Dr. Ritmaleni, a lecturer at the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, became UGM’s representative at the ASEAN Science Leadership Program (ASLP) 2017. In the event, which was held at Higher Educational Leadership Academy, Bandar Enstek Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, from 7-11 September 2017, Ritmaleni had an opportunity to present her scientific writing regarding science communication for school children.
“In science communication for school children, I discuss how to implement a big idea which starts from small steps,” said Ritmaleni at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM, on Friday (15/9).
According to Ritmaleni, the rate and quality of science capacity development in ASEAN and other developing countries not only depends on the infrastructure and technical training that exist in the community but also the quality of their leaders and the will to change. According to Ritmaleni, the future of science development will rely on cooperation among scientific disciplines.
Ritmaleni said the ASEAN Science Leadership Program (ASLP) is a program which aims to prepare its participants to face challenges in the future. Started in 2016 in Thailand, ASLP is an initiator agency for national science and technology development collaborating with young academics from around the world who obtain support from ASLP in Africa.
“This year, ASLP aims to empower the young researchers in ASEAN through developing leadership skills, thus they can fight for their research agendas and innovations, as well as promoting cohesion and collaboration among young researchers,” she added.