SCIENCE FICTION FESTIVAL SIGNATURE CONFERENCE 2025
"SCIENCE FICTION AND ITS IMPACT ON STEM EDUCATION: LESSONS FOR MALAYSIA"
Date: 4th July & 5th July, 2025 | Time: 10:00am to 7:00pm | Location: Ground Floor @Evolve Concept Mall
Conference Theme :
Exploring Science Fiction’s Influence on STEM Education in Malaysia and Beyond: Examining the historical and cultural impact of science fiction on inspiring careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
4th July FridayDay 1
- 10.00am - 10.30am:
Registration, Coffee & Networking - 10.30am - 11.00 am:
Opening and Welcome Remarks by Organisers/Master of Ceremonies
Keynote Speaker: From Science Fiction to STEM: How Science Fiction Shapes National Innovation
Mr Keith Thong, Chairman, Book Industry Chamber & STEM Advocate - 11.00am - 12.30pm:
Panel 1 : The Legacy of Science Fiction In STEM
Moderator: Dr Yunus Yasin, President Association of Science Technology and Innovation (ASTI)
Keynote Speaker: Mr Phillipe Richez, Science Fiction Enthusiast (Science Fiction through the Ages)
Panelists/Discussants:
1) Mr Asohan Ayadurai, Former Journalist & Science Fiction Enthusiast
2) Arangkannal Rajoo, Film Producer Blue Eye Productions Sdn Bhd
Open Discussion - 12.30pm - 2.30pm:
Lunch Break & Networking (Friday Prayers) - 2.30pm - 4.00pm:
Panel 2: Panel 2: Sci-Fi in Emerging Countries – The Eastern Point of View & Cases from China & India
How Developing Nations May Use Science Fiction To Boost STEM Education And National Development: Learning from Global Success
Moderator: Mr Ramesh Pillai, Founder STEM4ALL Makerspace
Keynote Speaker : Dr Mazlee Malek , Chairman, Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies
Panelists/Discussants:
1) Mr Wong Tuck Cheong, Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia
2) Dato Kamil Othman, Advisor, Finas
3) En. Hassan Mutalib, Film Direcor & Critic
Open Discussion - 4.30pm - 6.00pm:
Panel 3: Cosplay, Fan Clubs, and Sci-Fi’s Role in Pop Culture & STEM
From Star Wars fan clubs, E-Games to comic cons – how geek culture fosters interest in robotics, coding, and engineering
Moderator: Dr Poovarasi Balan , Monash University
Keynote Speaker: Prof Belal Baaquie, Author & Retired Faculty Member, National University of Singapore & International Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance
Panelists/Discussants:
1) Ms Natalie Loi, Chief Technology Officer, Unbound Malaysia and Australia
2) Mr Rupern Chiu, Franchise Holder World Cosplay Summit/ CEO ServerWare Sdn Bhd
3) Mr Sean Lee, Former President Star Wars Fan Club Malaysia
4) Ms Baze Yeoh, Founder, Malaysian Entrepreneurs E-Games Association
Open Discussion - 6.00pm-7.00pm:
Coffee Tea & Networking
End of Day 1
5th July, SaturdayDay 2
- 10.00am - 10.30am:
Registration, Coffee & Networking - 10.30am - 11.00am:
The Role of AI & New Technologies in Sci-Fi Creation & STEM Education
Prof David Asirvatham, Professor of Practice Asia Business of School - 11.00am - 12.30pm:
Panel 4: How AI is reshaping storytelling, art, STEM engagement and Science communication
Moderator: Ms Thanbeer Kaur, MELTA
Panelists/Discussants:
1) Prof David Asirvatham, Asia Business School
2) Mr Sean Nunis, Gurus of Drama
3) Mr Sam Gibbs, Space Odyssey Facilitator & Astrophotographer
4) Mr Norman Rashid, Specialist Lecturer MMU
Open Discussion - 12.30pm - 2.00pm:
Lunch Break and Networking - 2.00pm - 3.30pm:
Panel 5 : Charting the Future: Science Fiction as a Roadmap for National Imagination and STEM Leadership” Consolidate the key takeaways from the earlier panels and explore how Malaysia can institutionalize science fiction as a tool for STEM foresight, talent cultivation, innovation, and future-readiness. - 3.30pm - 4.30pm:
Special Address, Launch Ceremony of Droid Builders Club Malaysia & the Sci-Fi Festival 2025 by Guest of Honour to be invited - 4.30pm - 6.00pm:
Coffee, Tea, Refereshments and Networking
End of Day 2