NAVIGATING MALAYSIA'S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY ECOSYSTEMS

NAVIGATING MALAYSIA’S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY ECOSYSTEM

As part of the Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy Initiative, in 2025, we will conduct Country Focused Workshop Series entitled “Navigating Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystems”.

This workshop series builds upon the research done in 2024 for the Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy Report. which mapped Science and Technology Diplomacy strategies, priorities, and tools across Asia and Europe, providing a mapping of the status of Science Diplomacy across the two regions. Learn more about the Report and ASEF’s work in the field of Science and Technology Diplomacy in 2024 here.

MALAYSIA is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD), leveraging its robust policy frameworks and strategic position within ASEAN.

This workshop series delves into Malaysia’s evolving science diplomacy ecosystem, examining how its policies foster international collaboration, commercialisation of research, and technological advancements. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, its role in steering regional S&T cooperation becomes even more crucial.

By exploring Malaysia’s strategic vision, institutional frameworks, and emerging opportunities, this series offers a timely discussion on how science diplomacy can be harnessed to drive regional cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Asia and beyond.

Join us for 3 Webinars in April 2025 where we deep dive into Malaysia’s Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem:

Webinar 1 | 15 April 2025 : The Role of Government Strategy and Actions in the Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem
Webinar 2 | 22 April 2025: The Role of Academia and Research Institutions in the Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem and How to Work with Them
Webinar 3 | 29 April 2025: The Role of Businesses in the Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem and How to Work with Them

Summary of Webinar 1 | 15 April 2025

The Role of Government Strategy and Actions in the Malaysian Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem

Welcome Remarks

Mr AMIZAL Fadzli Rajali, Governor for Malaysia, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), and Undersecretary, OIC & Regional Cooperation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Introductory Lecture

Prof ZAKRI Abdul Hamid, Founding Director, Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability, UCSI, Malaysia: Prof. Zakri is one of Malaysia’s most distinguished science diplomats and sustainability advocates. He served as Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and was the founding Chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). He was also a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board and is currently the Founding Director of the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) at UCSI University. Prof. Zakri has played a key role in numerous global and national science and sustainability initiatives, including co-chairing the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and leading the Malaysian delegation to several UN biodiversity and climate platforms. He is also the Chairman of Atri Advisory and Malaysia’s Science Advisor for the Campaign for Nature 30×30. He continues to shape Malaysia’s role in global sustainability and science-policy governance.

Panel Discussion

Panel Chair: Prof ZAKRI Abdul Hamid, Founding Director, Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability, UCSI, Malaysia

Panelists:

Dr Gary THESEIRA, Director and Council Member, Climate Governance Malaysia: Dr. Gary William Theseira is a Malaysian climate policy expert with over two decades of experience in sustainable development, greenhouse gas mitigation, and international climate negotiations. He is a Council Member of Climate Governance Malaysia and an Adjunct Faculty at the Asia School of Business. Gary previously served as Deputy Undersecretary for Climate Change at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), Malaysia, where he was involved in formulating national climate strategies and representing Malaysia in UNFCCC negotiations, including key roles in the lead-up to the Paris Agreement. His expertise spans policy analysis, emissions monitoring, and public-private collaboration for climate resilience. Dr. Theseira is also a consultant to international agencies and advises on carbon market readiness, low-carbon transition pathways, and ESG frameworks. His work bridges science, governance, and finance to address complex climate challenges.
Dr Nadzri YAHAYA, Director, Minconsult Sdn. Bhd. and former Deputy Secretary-General at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), Malaysia: Dr. Nadzri Yahaya is a senior environmental governance expert in Malaysia, currently serving as Director at Minconsult Sdn. Bhd., a leading engineering and consulting firm. He was formerly the Deputy Secretary-General at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), where he oversaw the development and implementation of Malaysia’s major environmental and sustainability strategies. Dr. Nadzri played a critical role in Malaysia’s participation in multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and contributed to the national agenda on green growth, integrated water resource management, and pollution control. His leadership helped bridge inter-ministerial cooperation and stakeholder engagement on sustainability issues. At Minconsult, he continues to integrate sustainable development principles into infrastructure, climate, and urban development projects.
Prof Nor Aieni MOKHTAR, Chairman of the Board for UMTJaya Holdings Sdn Bhd and former Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malysia Terengganu (UMT): Prof. Nor Aieni Mokhtar is an oceanographer and science policy expert with a distinguished career in higher education and marine governance. She previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Director-General of the Department of Higher Education, and Chairperson of the National Oceanography Directorate in Malaysia. Her work has been instrumental in strengthening Malaysia’s marine diplomacy, blue economy strategies, and academic research excellence in oceanography. Prof. Nor Aieni is known for advocating the role of science in international marine policy and continues to contribute to national and ASEAN-level sustainability agendas through research, teaching, and policy advisory roles.
Prof Dr Siti HAFSYAH IDRIS, Deputy Dean (Research & Industrial Linkages), Associate Professor, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM): Dr. Siti Hafsyah Idris is a legal scholar at Universiti Malaya (UM) specializing in environmental law, climate governance, and international environmental agreements. She is a core member of the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) and contributes to capacity-building in legal literacy related to sustainability and science diplomacy. Her academic and advisory work explores the intersections of environmental law, transboundary resource governance, and institutional reform. Dr. Hafsyah is a frequent speaker at legal and science-policy forums and plays an active role in educating a new generation of professionals on climate and biodiversity regulations at the global and regional levels.

Webinar 2 | 22 April 2025

The Role of Academia and Research Institutions in the Malaysian Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem and How to Work with Them

Introductory Lecture

Prof Mohamad OSMAN, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS). Prof Osman has over four decades of experience in genetics, biosafety, and international science negotiations. He has held academic and leadership positions at institutions such as MARDI, UKM, UPM, and IIUM. He served as a Co-Chair in the negotiations on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity and has been Malaysia’s lead negotiator for biodiversity and biosafety protocols. His academic training spans agricultural genetics and plant breeding, with degrees from UC Davis and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prof. Mohamad remains active in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity processes and is a key figure in advancing biosafety and environmental diplomacy in Malaysia and beyond.

Panel Discussion

Panel Chair: Prof Mohamad OSMAN

Panelists:

Prof Khatijah YUSOFF; Khatijah is currently a Senior Fellow and Council member of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), Vice-President of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) and Vice-President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). She also sits on the Council of Scientific Advisers of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). She previously sat on the Board of Trustees of International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), SEAMEO-BIOTROP Governing Board, Advisory Board for La Trobe Asia, and the Technical Advisory Panel for COMSATS as well as several companies and organizations in Malaysia. In 2008 she was seconded to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia, serving as the Deputy Secretary-General (Science). In 2010, she was awarded DSc (honoris causa) by her alma mater, La Trobe University. Her research and innovation have received great acclaim nationally and internationally. She was honored by the Houghton Trust to deliver the 3rd Houghton Lecture in 2002 and was later accorded the UNESCO’s Carlos Finlay Prize for Microbiology in 2005. In 2008, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from La Trobe University. In 2014, she was identified as one of the top 20 most influential women in science in the Islamic World by Muslim-Science.com. In 2015, the nation consequently presented her with the prestigious Merdeka Award.
Prof Abhi VEERAKUMARASIVAM,Prof. Abhi Veerakumarasivam is Provost of Sunway University and a molecular geneticist known for his work in genetics, bioethics, and science communication. A strong advocate for public science engagement, he was the Chair of the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) – Asia and a member of several global advisory bodies on research integrity and responsible innovation. Prof. Abhi’s academic background spans cancer genomics and precision medicine, and he has contributed to advancing ethical frameworks in biotechnology and science diplomacy. He is also a TEDx speaker and frequent keynote presenter who emphasises democratising science and strengthening the role of scientific evidence in policymaking. His work continues to influence science advice mechanisms and education policies across Southeast Asia.
Prof. Dr Mohd Kushairi Mohd Rajuddin: Prof. Dr Mohd Kushairi Mohd Rajuddin is a Senior Associate at the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and an Adjunct Professor at the UCSI University’s International Institute for Science Diplomacy & Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS). He has had a distinguished career in science as a researcher, educator, administrator, and a diplomat. He was the former Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) from 2019 to 2023, and the Founding Chair of the Regional Coral Triangle Conservation Fund Board of Directors. With an extensive experience in marine conservation and regional cooperation, he brings valuable insights into biodiversity management and policy advocacy.
Prof Surinderpal Kaur CHANAN SINGH: Prof Surin Kaur is a Professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at the Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. She holds a PhD from Lancaster University, UK. Her expertise lies in Critical Discourse Studies and Multimodality, with research interests spanning discrimination and prejudice, particularly in the contexts of migration, Islamophobia, far-right extremism, terrorism, gender, and sexuality. Currently, her work centres on climate change communication and education, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. She is also the Co-Chair of the University Malaya Committee for Climate Change which functions as a part of the advisory panel for Climate Change for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. She is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics in UM. She is also the Vice-Chair for the Malaysian Language Deans Council, and is leading the taskforce for all public universities on Technology Enhanced Language Learning. Beyond academia, she is actively involved in capacity-building initiatives for Punjabi and Sikh youth in Malaysia, fostering leadership and community development.

Webinar 3 | 29 April 2025

The Role of Businesses in the Malaysian Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystem and How to Work with Them

Introductory Lecture

Mr Zakwan ZABIDI, Senior Vice President, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT): Mohd Zakwan is the Senior Vice President of MIGHT, an Adjunct Professor to the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability at UCSI University, and an Elite Fellow for University Malaya. He brings together the consolidated skills and knowledge acquired over 27 years of different management roles and involved on wide range of programs and initiatives which includes National Blueprints and Roadmaps, Innovation Model and Framework, Policy and Strategy Development, Foresight and Technology Audit, Business Strategy Development and Science Diplomacy. He was seconded to the Office of the Science Advisor, Prime Minister’s Office where he served as Special Officer to the Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia. During his decade at the Office of the Science Advisor, he was involved with science diplomacy and science advice to the government initiatives which includes Commonwealth Chief Science Advisor, APEC Chief Science Advisor, Foreign Ministries Science and Technology Advisors Network (FMSTAN) and International Network for Governmental Science Advise (INGSA). He holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration majoring in Transport from MARA Institute of Technology and undertook further studies in MBA at University of Salford, UK. He is also currently a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in United Kingdom.

Panel Discussion

Panel Chair: Ms Linnea REGNELL, Project Executive, Education Department, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

Panelists:

Mr Zakwan ZABIDI, Senior Vice President, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT)
Ms Aznie RAHIM, Researcher, Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre; Consultant, World Bank:Ms Aznie RAHIM is a researcher at Selangor Climate Adaption Centre, as well as a consultant at the World Bank. Aznie Rahim is a climate adaptation and water resilience strategist, with extensive experience spanning national policy initiatives, international organizations like the World Bank, and State institution, the Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre. Her work focuses on bridging the worlds of science, governance, and business: turning complex climate and water challenges into practical, scalable solutions for resilience and sustainable development. With a deep commitment to making science accessible and diplomacy inclusive, Aznie advocates for strategic partnerships that empower businesses, communities, and governments to co-create a more resilient future.
Prof ZAKRI Abdul Hamid, Founding Director, Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability, UCSI, Malaysia: Prof. Zakri is one of Malaysia’s most distinguished science diplomats and sustainability advocates. He served as Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia and was the founding Chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). He was also a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board and is currently the Founding Director of the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) at UCSI University. Prof. Zakri has played a key role in numerous global and national science and sustainability initiatives, including co-chairing the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and leading the Malaysian delegation to several UN biodiversity and climate platforms. He is also the Chairman of Atri Advisory and Malaysia’s Science Advisor for the Campaign for Nature 30×30. He continues to shape Malaysia’s role in global sustainability and science-policy governance.

WHO JOINED?

We invited attendees from Asia and Europe from the following areas:

Academics, managers of public and private tertiary education institutions
Government officials, policymakers and diplomats working with Science and Technology Diplomacy topics in international collaboration
Professionals working for businesses focusing on Research, Innovation, and Science Diplomacy.

The sessions were open to the public.