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: 2nd 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.

FREE ADMISSION: REGISTER NOW!

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 A Aryaduray, Journalist-at-large & Science Fiction Enthusiast
    2) Mr 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 Maszlee Malik , 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, Writer and Film Critic
    Open Discussion
  • 4.30pm - 6.00pm:
    Keynote Speaker: Prof Belal Baaquie, Author & Retired Faculty Member, National University of Singapore & International Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance

    Science Fiction and Possible (Future) Civilizations

    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

    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, Consulting Director, InTalent Consulting Sdn Bhd & Past 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:Mr Sam Gibbs, STEAM Development and Outreach Specialist

    Panelists/Discussants:
    1) Prof David Asirvatham, Asia Business School
    2) Mr Sean Nunis, Gurus of Drama
    3) Mr Yew Zhi Yong, Exco Malaysian Association of Music Educators
    4) Mr Norman Rashid, Specialist Lecturer Multi Media University
    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.

    Moderator: Mr Sean Lee, Consulting Director, InTalent Consulting Sdn Bhd Past President Star Wars Fan Club

    Panelists/Discussants:
    1) Datin Paduka Mastura binti Hj Muhamad, Director Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor
    2) Dr Yunus Yasin, President ASTI
    3) Mr Ramesh Pillai, Co Founder STEM4All Makerspace
  • 3.30pm - 4.30pm:
    Launch Ceremony of Droid Builders Club Malaysia & the Sci-Fi Festival 2025
  • 4.30pm - 6.00pm:
    Coffee, Tea, Refereshments and Networking
    End of Day 2

FREE ADMISSION: REGISTER NOW!