Science Media Centre Malaysia is an information resource centre aimed at promoting accurate and evidence-based reporting especially on complex or controversial science issues in the media. We connect journalists to credible and articulate scientists from across various research fields. We also help scientists to communicate their research effectively and ultimately make science mainstream and accessible to the public.
Science Media Centre (SMC) Malaysia was established at the height of the pandemic as an independent information resource centre to combat misinformation by amplifying credible scientists and making complex science accessible to both the media and the public.
As we move beyond COVID-19, we remain committed to promoting accurate and evidence-based reporting—tackling complex and controversial science issues in the media, from climate change to public health and beyond.
The Regional Hub for Asia Climate Change and Health (REACH) is now inviting researchers, institutions, organisations and industries across South and Southeast Asia to co-create climate-resilient health solutions through a landmark regional funding opportunity. Successful applicants stand to receive grants of up to MYR 400,000.00 to deliver projects that inform national strategies, reinforce frontline health systems, and protect vulnerable populations from escalating climate risks.
Science Media Centre Malaysia, in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia and with support from the British Council Alumni UK, launches the PANAS! Climate Storytelling Workshop and Panel Discussion, aimed at empowering journalists and content creators to craft evidence-based, human-focused, and solutions-driven climate stories. Held on Saturday, 8 November 2025, the programme features two interconnected sessions: a hands-on storytelling workshop and an open panel discussion at Sustain.ed, Kuala Lumpur.
Against the backdrop of turquoise seas and sandy shores, 15 local journalists and content creators came together on 18–20 September 2025 for an immersive workshop on climate change reporting. Co-organised by Science Media Centre Malaysia and Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) as part of the Festival Pulau Besar, the three-day programme blended classroom learning with hands-on field visits to highlight how climate stories can be humanised, localised, and solution-oriented.
In an effort to encourage collaboration between scientists, journalists, and policymakers, Science Media Centre Malaysia, in collaboration with University Malaya, recently organised a transdisciplinary workshop aimed at bridging the gaps between science communication and evidence-based policymaking, particularly in the context of climate change.
Science Media Centre Malaysia is pleased to invite expressions of interest for the PANAS! Science Journalism Workshop, an interdisciplinary one-day event focused on the critical role of science advice in shaping public understanding and policy, with a special emphasis on climate change communication.
Science Media Centre Malaysia invites Malaysian journalists, writers, and science communicators to submit story pitches for PANAS! Climate Change Stories in Malaysia, an initiative aimed at surfacing evidence-based, solutions-oriented narratives on how climate change is affecting communities across the country.
Science Media Centre Malaysia is among six recipients of INGSA-Asia Seed Grants to promote science advice among scientists, journalists and advocacy group in Malaysia. This interdisciplinary workshop will bring together scientists, journalists, and advocacy groups to explore how science advice can inform and improve science communication, particularly in the realm of climate change reporting.
The recently concluded 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai has undoubtedly propelled global initiatives forward. However, as we navigate the post-COP landscape, the challenge lies in translating these international commitments into tangible actions on the ground. To shed light on this crucial matter, we have reached out to a few climate experts for their immediate reactions and insights.
Amidst Malaysia’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, a groundbreaking policy brief emphasises the urgent need for the government to articulate a clear national direction for methane action. The role of corporations, public awareness, and cohesive strategies are crucial for sustainable progress against methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. The policy brief calls for a more integrated approach and highlights the risk of missed opportunities without clear policies and committed action.
As COP28 kicks off in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, the urgency of addressing the escalating climate crisis takes centre stage. It marks a pivotal moment for world leaders, country negotiators, activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders among the expected 70,000 attendees—the largest gathering in the history of United Nations climate change summits. With a resounding call to accelerate global climate action, this conference is an essential platform to reassess commitments and chart a course towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
In his U.N. General Assembly address, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed global action on climate change. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, holds the key to rapid warming reduction. Malaysia, already facing climate impacts, commits to methane reduction in line with the Global Methane Pledge. Dr. Shareen Yawanarajah urges a national methane mitigation policy, a domestic charge on methane emissions, and policy support for methane innovation to align with Malaysia’s energy transition goals. COP28 provides a platform for Malaysia to showcase its climate leadership.
The race against climate change has brought the focus to methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming, especially from the oil and gas sector. A new initiative in Malaysia, supported by leading universities and environmental organisations, aims to accurately measure and manage methane emissions using advanced technologies, rigorous data analysis, and cost-effective strategies. Challenges include discrepancies in existing data, the complexity of measurement methods, and lack of transparent reporting.
The need and importance of effective science communication is clearly highlighted in this COVID-19 pandemic. Communicating science between scientists and the general public, policy makers and other stakeholders is an essential element of outbreak management plan. The public and policy makers must be able to understand the basics of science before they can make informed decisions. But scientists need a platform to share their knowledge, research data and information to the public and policy makers. And the Science Media Centre Malaysia provides a great platform for scientists to reach out.
Dr Chai Lay Ching, Chairperson Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia
In a fast-paced newsroom, journalists are always busy and rushing to meet deadlines. With the COVID-19 coverage, we are constantly seeking out information and expert insights to accurately explain about the global pandemic particularly on the aspects of infection and treatment. COVID-19 requires a greater understanding of science and the Science Media Centre Malaysia is a good place for journalists to source for experts’ quotes and we also get story ideas by reading about the latest scientific research.
Thasha Jayamanogaran, Chief-Reporter, Malay Mail
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