Reconciling challenges and opportunities in academic scientific writing

Abstract

In line with one of the MOHE Strategic Plan Core Thrusts, that is, to raise the quality of higher education in the country comparable to international standards, one initiative that academician can contribute is through writing and publication. Scientific writing and publication should encompass every cluster of discipline in the world of academia. Be it the science and technology or the social science cluster, every academician is obligated to partake in the vital role both for institutional and personal enhancement. Beginning from the most junior to the most senior academician, there seems to be trickles of non-writing staff who may either be those who are not interested to publish or who may wish to write but lack the know-how. Looking at this paper attempts to project some initiatives that may drive those who straggle (not struggle) to start writing since the 'publish or perish' phenomenon is still relevant in the academic scenario. This paper will look into some writing and publication issues in terms of what, where and how to publish for the academics. Simultaneously, writing scientific paper can be initiated from the impetus of not only through creative teaching approaches, but also from research and innovation and collaboration that would provide the opportunities of documenting materials for possible future publication.