Latest news with #InternationalConferenceonScienceDiplomacyforRegionalProsperityinASEAN
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia proposes Asean centre for science diplomacy
CYBERJAYA: 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. "It 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' here today. 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. "…but to realise it, more time is needed, including one-to-one negotiations between governments. What's important is that we want Malaysia, through Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to give a signal of support for this initiative, which can then be endorsed at all ASEAN levels. "Western countries already have such hubs. This would be the first initiative of its kind in the developing world, in a Global South country. So basically, among ASEAN countries, this hub does not exist yet, which is why we want to encourage Malaysia to lead in pushing for its establishment," he said. Earlier, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang, in his officiating speech, said Malaysia is seriously exploring the establishment of the centre, which will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, capacity building and policy coordination. The two-day conference, which began today, gathers policymakers and academics from ASEAN and beyond to discuss the challenges of science diplomacy as a mechanism to foster regional cooperation among ASEAN member countries.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia explores nuclear energy potential under 13MP with MOSTI-PETRA collaboration
CYBERJAYA: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to explore the potential of nuclear energy in Malaysia. Its minister, Chang Lih Kang, said nuclear energy has long been identified as a strategic area, with MOSTI playing a key role in advancing related technologies, developing talent, and formulating the regulatory framework. 'Exploration in the nuclear field is not new. Discussions between MOSTI and PETRA have been ongoing, but this time, with clear government backing under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), we are now moving forward in a more comprehensive and structured manner. 'This reflects a whole-of-nation approach, where all relevant stakeholders are being engaged. We have formed six task forces, three led by MOSTI and three by PETRA,' he told Bernama and RTM after opening the International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in ASEAN here today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP last Thursday, said the government was considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive and safe energy sources Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan last Thursday, stated that the government is considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive, and safe energy sources for the future. A structured assessment is currently underway to evaluate its role in Malaysia's long-term energy mix. The initiative aims to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, support national carbon reduction targets, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the country's climate commitments and rising energy demand. In addition to nuclear energy, Chang said MOSTI is also involved in developing other strategic sectors such as rare earth elements (REE), with a similar focus on technology development, talent cultivation, and regulatory frameworks. He added that MOSTI is preparing to implement a range of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiatives outlined in RMK13, as part of efforts to elevate Malaysia into a high-tech economy. 'As the implementing ministry, we are fully committed to driving the country's progress through the successful execution of these STI initiatives,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MOSTI reaffirms commitment to strengthening collaboration with Petra on nuclear energy
CYBERJAYA: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to explore the potential of nuclear energy in Malaysia. Its minister, Chang Lih Kang, said nuclear energy has long been identified as a strategic area, with MOSTI playing a key role in advancing related technologies, developing talent, and formulating the regulatory framework. "Exploration in the nuclear field is not new. Discussions between MOSTI and PETRA have been ongoing, but this time, with clear government backing under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), we are now moving forward in a more comprehensive and structured manner. "This reflects a whole-of-nation approach, where all relevant stakeholders are being engaged. We have formed six task forces, three led by MOSTI and three by PETRA," he told Bernama and RTM after opening the International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in ASEAN here today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP last Thursday, said the government was considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive and safe energy sources Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan last Thursday, stated that the government is considering nuclear energy as one of the clean, competitive, and safe energy sources for the future. A structured assessment is currently underway to evaluate its role in Malaysia's long-term energy mix. The initiative aims to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, support national carbon reduction targets, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the country's climate commitments and rising energy demand. In addition to nuclear energy, Chang said MOSTI is also involved in developing other strategic sectors such as rare earth elements (REE), with a similar focus on technology development, talent cultivation, and regulatory frameworks. He added that MOSTI is preparing to implement a range of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiatives outlined in RMK13, as part of efforts to elevate Malaysia into a high-tech economy. "As the implementing ministry, we are fully committed to driving the country's progress through the successful execution of these STI initiatives," he said.
