Latest news with #Mosti
The Star
21-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Dr Ravigadevi becomes first Malaysian elected to Royal Society
KUALA LUMPUR: 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 Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), in a statement on Wednesday (May 21), 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. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, 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. "Mosti will continue to build an ecosystem that nurtures excellence, accelerates impact and positions Malaysia as a respected contributor to global science,' he said. In response to the honour, Ravigadevi said the recognition was not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the exceptional teams she had the privilege of working with. "Scientific progress is never the work of one individual. It is the product of shared vision, dedication, and collaboration. The vibrant research ecosystem at MPOB and our committed collaborators made all of this possible,' she said. Meanwhile, ASM President Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc said the inclusion of a Malaysian in the prestigious fellowship signals the increasing impact of Malaysia's scientific contributions globally. "More importantly, Dr Ravigadevi's research has advanced scientific understanding and brought tangible societal benefits,' he said. Founded in 1660, the Royal Society counts among its Fellows many of history's most influential scientists, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking. For 2025, more than 90 individuals from countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, China and Switzerland have been selected as Fellows of the Royal Society. - Bernama
The Star
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Hydrogen refuel station to drive clean energy R & D
Fuel of the future: Chang (second from right) and Rezal Khairi (fourth from right) attending the launch of the MHRS in Putrajaya. — ART CHEN/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has taken significant steps towards a clean energy future by introducing the Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station (MHRS) development project to drive innovation in the hydrogen-based mobility sector, it was revealed. The RM15mil pilot project, located at Precinct 2 here, is capable of supplying 50kg of hydrogen daily through the small-scale station. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the MHRS not only boosted R&D in hydrogen and fuel cell technology, it also supported the national target of achieving zero carbon emission by 2050. 'There are no hydrogen-powered vehicles in Malaysia, but we have hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) suppliers. 'Basic infrastructure for FCEV refuelling should be created to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel in the transportation and mobility sector,' he told a press conference after launching the MHRS here yesterday, Bernama reported. The project is supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) through the National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC) and NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), in collaboration with PETRONAS Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd (PTVSB), Sime UMW, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corp (MGTC). NMB, as the asset administrator representing Mosti, will operate the MHRS station and test site for new technologies to explore long-term commercial opportunities. PTVSB supplies hydrogen and oversees the station's engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) while Sime UMW and UMWT will provide three Toyota Mirai hydrogen-powered vehicles and offer essential operational and maintenance services. Chang said the MHRS will play the role of educating the public on the current status of hydrogen technology and demonstrating that hydrogen can now be used as a fuel for vehicles. 'But we need to create the ecosystem first, as we are starting from scratch. We don't have the users and the supply but we are targeting that by 2030, there will be FCEVs on Malaysian roads,' he said. NMB chief executive officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said the MHRS would be a catalyst for clean energy infrastructure and pave the way for investments and innovation as well as strengthen Malaysia's position as a regional hub for hydrogen technology. 'Under the leadership of Mosti, NMB will continue to leverage the full potential of the MHRS in close collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders and industry players to make Putrajaya the starting point for the country's hydrogen-powered mobility transformation,' he said.
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
NSC's mobile science bus to cover 14 schools across Sarawak
Chang (second right) presents the NSC education kit to a representative of Sarikei District Education Office. — Photo by Jude Toyat KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 6): Fourteen schools across Sarawak will be buzzing with hands-on science activities and interactive exhibits as the National Science Centre's (NSC) mobile science exhibition bus is making its rounds this May 7 to 20. The schools are SMK Wira Penrissen and SK Jalan Muara Tuang in Kota Samarahan; SMK Simunjan No 1 in Simunjan; SMK Serian in Serian; SMK Lubok Antu and SK San Semanju in Lubok Antu; SMK St Augustine and SJK Chung Hua Betong in Betong; SMK Bahasa Malaysia Saratok and SK Abang Abdul Rahman in Saratok; SMK St Anthony and SK Udin in Sarikei; and SMK Julau No 2 and SK Nanga Entabai in Julau. The expedition is part of the Kembara Sains Borneo (KSB) 2025 initiative under the flagship program National Science Week (MSN), organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) specifically for the people of Sarawak and Sabah, in collaboration with the NSC and main sponsor, Yayasan Mr DIY. 'KSB 2025 will kick off in Kota Samarahan, covering 14 selected schools across Sarawak before concluding in Julau. The expedition will then continue to 16 schools in Sabah, beginning in Tawau and ending in Lahad Datu. 'This journey will involve at least 30 selected schools, with an estimated 30,000 participants benefiting from the programme,' said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in his officiating speech at the launch of the National Science Week 2025 in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus late Sunday. In this regard, Chang said that Mosti was serious in its mission to popularise science among Malaysians. 'Various initiatives to promote science, technology, and innovation (STI) have been launched, including this traveling exhibition in Borneo,' he said. He added that since 2023, the KSB initiative had been bringing STI learning directly to rural and remote areas in Sarawak and Sabah, making science more accessible and enjoyable. Themed 'Sains Itu Menyeronokkan' (Science is Fun), the KSB 2025 expedition will feature NSC's mobile exhibition bus and science activity van, offering engaging experiences to around 30,000 students across the 30 selected schools. 'The Madani Government views STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent development as a serious priority, in line with the nation's goal of producing more local professionals in the field to achieve high-tech nation status by 2030. 'In line with this, Mosti is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, and strategic partners to promote a culture of STI through continuous out-of-classroom programmes targeted especially at children and school students to strengthen the National STEM Agenda,' he said. At the event, Chang also presented the NSC education kits containing interactive STEM activity materials and usage guides for informal learning sessions to eight district Education offices that would be visited by the Kembara Sains Borneo during MSN 2025 in Sarawak. bus education National Science Centre schools science exhibition
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Mosti eyeing 300,000 participants for 2025 National Science Week
Chang performs the launch gimmick for National Science Week 2025, as other distinguished guests look on. — Photo by Jude Toyat KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 6): The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is targeting around 300,000 participants for the 2025 National Science Week (MSN), which kicked off at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus here on Sunday, and will run until the end of this year. According to the minister Chang Lih Kang, the programme reflects the government's ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) among Malaysians, in line with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030. 'Although it is called 'National Science Week', the initiative will actually span until the end of the year and over the next few months, we will be visiting at least six states. 'During this period, we will also bring science exhibitions to rural and remote areas in Borneo through the Kembara Sains Borneo initiative. 'We are targeting around 300,000 participants this year through more than 50 exciting and meaningful activities that are planned to ensure the programme remains impactful, relevant, and inclusive for all target groups,' he told reporters when met after the launch. Earlier, in his opening speech, Chang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to launch the programme, brought by Mosti through the National Science Centre (NSC), in Sarawak and acknowledged the strong partnerships that had made it possible. In this regard, he extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) as the implementing partner, and also to the Yayasan Mr D.I.Y. as the official sponsor. He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), departments and agencies under Mosti, as well as the Sarawak government agencies that had contributed to the success of the programme. He emphasised that this year marks the eighth edition of the MSN, since its inception in 2018. 'This effort reflects Mosti's commitment to cultivating the culture of science, technology and innovation in the lives of Malaysians in a consistent and continuous manner.' According to Chang, this programme supports the Malaysia Madani vision, particularly the 'Creative Power' pillar, which promotes national readiness through the adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, and Big Data. Also present were Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal; acting permanent secretary of the MEITD, Husini Bakir; UiTM Sarawak rector Prof Dr Firdaus Abdullah; and National Science Centre director Mohammad Fuad Rahman.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia retains top 10 spot in global high-tech exports
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has maintained its position as the ninth-largest exporter of high-technology goods among 143 countries in 2023, marking its highest placement in the past decade. According to the Malaysia High Technology Performance Report 2023, the country's high-tech exports rose by US$2 billion to US$127 billion last year, contributing to a decade-high trade surplus of US$51.5 billion. Malaysia's share of global high-tech merchandise exports also increased to 3.32 per cent, with the report noting that global high-tech exports grew by US$80 billion to US$3.83 trillion in 2023. The report was produced by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT). MIGHT president and chief executive officer Rushdi Abdul Rahim said telecommunications electronics remained the largest contributor, generating US$36 billion in export value. He said other sectors showing strong growth potential include scientific equipment, office machinery, electrical machinery and aerospace surplus. "Beyond directly contributing to the nation's aspiration to become a high-income, technology-based economy, this dynamic innovation ecosystem also strengthens Malaysia's position in achieving technological sovereignty. "It also ensures the country is not only capable of utilising, but also mastering and controlling these strategic technologies," Rushdi added. Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) secretary general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad reaffirmed the ministry's support for advancing Malaysia's high-tech landscape. "Mosti is committed to expanding and strengthening the innovation ecosystem to ensure sustained competitiveness in all facets of nation-building, especially in the nation's high-tech sector," he said. "The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021–2030 underscores this commitment, not only to transform Malaysia into a high-tech nation, but also to support Malaysia's transition from a user to a developer and creator of technology."
