CYBERJAYA: Malaysia has proposed setting up an ASEAN Centre for Science Diplomacy — the first regional hub in the country dedicated to integrating science into public policy and fostering cooperation among ASEAN nations.
The initiative, spearheaded by UCSI University and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), has received full backing from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Founding Director of the Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS) at UCSI University and MIGHT Government Co-Chairman, said the hub would coordinate ASEAN-wide efforts to advance science diplomacy, with Malaysia leading its establishment.
“This will be a crucial hub to tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution — all of which are rooted in science,” he said. “We need a centre capable of addressing these matters not just nationally, but regionally.”
Speaking to Bernama and RTM after the International Conference on Science Diplomacy for Regional Prosperity in ASEAN today, Zakri revealed that a proposal paper has been prepared and initial talks with the ASEAN Secretariat are underway. Town hall sessions with member states have also been held, including one in Jakarta two months ago where the proposal received strong support.
However, he noted that more time is needed to finalise the plan, including direct negotiations between governments. “Our goal is for Malaysia, through Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to signal strong support for this initiative, paving the way for ASEAN-level endorsement. Western countries already have such hubs — this would be the first in the developing world, and a pioneering move for the Global South,” he added.
Earlier, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia is actively exploring the centre’s establishment, which would function as a hub for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy coordination.
The two-day conference, which began today, brings together policymakers and academics from across ASEAN and beyond to discuss the role of science diplomacy in strengthening regional cooperation.
