Flora and Fauna of the AIMST University

A Compilation of Quotations & Flora and Fauna Photographs
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A Note from MABIC
It is an honour to write a note for this fascinating book, “Flora and Fauna of the AIMST
University: A compilation of quotations and flora and fauna photographs to promote
awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the environment”.
As a regular speaker at the AIMST University (AIMST), I have witnessed the evolution of its
landscape since its inception. AIMST has not only become an anchor to economic growth
to Semeling town but also transformed the old mining land to a thriving treasure throve of
biodiversity.
As a science communicator, I can vouch that the format and design of this book will make
it an effective tool to create awareness on Malaysian biodiversity. Sincerely, I do congratulate
Associate Professor Dr. Subhash Bhore and Mr. Wei Shan Tan for their efforts. It is not an easy
task to compile all this valuable information and the beautiful pictures. The efforts of AIMST
management in supporting such a publication must also be applauded.
With this publication, I hope AISMT will become a fertile ground for schools in Kedah to
conduct field visits to learn more about our flora and fauna and ways to conserve them. I
would recommend that AIMST take their efforts a level higher by opening their campus to
ecotourism with attractive activities for the locals.
I wish more educators will emulate AIMST’s efforts in playing an important role in educating
the society to effectively deal with the challenging work of conserving our biodiversity and the
environment.
Just like any proponent of modern biotechnology, biodiversity and ecology is close to my heart.
Biotechnology and biodiversity go hand in hand with one supporting the other. A number
of biotechnology applications support sustainable development and in the conservation of
the environment such as tissue culture, genetic engineering, synthetic biology and green
technology involving production of bio-based compounds.
I would like to take this opportunity to witness and join hands with the international
community in observing this year’s ‘International Day for Biological Diversity’ and ‘World
Environment Day’ to highlight the importance of biodiversity and the environment. And this
book is a perfect tool to commemorate these special days.
Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan
Executive Director
Malaysian Biotechnology Information Center