Kuala Lumpur, 22nd Nov 2012: The award-winning blockbuster exhibition, 1001 Inventions, about the achievements of Muslim Civilisation in science and technology, will be launching a three-year tour of Malaysia in early 2013 for its Asian Premiere. The announcement was made at Pusat Sains Negara – Malaysia's National Science Centre – and witnessed by representatives from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

Recognised as the world's best touring exhibition by the Museum and Heritage Excellence Awards in London last year, the ground-breaking 1001 Inventions show has already received more than three million visitors during record-breaking residencies in London, Istanbul, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and the Middle East.

The Malaysian tour of 1001 Inventions will be produced in partnership with Kuala Lumpur-based Science Discoveries Sdn Bhd, which has previously brought several science exhibitions to the Malaysian market in partnership with the London Science Museum.

“1001 Inventions: Kegemilangan Tamadun Muslim” is the Malaysian version of the ground-breaking production that has wowed audiences across Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Speaking on behalf of 1001 Inventions, Producer and Director, Mr. Ahmed Salim commented: “We are delighted that our award-winning 1001 Inventions show will be enjoying its Asian Premiere in Malaysia. The scientific golden age of Muslim Civilisation was fueled by a diverse world of men and women of different faiths, cultures and ethnicities.”

He continued: “1001 Inventions brings to life pioneering men and women from the history of science whose achievements have had a huge but hidden influence on the way we live our lives today. These role models serve as an inspiration for young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics thanks to the modern, engaging and highly interactive 1001 Inventions experience. We're excited to be working with Science Discoveries Sdn Bhd to bring this ground-breaking exhibition to Malaysia.”

The 1001 Inventions initiative has received recognition from industry leaders, statesmen and academics from around the world including public messages of support from HRH Prince Charles (UK), Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Dato' Dr. Zakri Bin Abdul Hamid, Science Advisor to the Malaysian Prime Minister, said: 'On a recent visit to New York City, I was able to visit the fascinating exhibition 1001 Inventions. We are all familiar with the stories of 1001 Nights but less so with any that is associated with inventions. Science flourished in the Muslim world in those days because individual creativity was appreciated and science and innovation were seen by the political leadership as expanding knowledge in the interest of society as a whole. We need to bring back those days of enlightenment which would contribute not only to our own prosperity but also make this world a more peaceful place to live in.'

Speaking on behalf of Science Discoveries Sdn Bhd, Director Mr. David Oh said: “We are honoured to be bringing this internationally acclaimed show to Malaysia for its Asian debut. Hosting the world's best touring exhibition is a genuine milestone for Malaysia's exhibition industry, and demonstrates the country's credentials as a host nation for world-leading scientific and cultural events.”

He continued: “Science Discoveries Sdn Bhd has a proven track record for showcasing science exhibitions in the region and the launch of 1001 Inventions in Malaysia continues our tradition of supporting the national objective of encouraging the development of a knowledge economy in our home territory. More than three million people have already visited the exhibition in the last three years and we anticipate that 1001 Inventions Malaysia will continue that success. Our team is thrilled to be introducing this show to the Malaysian people.”

1001 Inventions is a family-friendly educational brand supported by an international network of academic experts, which ensure that the content of 1001 Inventions productions is of the highest possible academic standard.

The content of all 1001 Inventions productions has been researched by academic experts and then peer reviewed by a network of specialist academics from respected Universities and Museums around the world. In addition, the Science Museum in London employed a panel of renowned experts to review and verify the content of the 1001 Inventions exhibition prior to its six-month residency there.

The Malaysian version of the exhibition will feature more than sixty exhibits providing visitors of all ages with a hands-on, interactive and state-of-the-art family-friendly experience. Different zones dedicated to Engineering, Medicine, Astronomy, Mathematics, Geography and Agriculture will highlight the many ways in which Muslim Civilisation helped lay the foundations for the European Renaissance and has had a profound impact on the modern world.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a 20ft-tall replica of the 13th century “Elephant Clock”, invented by Master Engineer Al-Jazari, which incorporated technologies from many ancient civilisations and pioneered the concept of automation. Al Jazari also serves as the central character in the exhibition's orientation film, “The Library of Secrets”, which stars Oscar-winner Sir Ben Kingsley and won more than 20 industry awards including “Best Film” recognition in Cannes, Los Angeles and at the New York Film Festival. To date, the movie has been downloaded more than 20 million times.

Introducing 1001 Inventions
1001 Inventions is a leading international science and cultural heritage brand that has reached over 50 million people through its award-winning educational programmes, blockbuster exhibitions, films, books and international events. In 2011, following highly successful residencies in London and Istanbul – which secured almost a million visitors – our English language exhibition was crowned Best Touring Exhibition of the Year at the Museums and Heritage Excellence Awards.

The 1001 Inventions initiative has received recognition from industry leaders, statesmen and academics from around the world. In 2011, 1001 Inventions was declared the World's Best Touring Exhibition by the Museums and Heritage Excellence Awards in London. The exhibition's introductory film “Library of Secrets”, starring Sir Ben Kingsley, has been downloaded more than 20 million times and won more than 20 industry awards including “Best Film” recognition in Cannes, Los Angeles and at the New York Film Festival. In 2010, 1001 Inventions was presented with the Google-sponsored Science and Technology Award at the Mosaic Talent Awards.

To date, the interactive 1001 Inventions exhibition has attracted almost three million visitors during its blockbusters residencies in London, New York, Los Angeles, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Dhahran, Doha and Washington DC. The exhibition's best-selling companion book, now in it's third edition, has sold more than 200,000 copies and been translated into Arabic and Turkish.

1001 Inventions is supported by the UK-based Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation, an international network of academic experts, as its Global Knowledge Partner.

1001 Inventions is based on two decades of research by more than a hundred leading academics and educationalists from around the world. The content of the 1001 Inventions exhibition was reviewed and approved by an independent panel of academics from the London Science Museum's and was also reviewed by academic experts retained by California Science Center. Further information is available from the official website www.1001inventions.com/references.