Dr Ravigadevi Becomes First Malaysian Elected To Royal Society
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- A Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, making her the first Malaysian scientist at the world's oldest and most prestigious scientific academy.
It also marks a historic milestone for the country.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in a statement today, said Ravigadevi will be officially inducted into the Society in London on July 11, 2025, where she will sign the Royal Society's historic Charter Book, a record that bears the signatures of scientific luminaries spanning more than three centuries.
A pioneering biotechnologist, Ravigadevi was appointed a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in 2010 and is currently the Chair of the Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Discipline.
She is also a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and a former Director of the Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), where she led transformative research in oil palm biochemistry and genomics.
'Her innovations have had a global impact, particularly in improving yield, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
'One of her most significant achievements was leading the team that decoded the oil palm genome, a major scientific breakthrough published in the prestigious journal Nature. This led to the discovery of the SHELL gene, which plays a key role in determining oil yield,' the statement read.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, lauded the achievement, saying that Ravigadevi's election as the first Malaysian Fellow of the Royal Society marks a proud moment for the nation.
'This recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what Malaysia stands for under the Malaysia MADANI framework, a nation that uplifts prosperity through knowledge and champions sustainability through innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Malaysia reinforces role in radiation tech safety
Published on: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus, Samantha Sulit Text Size: Yusof in a group photo with the participants. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia continues to reinforce its role in the regional radiation technology safety agenda through the 28th Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2025 (RPCW 2025). Themed 'Global Energy Security Through Radiation Safety: Balancing Growth and Protection', the conference underscores radiation safety as a fundamental pillar in ensuring global energy sustainability and resilience. Advertisement Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal stressed that radiation safety is not optional but essential in all nuclear technology applications across the medical, industrial, research and security sectors. 'In today's modern era, the use of radiation sources is unavoidable, whether in medicine, agriculture, industry, research or national security. 'That is why radiation protection must remain central to ensuring these applications are safely regulated without harming people or the environment,' he said when officiating the conference, here, Monday. Yusof admitted public perception of nuclear technology remains one of the major challenges despite its proven benefits. 'Concerns over safety and radiation risks persist. It is our joint responsibility – government, industry, academia and professional bodies – to correct this perception through inclusive, transparent and science-based communication,' he said. The event gathered 120 participants, including industry practitioners, policymakers, academics and technical experts, jointly organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Malaysian Radiation Protection Association (Marpa), with support from the Atomic Energy Department. RPCW 2025 aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan's (RMK13) focus on high-value industries such as energy and water. With nuclear energy being considered as a clean and safe future energy option, radiation safety remains the nation's top priority. Yusof also urged industries to fully support Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs) and Licence Holders (OBTLs), who play a frontline role in enforcing safety standards. 'They are not only enforcers but leaders in risk management, monitoring and safety culture development within their organisations,' he said, calling for continuous training, adequate resources and proper recognition of their responsibilities. According to the Malaysia Atomic Report 2023, the nation recorded over 31,000 radiation workers and nearly 2,000 active licences without a single radiological incident – a testament to Malaysia's regulatory efficiency and industry professionalism. Radiation workers also contribute economic value, supporting the high-value medical ecosystem and strengthening the oil and gas sector through non-destructive testing (NDT) that ensures quality, reduces accidents and enhances competitiveness. As Asean Chair 2025, Malaysia is committed to advancing regional cooperation in radiation safety, radioactive material management and nuclear emergency preparedness through platforms such as the Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (Aseantom), Asean Nuclear Power Safety Research (NPSR) and Asean Nuclear Leaders for Energy Transition (ANLET). 'This is the best time for Malaysia to showcase leadership in developing safe and responsible nuclear technology at the regional level,' Yusof said. Mosti, through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Atomic Energy Department, remains committed to strengthening skilled manpower via industry-academia collaboration and training to ensure radiation technology in Malaysia is always safe, ethical and sustainable. RPCW 2025 is expected to serve as a catalyst for new initiatives, scientific discoveries and strategic collaborations, further enhancing knowledge, skills and networks among radiation practitioners and policymakers in Malaysia and across Asean. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Negative Perception Of Nuclear Energy Must Be Addressed
KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Public misconceptions about nuclear technology, often linked to safety concerns as well as potential risks to health and the environment, must be addressed to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry in Malaysia. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said that fostering greater public confidence requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the government, industry players, academia and professional bodies. He emphasised that perceptions can be reshaped through communication strategies that are inclusive, transparent and firmly grounded in scientific evidence. 'Public perception of nuclear technology remains one of the main challenges in advancing this field in Malaysia. While the benefits of nuclear technology are well-documented, widespread concerns over safety and radiation risks continue to persist among the public,' he said. He said this in his speech when officiating the 28th Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2025 here today. He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia), is actively carrying out awareness and education initiatives, as well as fostering strategic collaborations and participation in both national and international academic forums. 'With a holistic approach and effective communication, I am confident that the public will come to accept nuclear technology as a strategic national asset, provided it is managed ethically and with the highest safety standards,' he said. Mohammad Yusof added that in today's era of advanced technology, the use of radiation sources is inevitable, with applications spanning the medical, agricultural, industrial, research and national security sectors. 'Radiation protection is the key priority in ensuring that every application of nuclear technology is safely regulated and does not pose risks to human health or the environment. As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stressed, protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation is a shared responsibility,' he said. On the conference, he noted that Malaysia is strengthening its role in advancing the regional radiation technology safety agenda through the organisation of the event, themed 'Global Energy Security Through Radiation Safety: Balancing Growth and Protection' - emphasising that radiation safety serves as the foundation for ensuring global energy sustainability and resilience.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Addressing nuclear energy misconceptions key for Malaysia's growth
KOTA KINABALU: Public misconceptions about nuclear technology must be tackled to ensure Malaysia's sustainable energy future. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal stressed the need for collective efforts to build public trust. He said reshaping perceptions requires inclusive communication backed by scientific evidence. 'Public perception remains a major challenge despite the well-documented benefits of nuclear technology,' he said. Mohammad Yusof spoke at the 28th Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2025. He noted MOSTI's efforts in raising awareness through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and Atom Malaysia. 'A holistic approach will help the public see nuclear tech as a national asset if managed safely,' he added. He highlighted the unavoidable use of radiation in medical, agricultural, and industrial sectors. 'Radiation protection is crucial to prevent risks to health and the environment,' he emphasised. The conference theme focused on balancing energy security with radiation safety. Mohammad Yusof linked the event to Malaysia's 13MP goals for high-value industry growth. 'Nuclear energy is seen as clean and safe, with radiation safety as the top priority,' he said. Over 100 participants attended, including experts and policymakers. The event featured technical presentations, workshops, and exhibitions on radiation safety. - Bernama
