Malaysian govt collaborates with UCSI to hold international conference on Asean science diplomacy; Asean excellence centre also proposed
On top of that, Malaysia has proposed the establishment of an Asean Centre for Science Diplomacy, which would be the first regional hub in the country focusing on the role of science in public policy and cooperation among Asean nations.
The proposal was initiated by UCSI University and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and fully supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI).
Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS) at UCSI University, Founding Director and MIGHT Co-Chairman (Government), Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, said the hub would serve to mobilise all efforts in Asean to champion science diplomacy issues, with Malaysia leading the establishment of the hub.
Jointly hosted by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) of UCSI University, the two-day conference aims to build regional consensus on leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) for diplomacy, sustainable development, and economic integration.
The conference serves as a strategic platform for sharing global best practices, fostering cross-border collaboration, and catalysing action on key regional priorities, including climate change, digital transformation, health security, and sustainable urban development.
In his opening address, Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Malaysia, reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to advancing science diplomacy as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.
He highlighted Malaysia's National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (NPSTI) 2021 –2030, as well as the country's proactive role in shaping the new A sean Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035.
'Science diplomacy is not just about scientific exchange, it's about building trust, strengthening partnerships, and aligning our collective strengths to solve challenges that transcend borders,' he said.
Malaysia's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, officiated the two-day Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in Asean Conference at the MIGHT Partnership Hub.
Among the key figures present were Chairman (Government) of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Professor Emeritus Dr Zakri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Studies at UCSI University, Professor Dr Phang Siew Moi and President and Chief Executive Officer of MIGHT, Rushdi Abdul Rahim.
A key highlight of the conference is the proposal to develop a strategic roadmap for science diplomacy in A sean , aimed at fostering institutional frameworks, shared priorities, and talent mobility to support the region's long-term goals.
Furthermore, representatives of A sean member states expressed strong interest in formalising platforms for knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation. The proposed establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Science Diplomacy in the region, championed by Malaysia, is also being explored as part of this long-term effort.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Dr Zakri said that an excellence centre: " will be a very important and critical hub to address issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and more… and all these problems are rooted in science.
"That's why we need a centre that can manage these matters not only at the national level, but also regionally,' he said.
He was speaking to Bernama and RTM after attending the International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in Asean.
According to Zakri, who is also the recipient of the 13th National Academic Figure Award, a proposal paper has been prepared and initial discussions with the Asean Secretariat have begun, including several town hall sessions with Asean member states.
He said one such session was held in Jakarta two months ago, where the proposal received strong support.
About MIGHT:
The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) serves as a think-tank and provides strategic advice in prospecting for and the promotion of industry development through the strategic application of science and technology for Malaysia's socioeconomic development. Its key role is building and driving partnerships in technology through a consensus-building platform between the private and public sectors, providing strategic advice and alliances to shape high-tech studies, capacity building through policy interventions, as well as flagship programmes and strategies.
About IISDS:
The UCSI Institute of Science Diplomacy & Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS) was officially launched on 29 August 2023. Since its establishment, UCSI-IISDS has progressed significantly in realising its aspiration of becoming a centre of excellence in the field of science diplomacy and sustainability in Malaysia and the A sean
region and other developing countries. UCSI-IISDS has also established international collaborations with the International Science Council (the world's largest science network) and the United Nations University, headquartered in Tokyo.
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