place in Ho Chi Minh City, withthe theme “Advancing Quality of Life: Bridging Human
Innovation.” Researchers from different fields gathered toshare their knowledge potentially to enhance people’s lives. In
a distinct panel session titled “Bridging Smart Industries forSociety,” participants engaged in comprehensive discussions
centered around the intricate interplay between technologicaladvancements and their profound implications on the qualityof life. Delving into the multifaceted dimensions of technology
implementation, the discourse navigated through the intricacies
of various challenges, underscoring the criticality of fostering
global initiatives to effectively tackle these intricate issues.
Throughout the event, a diverse array of topics were intricately
explored, such as the transformative potential of emerging
technologies and their potential integration into societal
frameworks. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence tothe ethical dilemmas posed by automation. The platforms also
served as a fertile ground for the dissemination of cutting-edge
research presentations and the exhibition of thought-provoking
posters, fostering synergistic partnerships among attendees. As
discussions unfolded, participants were propelled to envision
innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives aimed at utilizing
technology’s full potential to enhance societal well-being anddrive sustainable progress on a global scale.

One of the notable highlights of the event revolved around theimpactful collaboration between GaraSTEM and Leave a Nest
Co., Ltd. The partnership was initiated by GaraSTEM, an awardwinning participant from the TECH PLANTER Vietnam 2018
program, renowned for its innovative contributions to scienceeducation through the utilization of self-made robot kits. During
the event, Leave a Nest demonstrated its unwavering commitment
by reaffirming its support for GaraSTEM. This support extends
to the nurturing and expansion of science workshops acrossSoutheast Asia, with an initial focus on the Philippines. This
collaboration represents a significant step forward in promoting
hands-on, experiential learning opportunities and fostering
a culture of scientific innovation and exploration within theregion.
The event facilitated connections between Vietnamese
researchers and potential collaborators. As per in conference
initiates the future initiatives aim to expand beyond Ho Chi Minh
City to include Hanoi and Da Nang, broadening engagement withkey players in research and industry.

Researchers in the conference discussing their studies
with one another during the Poster Session.

Awarding of certificate of partnership between GaraSTEM andLeave a Nest with GaraSTEM’s CEO Mr. Truong Vo Huu Thien(Left) and Leave a Nest’s CEO Dr. Yukihiro Maru (Right)

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

The Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference stands as a nurturing
ground, cultivating opportunities for present and futureadvancements. It serves as a bridge, connecting innovative
solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

27

The Announcement of Leave a Nest Grant
Opens 1st March 2024
Leave a Nest Grant is a research grant
program meant to support young
researchers to contribute towards“Advancing Science And Technology For
Global Happiness”.
In general, young researchers have difficulties in obtaining grants to support research activities that they would reallylike to pursue. Since 2008, Leave a Nest Grant has started to support young researchers to encourage their own passionate
research. It has supported more than 400 researchers collaborated with 100 companies, mainly in Japan. Now Leave anest would like to expand this program beyond Japan, to encourage the passion of young researchers who are able topresent the interest and importance of their research across the world. In order to do so, we do not strictly limit the useof the grant money. The researchers are free to work on a broad variety of scientific topics. Thus the awardee can choose
how to use the grant money as long as the awardee adheres to ethical, legal requirements and the set terms and conditionsof the grant.

THE SCHEME OF THE GRANT
Young Academic Researchers

Industry Side

1st Step: Call for Application
State the theme to seek new research seed

Apply for the theme

2nd Step: Award & Collaboration
Give award, encourage young researcher & collaboration.

Drive forward your research.

1

Call forapplication

2

Screening of
documents

3

Interview

4

Give awards &award ceremony

WHO CAN APPLY & HOW TO APPLY?
••

Academic researchers who are younger than 40 years old.
Who can show effectiveness, originality and enthusiasm of their own research, corresponding to thetheme and target of each award.
How to apply and who is eligible? Please refer to the following page for application details.

28

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

The 1st “S.T. CORPORATION Award”
calls you in Malaysia!
Leave a Nest Grant supported by

S. T. Corporation has started their business in 1946 with the manufacturing and sale of mothproofing agents to prevent
moths from eating kimonos. Since then, the company has grown by solving a variety of trouble and inconvenience indaily life and bringing “freshness and comfort” to customers while creating new markets, such as mothproofing agents,
warmers, dehumidifiers and deodorizers. They are also developing their new business “Changing the Future with thePower of Air” using their expertise to utilize chemical and natural ingredient and lots of R&D collaboration with academia.

Please apply to “Leave a Nest Grant S.T. CORPORATION Award”!

THEME

Any research that creates air that enriches health and lifeof living things using natural substances

Widely accepting the following topics that improve the richness of life through the use of airand natural substances.
•
•
•
•
•

Research on the functionality of natural substances
Research on the effects of fragrances on the bodyResearch on the effects of air conditioning and space design on physical condition and sensory perception
Improvement of pet health through the use of air conditioning and natural substances
Other research related to air and natural substances

TARGET CRITERIA
Any researchers doing research in
Malaysia based on the theme

3,000MYR research grant

image placeholder

Mr. Sourin Okudaira and Mr. Yohei Ozawa, S.T. CORPORATION

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

HOW TO APPLY

AWARD

Application opens:
1st March - 30th April 2024
From here: https://lne.st/stcorp_grant_my		

Our strength isextracting and utilizing
natural substances tochange the airs of life.
We want to seek newresearch seed in south
east asia, starting from
Malaysia. Please lookat our details and apply
from this!

APPLY HERE

29

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

Naglus Industries:
Bringing the Impact of Innovation to Society
By Ayappa V.Subramaniam, Ph.D.
In an era where the impacts of climate change loom large, theintersection of technology and environmental stewardship has
become paramount. The urgent need for sustainable solutions
to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change has given rise
to visionary individuals and companies dedicated to leveraging
cutting-edge technology for the betterment of our planet.
At the forefront of this transformative movement stands Dr.
Rozzeta Dolah, the Founder, MD of Naglus Industries Sdn Bhd.
and a Senior Lecturer of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Dr.
Rozzeta is passionate about bringing impactful innovation into
society. Equipped with research experiences from Japan and theUnited States of America, she invented a unique nanotechnology
process and is a leader in the field of renewable biomass
nanofluidics. Through this article, I share the vision behind theestablishment of Naglus Industries and breakthrough products.
Dr. Rozzeta completed her PhD at Meiji University, Japan, in
Mechanical Engineering (Measurement Information Laboratory)
and proceeded with her postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts
Institute of technology – MIT Department of MechanicalEngineering, USA, where she was placed in the Microfluidics andNanofluidics Research Laboratory. Being surrounded by the MIT
start-up culture, Dr. Rozzeta was inspired to embark on her startup journey. As soon as she arrived in Malaysia, she incorporated
her spin-off company in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a result of her international
exposure, 3 innovative products were born; MIZU 水 NanoPaint(carbon dioxide absorbent paint), Dr.Z NanoFuel™ Patch (lowcarbon emission device) and biojet fuels (sustainable aviationfuel from biomass waste).

Dr. Rozzeta’s journey began with the desire to bridge the gap
between academic research and its commercialisation, toward
community impact. As a university spin-off company, Naglus
Industries provided her with an outlet to transform her researchon renewable energy, i.e., specifically biomass nanofluidics, into
impactful innovations. The name ‘Naglus’ holds significance inremaining faithful and striving to be the best, which embodies
the vision of Dr. Rozzeta. These innovations have a focus towards
climate change mitigation, reflecting the emphasis she has
towards carbon emission reduction. Aside from the unique
technological advantage, Dr. Rozzeta stressed the Quintuple
Helix strategy, a holistic 5 pillars approach. The Quintuple
Helix Approach extends the traditional triple helix model,
which involves collaboration between academia, industry,and government, by adding two additional dimensions: theenvironment and society. “Partnerships and collaboration are
integral & vital for holistic and sustainable commercializationof deep tech innovations.” By incorporating environmental andsocietal considerations, the quintuple model seeks to addresscomplex challenges of the modern world such as climate change,social inequality, and sustainable development.

Transforming Research into
Tangible Outcomes
Dr. Rozzeta wished to transform Malaysian research and higher
education to mirror the success of international researchcommercialisation ecosystems in MIT. “Although existing
policies on start-up and support are in place, the practice andexecution need to be cascaded through a structured way anddelivered synergically”.

Naglus Industries MIZU 水 Paint is a passive cooling
paint, an ultracool paint with CO2 adsorbent made bynanotechnology research

30

Dr. Rozzeta Dolah is the recipient of L’Oréal For Women in
Science 2020 Award due to her outstanding research in
reducing carbon for climate change action.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Addressing Climate Change ThroughNanotechnology
Dr.Z NanoFuel™ Patch, designed as a low-carbon device,contributes to a higher efficiency in the engine by promoting
complete combustion, leading to lesser fuel consumption. On theother hand, the MIZU 水 Paint offers a unique solar reflectancecharacteristic, reducing the need for air conditioning usage andsubsequently minimizing the energy consumption, leading to the
reduction of Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Both innovations
play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
Naglus Industries’ initial focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF
7566) has led to the discovery of aviation’s cleaner emission andfuel-saving benefits.
For example, the pilot of the industrial lab validation test on a
motorcycle retrofitted with Dr. Z NanoFuel™ Patch exhibits anenhanced torque, and improves the fuel efficiency by 13.64% at
80 km/h. Substantial reductions in carbon monoxide (by 8%),
carbon dioxide (by 3.59%) and hydrocarbon (by 15.84%) werenoted, highlighting the environmental benefits. Moreover, thesolutions created by Naglus Industries have been recognisedwith NANOVerify certification, signifying the quality andfunctionality of these genuinely nanotechnology-driven
products towards cleaner emission and heat reduction.

Dr. Rozzeta was the first Malaysian in MIT history who has
been appointed as the President of the MIT Postdoctoral
Association (MIT PDA).

A Visionary Company in
Climate Change Mitigation
Dr. Rozzeta envisions Naglus Industries as a global leader inpaint industry, emphasizing ultra-cooling and greenhouse gas
elimination. Her company strives to introduce a unique selling
proposition every three years, to ensure the sustainabilityof the business and to create innovation that aligns with theEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and SDGs. “Asreflected in the logo of Naglus Industries, the mountain and thecolour green represent our commitment to being a prominent
figure in environment and sustainability”.

The name Naglus is the name of a mountain in Jordan. Mt.
Naglus is where the Seven Sleepers Ashabul Kahfi slept in the
Washid Cave at Aphesus City for 309 years during the third
century (around 249 until 251 Masihi). Mountain is a large
landmass, a prominence that is significantly higher than thesurrounding area. It portrays a successful meaning, to attainhigh position, certain status, wealth and success. Climbing
a mountain is another process that serves an example forboth business and life. Green is an ideal colour to represent
natural and environmental friendly products. It symbolizes
something new and fresh. Green is also often associated withmoney, prosperity and security.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

In conclusion, Naglus Industries, under the leadership of Dr.
Rozzeta, stands at the forefront of sustainable nanotechnology,
paving the path for climate change mitigation and low carbon
solutions. Dr. Rozzeta’s unwavering commitment to research andinnovation in climate change mitigation serves as an exemplary
standard for fellow researchers to emulate. It is incumbent uponus, as researchers, to steadfastly propel ongoing ResearchDevelopment- Innovation- Commercialization- Economy (R-DI-C-E) for the enhancement of society. “Every problem is a gift –without problems, we would not grow. We bear the responsibilityof inspiring the younger generation to ardently pursue their
passions, contributing to the perpetual advancement of scienceand technology in the years to come.”

31

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

Contributing Back to the Society via NEST Tea Chat & NEST Workshop
By Hadi Akbar Bin Dahlan, Ph.D.

Group photo of participating in NEST Tea Chat event organized by Leave a Nest Group.
At Leave a Nest, we utilize NEST as a unifying umbrella termfor diverse yet interconnected technical disciplines—Nature,Engineering, Science, and Technology. Its uniqueness lies in
the inclusion of Nature, aligning with Leave a Nest’s mission to
globally cultivate, gather, and disseminate knowledge in a moreaccessible manner. We strive to facilitate easy comprehension
and application of knowledge for all, fostering the creation of new
insights on a global scale.
In the spirit of cultivating knowledge, Leave a Nest also actively
builds bridges between academia and industry with the aim of
manufacturing new knowledge. One type of activity that ventures
into these objectives is NEST Tea Chat.
NEST Tea Chat is an interactive discussion platform for Sciencebased corporates, startups or researchers to tackle scientificand social issues, it will act as a springboard for stakeholders
to create new value via project creations and collaborations. All
stakeholders who are interested in various issues are welcome togather together and formulate solutions for the society. As such,
we are open for theme proposals to organise a NEST Tea Chat fromeither the academia or industry. We hope to meet and discuss the
direction and goals of the NEST Tea Chat with you.

NEST Tea Chat event marketing poster showcasing the partners
from industry & university.

Leave a Nest also conducts the NEST Workshops, which are
Science theme-specific workshops aimed to inspire the younger
generation to learn and apply science knowledge in their daily
lives. NEST Workshops are conducted for students spanning fromprimary school to high school level.
Leave a Nest is eager to collaborate with corporates and startups
in organising NEST Workshops. In fact, collaboration withorganisations utilising scientific principles implemented at theworkshops will definitely inspire the students more. Corporations
and startups can entrust the workshop content to Leave a Nest
members—experienced researchers who adeptly design andcurate the content materials. For those eager to contribute tosociety through education, please do not hesitate to contact us at
info-asia@lne.st (Attention Dr. Hadi)

32

NEST Workshop organized by Leave a Nest.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Digging Deeper: Future for
Deep Tech in SEA in the
Next Five Years
Southeast Asia (SEA) is poised for arevolutionary surge in deep tech innovation
over the next five years, reshaping
industries through the integration of
artificial intelligence, advanced materials,
biotechnology, blockchain, robotics, drones,
photonics,
electronics,
andquantum
computing. Both startups and establishedentities are heavily investing in researchand development, paving the way forgroundbreaking solutions. The futureof deep tech in SEA holds potential forsignificant impact in agriculture, healthcare,finance, and logistics, addressing regional
challenges with cutting-edge technologies.
Governments
areactively
nurturing
ecosystems to support deep tech growththrough funding initiatives and regulatory
frameworks. Collaborative efforts between
academia, industry, and government entities
are pivotal in propelling SEA to the forefrontof global innovation. With a thriving
startup culture and a rich talent pool, SEA
is poised to become a hub for deep techadvancements, promising a transformative
journey into technology’s realms over the
next half-decade.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

33

FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT

Robopreneur’s Story of Advancing Deep Techthrough Service Robotics in Malaysia
By Aisyah Abdul Hamid, MBioSc
In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements,
one company stands at the forefront of innovation—
Robopreneur. Established in 2015 by Dr. Hanafiah and Dr. Rubie
Zahari, Robopreneur has become a trailblazer in the realm ofrobotic technology and services, both domestically and globally.
Acknowledged as Tech Venture of the Year 2024 on January
17, 2024, at MRANTI Park, Robopreneur’s journey signifies adedication to innovation, pushing technology boundaries, andmaking outstanding contributions in service robotics, ultimately
enriching the broader tech ecosystem.

Contributions to Deep Tech in Malaysia
During its startup, Robopreneur overcame challenges in productcommercialization, market acceptance, talent acquisition, andregulations, carving a niche in crucial industries. Showcasing
adaptability and perseverance, the company’s core technologies
in robotics, software automation, and artificial intelligence (AI)significantly contributed to Malaysia’s deep tech landscape. As astartup coming from university origin, Dr. Hanafiah emphasized,“Entrepreneurship is one of the important key performanceindicators in education that will drive innovation and economic
growth for a country. We have prove it well for the past eight
years, serving as a role model for entrepreneurship in the
education sector.” Overcoming obstacles and sharing knowledge,
Robopreneur inspires, bridging academia and entrepreneurshipto influence future tech innovators.

Shaping the Future:
Vision and Business Model

Dr. Hanafiah Yussof, Robopreneur Sdn. Bhd.
Founder and Group CEO

Distinguishing Features Setting
Robopreneur Apart
Robopreneur distinguishes itself by prioritizing problemsolving solutions over product offerings, showcasing flexibility
in customizing robotic technologies for end-user needs. The
integration of customized robotics technology and design,
software automation, and AI solutions positions the company
strategically in diverse markets, spanning from business-tobusiness (B2B) to business-to-government (B2G). Moreover,
Robopreneur’s transformative journey includes strategic
collaborations with like-minded partners in a venture platformbusiness model, highlighting the significance of collective
efforts in fostering innovation and collaborative work addressing
industry challenges and the dynamic market changes. Thisapproach reflects the company’s commitment to constantevolution and establishing enduring business that will sustain
the company for the long run and benefit the customers andshareholders.

“We have to put at least one robot to one home,” shared Dr.
Hanafiah. In the future, Robopreneur aspires to shift from
B2B/B2G business model to a business-to-consumer (B2C)
emphasizing the integration and maturity of hardware, software,and AI to impact the consumer market significantly. The
collaboration with Leave a Nest (LVNS) has been pivotal in thisvision, as LVNS not only facilitated fundraising but also provided
valuable insights and fostered collaborations with other techentities. This symbiotic relationship highlights the significanceof cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing Robopreneur’scommitment to a robust business model, ensuring substantial
market impact and share.

Robopreneur received the Deep Tech Venture of theYear Award 2024 at MRANTI ParkA Message to Technopreneurs

Dr. Hanafiah’s odyssey with Robopreneur epitomizes the transformative power of persistence, innovation, and collaboration.
“There’s no easy way to be successful. Don’t give up, be resilient in this survival game.” His advice stresses seeing business as avast opportunity for revenue and impact, urging endurance and collaboration for entrepreneurial success. Robopreneur’s evolution
from a university startup to a global deep tech player symbolizes not just technological prowess but a resolve spirit propellinginnovation and impact. It leaves a lasting mark on Malaysia’s tech landscape, inspiring future innovators in deep tech and robotics.

34

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

SolX: Charting New Horizons in Energy Tech Innovation
By Jondi Doplayna, B.S (IT Entrep)
SolX, a trailblazing tech startup, is revolutionizing the energy
sector with its innovative approach to power procurement,leveraging advanced technologies like generative AI. This
strategy not only enhances efficiency and sustainability but also
positions SolX as a pivotal player in the energy tech arena. Sergius,
the CEO of SolX, sheds light on their journey, emphasizing the key
milestones from their impactful participation in Tech Planter2022 to forging a crucial partnership with Leave a Nest (LVNS)
and securing support from Foxmont Capital.

Tech Planter Ecosystem: A Catalyst for Growth
The Tech Planter ecosystem played a vital role in SolX’s evolution,
providing more than just financial backing; it facilitatedessential connections and strategic insights. Sergius recounts,“We were welcomed with seed funding from Leave a Nest andan initial investment from Foxmont Capital. Our interactions
with Leave a Nest’s investment committee via Zoom led to rapid
investment approval.” A trip to Japan further solidified thisrelationship, introducing SolX to influential figures and potential
collaborators. “Leave a Nest’s commitment to deep tech and its
holistic support approach was clear from the start,” he notes,
highlighting the ecosystem’s role in nurturing their innovative
drive.

Challenges and Growth
The journey post-Tech Planter brought its own set of challenges,
particularly in scaling operations sustainably. The backing
from NDC and Real Tech was pivotal, enabling SolX to focus
on enhancing their technology for greater scalability andbuilding a team that embodies their cultural ethos. “This phase
was about strategic growth, ensuring our team’s expansionaligned with our core values, and pushing the boundaries of ourtechnology,” Sergius explains. The support from their investors
was instrumental in SolX’s ability to navigate these challenges,
emphasizing the importance of alignment between a startup’s
vision and its backers’ commitment.

SolX receiving the Deep Tech Venture of the Year Award 2024,
at MRANTI Park

Envisioning a Bright Future
SolX is poised to transform the energy sector further, with theirdigital platform enabling efficient energy management and realtime data acquisition. Their solutions, including energy contract
optimization and anomaly detection, are set to enhance energy
efficiency across various industries. “As we gear up for theStartup World Cup, our commitment to innovation and demand
increase remains unwavering,” Sergius affirms, signaling SolX’s
ongoing ambition to lead in energy tech innovation.

Mr. Sergius Santos,
SolX Co-Founder and CEO

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

In essence, SolX’s narrative from a promising startup at Tech
Planter 2022 to a leader in energy technology exemplifies thetransformative impact of strategic partnerships, innovation,
and a commitment to sustainable growth. With its visionary
approach and solid foundation, SolX is well-equipped to continue
its trajectory as a key innovator in the energy sector.

35

FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT

ProfilePrint: Revolutionising Ingredient Grading in Agribusiness
By Sivakumar Thamizvanan, M.Sc (Eng)ProfilePrint, a Singapore-based startup, was crowned Deep
Tech Venture of the Year 2024 by Leave a Nest Group for its
significant contributions to aiding agribusinesses in making
informed purchasing and selling decisions. Leave a Nest has beenworking with ProfilePrint from the early stages of the company’s
development, beginning with its participation in the TECHPLANTER deep tech demo day in Singapore in 2019. Since then, thecompany has embarked on a transformative journey, leveraging
cutting-edge technology to address significant industry
challenges and make a substantial impact on the global stage.

Identifying Industry Challenges andProposing Innovative Solutions
At the core of ProfilePrint’s success lies its AI driven quality
assessment platform to infer identity and quality of ingredientsin food and agricultural sectors. When asked about the company’s
beginning, Alan Lai, founder and Chief Executive Officer ofProfilePrint explains, “We identified a pressing industry problem
in agribusiness, where ingredient grading is onerous and highly
subjective, leading to substantial resource costs.” Throughextensive research, interviews, and experimentation, ProfilePrint
developed innovative solutions that streamline the assessment
process, which helps to reduce logistics costs, and in turnminimizes carbon footprint. This approach aligns seamlessly with
the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.

Establishing ProfilePrint as a Neutral
Standard and Driving Global Expansion
Alan envisions ProfilePrint as the neutral standard for
agribusinesses worldwide, enabling quick quality assessments
without the need for physical sample transportation. With afocus on global expansion, the company employs product-led
marketing and integrated all-bound sales techniques to addressclients’ evolving needs and increase usage traction of its solutions.
ProfilePrint’s collaborations with Leave a Nest, Glocalink
Singapore and Real Tech Holdings have been pivotal in validating
its vision and securing crucial investments for future growth.
ProfilePrint’s participation in the Japan Market Expansion
Program under Enterprise Singapore’s Global Innovation
Alliance (GIA) initiative run by Leave a Nest, also underscores its
commitment to international collaboration and market presence.

Mr. Alan Lai
ProfilePrint, Founder & CEO
Alan is the founder and CEO of ProfilePrint, and theinventor of its patented A.I. digital fingerprint technology.
Before starting ProfilePrint, he was the Assistant CEO of
a Hong Kong investment firm focusing on digital KYC in
China. Prior, his professional experience includes heading
M&A / investment in the United Kingdom, General Manager
South China and Assistant to Group CEO and President at
CapitaLand. He was a PhD candidate in Operational Researchat INSEAD, completed a post-graduate management
program at Tsinghua University and graduated with French
Singapore Double Engineering degrees (1st class honours)
from Ecole Centrale Paris and the National University ofSingapore under a government scholarship.

36

Mr. Alan Lai being congratulated by Dr. Yukihiro Maru, CEO of
Leave Nest Group, during Deep Tech Venture of the year 2024

Emphasis on Team Dynamics to Succeed
ProfilePrint places a strong emphasis on finding the best team,recognizing that an excellent team can drive the success ofa good idea. The company’s highly positive, passionate, anddedicated team is always willing to listen and provide support toone another, reflecting a collaborative and community-driven
approach. An experienced entrepreneur, Alan has this to say toyoung entrepreneurs, “Focus on finding the best team. A good
idea, when executed by the best team, can achieve remarkable
results.”

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Innovators: Discover Passionate Collaborators with Leave a Nest
By Addi Ong, B.Sc (Maths)

TECH PLANTER Ecosystem
Innovators make change happen. Driven by the passion ofresearchers and startup founders, scientific advancements comeabout for the betterment of the world. However, the journey froma novel idea to a successful and sustainable venture is fraught
with challenges. The innovators of our time require multifaceted support as they forge new technological advancements
in dynamic and unpredictable business environments. Financial
support, mentorship, and access to networks are vital pillars fortheir survival and growth.
Leave a Nest’s TECH PLANTER platform is the place where
passionate individuals gather to solve world issues. Researchand startup teams anticipate emerging trends, disruptions,and global challenges. Alongside factories, large corporations,and public sector organisations, stakeholders in the TECHPLANTER ecosystem can expect to engage in a growing deep
tech ecosystem, and collaborate alongside others to advancescience and technology for global happiness. All are welcome tocollaborate in this vision-driven endeavour.

Japan Market Exploration
Japan is one of the world’s largest economies, and has a growinginterest in foreign businesses and technologies. Its highly
skilled workforce and strong technological capabilities makeit an apt location for deep tech startups, SMEs and corporates.
However, the cultural and language barriers still make it difficult
to make the optimal moves in the Japanese market. A key
strategy is developing trusted personal connections with thecorrect individuals before business transactions. These enable
greater exchange of ideas and information, and foster long-term
collaborative partnerships.
Leave a Nest’s deep roots within the Japan market involves morethan just numerous connections, we are also familiar with theentities that are most helpful to foreign startups. Many one-toone meetings with closed-minded parties may not be beneficial,whereas a single good connection can be pivotal. Having many
years in Japan, as a business looking at innovation, we can provide
the right connections that make a difference. Additionally, as
Leave a Nest members are researchers by heart, we won’t just be
business matching, we will go above and beyond to strategize
with you to help your technology and business goals.
Leave a Nest has current ongoing experience working with JETRO
from Japan, MRANTI from Malaysia, DOST from the Philippines,
and EnterpriseSG from Singapore, crafting programmes
containing one-to-one meetings.
For more info, reach out via email:info-asia@lne.st (attention Addi)

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

37

FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT

Boosting Regional Deep Tech Industry through National Development
Company’s Funding Pool Expansion for Innovations
By Bryan Foronda, B.Sc (Bioresource Science)In the recent decades, numerous global disruptions havepresented themselves in various forms (e.g. COVID pandemic,
ongoing geopolitical tensions, etc.) that lead to economic
fluctuations. Alarming findings from UN’s COP28 and World
Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports 2024 also highlights
the critical environmental challenges urging the fast-trackingof technologies to mitigate these risks, which can be addressedby deep technologies. Deep technology startups, a startup
subtype focused on providing solutions that require scientific &engineering innovations developed through rigorous research& development process, are currently on the rise ranging fromthemes of eco-tech, agri-tech, biotech, to artificial intelligence(AI).
Considering its disruptive potential, global prioritization on deep
tech investments falls on the relatively lagging side with manyfunding opportunities earmarked to industries like fintech ande-commerce, etc. Inevitably, the Philippines, with a very young
but growing deep tech startup ecosystem, is far from veeringaway from this global trend. On the brighter side, the Philippines’
strength is evident as one of the top 50 countries globally forcreating knowledge and technologiesa, which rationalizes theneeded transitioning of these technologies to impactful Deep
Tech enterprises.

As the institution mandated to realize the public interest, thegovernment prioritizes the funding of homegrown technologies
through the National Development Company (NDC), thePhilippines’ leading state-owned investment arm, represented
by their General Manager, Mr. Antonilo DC. Mauricio, who sharedwith us the current government’s initiatives on supporting deep
technologies.

The National Development Company, represented by Mr. Antonilo Mauricio (seated, 4th from the left) together with Real Tech Holdings
Co., Ltd, represented by former Director and CEO of RTHD Singapore, Mr. Louis Murayama (seated, 2nd from the left), officially signed
the investment for SolX Technologies.

Establishing a Conduit for Deep Tech
Innovations

venture capital firm associated with the Leave a Nest Group,
through the Philippine government’s Startup Venture Fund(SVF).

Building on the current administration’s prioritization of
innovation, the National Development Company announced
the very first successful government equity investment given
to a Philippine digital energy startup, SolX Technologies, Inc.,
together with Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd., a Japanese deep tech

Ensuring a favorable environment for business creation in theregion, landmark policies have been passed to accelerate inclusive
startup development & funding within the country. These laws
shepherded the establishment of the 500-million-peso Startup

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Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Venture Fund (SVF) under the Department of Trade and Industry
and managed by the NDC. Mr. Anton Mauricio shared that SVF
will act as an “investment magnet” for Filipino tech startups thatare “pioneering, sustainable, inclusive and innovative” that havetraction & expertise to become potential unicorns. He sharedthat NDC ensures that these are impactful investments driven
by their team’s passion and top-notch ISO-certified processes
on equity investments, fund management, support services, andothers.
Taking the first SVF investment at hand, NDC believes that SolX
and its team has a great potential to drive energy consumer costs
lower both locally and globally. He also pointed out that this wasa big collaborative effort – NDC provided reasonable valuationand other supports, coordinated with relevant agencies (inSolX’s case, the Energy Regulatory Commission ensured thesetechnologies augment the current needs of the public) and coinvestment partners (CIPs) to match the investment that doubled
the funding provision.
NDC’s ongoing search for more CIPs that have synergy withthem, competence and interest in Filipino startups solidify
their idea that private sector partnerships are significant in thisendeavor. Railing in Real Tech Holdings (RHTD) as one of SVF’s
CIPs, he sees this as an opportunity to streamline investmentsby securing pre-endorsement due diligence from CIPs and tosend word out that deep tech is among the priority sectors fortheir investments. In an exclusive, Mr. Mauricio revealed that
NDC plans to open a Singapore office and with RTHD’s presence
in Japan and Singapore, he believes this CIP partnership will
open fundamental opportunities to grow the Philippine startup
ecosystem.

SolX received two 11-million-peso investments from NDC and RTHD

Decrypting Local and Regional Deep Tech
Ecosystem Development
Mr. Mauricio recognizes that their firm was unintentionally“under the radar” but as the newly minted leader of NDC, he iscreating an actionable roadmap & systems for collaborative workto achieve their mandate. Also, they identified fundamental
national infrastructure gaps—among them are connectivity
infrastructures (physical and digital) and energy resource gaps.
Additionally, knowledge infrastructure gaps need to be bridged
by increasing Science, Technology and Innovation educationlevel and graduates. He encouraged that “we [the Philippines]
need more institutes of learning for scientists” to complement
this strategy.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

NDC prioritizes the funding of local and regional deep
technologies. NDC provides P40-million investment
signing for Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation that utilizes
patented hyper-thermophilic aerobic composting for
waste management (above) and a P150-million investment
on country’s first vaccine plant in Batangas with Glovax
Lifesciences Corp. (below)

Aside from the SVF, their support on driving deep technologies
forward does not end in Filipino startup investments. He notedthat NDC ventures into nurturing deep tech-rooted innovations& businesses both in the local and international ecosystems.
He bared the NDC have investment plans on several deep techinitiatives comprising local priority sectors in medicine &health tech (e.g. vaccine production plants, medical waste, andbiomolecular facilities, etc.), agricultural food supply chain,& climate change mitigation and also international pursuitson biosecurity institutes in partnership with Australianand Philippine academic entities. With a more robust R&D
infrastructure in the country supported by the government andprivate sector and NDC among equity investors, they envision a
big promise in realizing Filipino expertise in deep tech.
Through these initiatives, they strive to put the Philippines inthe deep tech ecosystem’s forefront, which will attract moreinvestments and incentivize future leaders and innovationbuilders to improve the Philippine and ASEAN deep tech bubble.
For the future deep tech startups and enablers, he urges them tobe “introspective”, critical, and proficient in the technology theycreate, and bring significant value to the table. In NDC’s pursuit ofthe deep, he believes that we must “upgrade our country throughtechnology” and establish that the abundance & excellence of
homegrown deep tech innovators are more of the rule rather
than the exception.
Reference: a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2023). Global
Innovation Index 2023: Innovation in the face of uncertainty. Geneva: WIPO.
DOI:10.34667/tind.48220

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FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT

Idea Hunters: Discover Innovations and Create New Businesswith Leave a Nest
By Addi Ong, B.Sc (Maths)

Technology Scout
To companies looking for scientific innovation
regionally or worldwide but facing:1) Lack of network (with universities and local
ecosystem players) in the target ecosystems
2) Language barriers in these region3) Lack of R&D personnels in this region with scienceand technology background.

Reach out to Leave a Nest! We will work alongside you in these ways.
Understanding

1 Needs

As researchers, Leave a Nest
spends time understanding yourproblem statements.

Source2 Technology
With our extensive network acrossthe world, we research possible
innovations.

Hypothesise

3 & Facilitate

Leave a Nest will propose andfacilitate discussion, providing
support when required.

Leave a Nest has amassed knowledge globally from Japan, ASEAN (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, andIndonesia), US and UK. With our touch points with deep tech researchers and startups (especially early-stage startups), we, as
researchers, anticipate emerging trends, disruptions, and global challenges.

Uncharted Territory
We’ve all heard plenty about the need for companies to innovate
to stay competitive and relevant in an ever-changing businesslandscape. But how about a changing world? More than customer
needs and market dynamics, industries will be unravelled
and rewritten by technological advancements as the world’s
scientific knowledge continues to grow. These world-changing
innovations are forged when societal issues meet passionate
solutions.

LET’S CO-CREATE
THE FUTURE!

Leave a Nest’s TECH PLANTER ecosystem is the place where
passionate individuals gather to solve world issues, but wearen’t just playing with lofty ideas, but strategising to genuinely
implement great ideas into our changing world. Partner with
Leave a Nest to gain access to Leave a Nest science and deep
technology ecosystem. This will give the benefit of staying aheadof the S-curve in the field of science and deep technology. This
benefit is across Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand,
Indonesia, Vietnam, and the highly advanced Japan businessecosystem.
For more info, reach out via email:info-asia@lne.st (attention Addi)

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Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Disrupting Classrooms: Imaging the future of Education
By Jewel Santos, B.A (Comm Res)
Have you ever pictured what humanities future would look
like? Imagine seeing many giant humanoid, non-threatening,huggable robots like Baymax1 100 years from now. With thecontinuous development of technology, it would be no surprise
if human society would get to experience such changes. As weknow, our societies readily adapt to new advancements such as
artificial intelligence and robotics. The rise of these industries
has been evident in different sectors such as healthcare,
agriculture, and the food industry. Even the education sector
is starting to partake in the rise of robot adoption. Robots inthe education system are said to promote active engagement,
problem-solving, and collaboration among students developing
their critical thinking and creativity.

Development of Artificial Humanoids
in Education
Societies have grown accustomed to the traditional education
system, utilizing out-dated course materials based on previous
generations’ circumstances. In the current system, Educators
have been using repetitive lectures and expect students toaccomplish the same results. However, in this technology-driven
world, this educational system is proven ineffective, especiallyin teaching the youth that are native to digital innovations.
Similarly, according to a study3, educational robotics has shown
positive influence towards students’ STEM education. It statesthat utilizing these innovative tools engages students and directs
their attention to learning science, technology, engineering, andmathematics disciplines. Students are able to expose themselvesbetter in practice and theoretical experiences through its
appealing feature.
In addition, adolescents have been inclined to development,
application and utilization of robots. It has been crucial ineconomic growth as well given that there has been demand for
professionals in the STEM industry. Furthermore, the pandemic
boosted the growth of the robotics industry particularly in the
education sector. Through this innovation, students are able
to receive an education without risking their health. A primeexample for this is Eagle 2.0, the World’s First Educational
Robot2 who serves as an educator for young learners. The 5 ‘7
robotic model teaches various subjects and can communicate
in thirty different languages, conducts automated assessments,
and teaches information accessible in search engines. It aims to
support the teachers and enhance the learning system to replace
traditional learning. It aids the rising educational gap between
regions caused by socio-economic problems, language barriers,and distance while still providing quality education.

Children engrossed in playing with an educational robot.

Limitations and Potentials of
Educational Robots
Unfortunately, just as Baymax1 said, “I am a robot. I cannot be
offended.” It is important to understand that they are developed
and programmed by humans. They lack emotions and do notexperience empathy for other human beings. Aside from teaching
youth most general knowledge from a programmed system, they
are unable to develop learners’ emotional intelligence which isusually gained through social interactions. As machines, they areunable to accomplish non-teaching tasks, specifically classroom
and student management. Hence, robotics in education still
warrants human intervention and support.
All these signifies the new initiatives towards inclusive
education among our younger generation as it propels thecontinuous collaboration of man and machine. This portrays thattechnological development, specifically the rise in the demand
for the robotics industry does not hinder the roles of teachers
in the academe. On the contrary, it supports instructors toprovide better educational experiences to its students. Throughits utilization, opportunities to go beyond the limitations of
the traditional learning system are presented for the next
generations.

REFERENCES:
1. Big Hero 6. Directed by Chris Williams and Don Hall. Written by Jordan Roberts,
Robert L. Baird, and Daniel Gerson. Produced by Roy Conli, John Lasseter, Kristina
Reed, and Brad Simonsen. Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2014.
2. Bobins Abraham, “Robot ‘Eagle,’ Fluent in 30 Languages, Teaches Science &Humanities at a Hyderabad School,” IndiaTimes, July 28, 2022, https://www.
indiatimes.com/news/india/eagle-the-new-robot-teacher-at-this-hyderabadschool-575904.html.
3. Holmquist, Stephanie, “A multi-case study of student interactions with educational
robots and impact on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learningand attitudes” (2014). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/5043

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Children engaged in watching an educational robot dance.

41

FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT

Women Shaping the Future:
Empowerment through Innovation
By Sharifah Nabihah Binti Syed Othman, Ph.D.
Mrs. Atirah Danial, co-founder of Manis Leting or “too sweet”
in English, embarked on an extraordinary journey as a woman
entrepreneur. Graduating from University Teknologi Mara,she holds an academic background in Business studies and is amother of two children. Motivated by her mother’s pre-diabetic
condition, Mrs. Atirah Danial set out on a mission to create asolution that would allow her mother, and others facing similar
challenges, especially prevalent in Southeast Asia, to indulge
in sweet foods and drinks without worry. With unwavering
determination and creativity, she successfully developed theworld’s first sweetened condensed milk with zero white sugar,
marking a major milestone for Manis Leting.

Support from family has been instrumental in
Mrs. Atirah’ssuccess as an entrepreneur
One of the major difficulties faced by Mrs. Atirah was the lack ofrespect from others towards her position as a business owner. It
was disheartening when even close family members questioned
her ability to manage the company. Despite this, realising her
responsibility of paying off her debt, she remained steadfast in
her goals and aspirations, refusing to let anyone else’s negativity
hold her back. With determination and a positive attitude, she
pushed forward, firmly believing that she was in control of her
own happiness and success.

Mindset and Determination in
Achieving SuccessMrs. Atirah Danial, co-founder of Manis Leting

Breaking Barriers and Conquering Challenges
Being a woman entrepreneur, she encountered her fair share ofchallenges. In her previous endeavours, she often found herself
in the background, hesitant to stand out. Unfortunately, there
were instances where her capabilities were underestimated,leading her to choose the safer option of staying behind thescenes. However, when her business went into bankruptcy andput her in a lot of debt, she started to realise that hiding would notbring true success or allow her to make a difference. To ensure
the sustainability of her business, she gathered up her courageand determination, eventually stepping out of her comfort zone
and confidently assuming the leadership of her own business.

42

To women entrepreneurs, her advice is simple yet powerful:“Believe in yourself and your vision.” Starting a business canbe overwhelming and setbacks are inevitable. However, during
challenging times, it is important to remind yourself of yourentrepreneurial journey’s purpose. As she wisely suggests,“Surround yourself with supportive, positive-minded people
who are your lifeline during difficult moments.”
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand that failure is not theend but a stepping stone towards success. In fact, every setbackpresents an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and support from mentors andfellow entrepreneurs. As she confidently states, “With the rightmindset, determination, and support, nothing can stop you fromachieving your desired success!”
Leave a Nest’s Malaysia office actively supports women in deep
tech and encourages women entrepreneurs to take the first stepby joining their upcoming event “TECH PLANTER.” This event
provides a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and accessvaluable resources essential to their success.

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

Center of Garage Malaysia (COGMY) is a unique incubation place wheredeeptech startups, Japanese Super Factories, and big coroporations cometogether. We provide all the possible supports to accelerate innovation of
deeptech startups all over the worls. Chemical reaction between different
stakeholder will lead all the participants to experience Renaissanceof Japanese “ Monozukuri”. This activity, we believe, contribure a lot insolving problems related to manufacturing in the world.

C O G M Y PA C K A G E S
Center of Garage Malaysia Partnership• Able to enjoy all the facilities provided in
COGMY.

MYR 3,000

Team Room with furniture• Fit for 6 pax• Tables, chairs & drawers provided• Room dimension: 140 sqft

MYR 2,500

Fabrication Space• Space dimension: 81 sqft
• Facilitates creative explorations & innovative
production.

MYR 2,200

per month

per month

per month

Showcase @ Garage Museum• Space dimension: 16 sqft
• Space for showcasing deep tech creation at
the Garage Museum.
Co-Working Space (Hotdesk Area)• Empowering business in COGMY’s Hotdesk
area, integrating comfort, connectivity&convenience.
Address Regsitration• COGMY offers corporate address
registration servicess for businesses.
Initial Payment• A compulsory ome-time initial fee secures
your exclusive and innovative renatal space.
*Usage of meeting rooms & pantry usage are included in the
packages.

MYR 800
per month

MYR 400
per month

MYR 100
per month

One month

fee for MY startups

Two months

fee for JP & Int’l startups

Address: Block 2330, Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, Cyberjaya, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.
Phone: (+603)83205286
Operationg Hour: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
For inquiries:

info-asia@lne.st / hakime@lne.st /ayappa@lne.st / basril@lne.st

Nest Garage | 2024 Vol. 20

https://my.co-g.work/

43

the PHILIPPINES

the PHILIPPINESMALAYSIA

MALAYSIAINDONESIASINGAPORE

INDONESIASINGAPORE

VIETNAMVIETNAMFor more information about Deep
Tech and TECH PLANTER, you canvisit https://en.techplanter.com orscan the QR code

*applicants will be required to create LnestID
before proceeding to register for TECH PLANTER• Step 1: Register for LnestID• Step 2: Register for respective TECH PLANTERin your country

THAILANDTHAILAND