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 is an independent information resource centre aimed at promoting accurate and evidence-based reporting especially on complex or controversial science issues in the media.
As COVID-19 takes centre stage, we help you to better understand the pandemic by bringing you the latest research and expert reactions on the novel coronavirus.
Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Lam Sai Kit from the University of Malaya, and a member of an International COVID-19 Task Force, concurred with the decision of WHO. “After three long years of the pandemic, and with the decrease in cases and severity over the last year, it is time for life to return to normal. As a matter of fact, Malaysia had independently adopted a stand that the COVID-19 pandemic entered an epidemic phase as early as mid-2022, almost a year before the WHO Declaration last Friday.”
The Newton Fund, a programme managed by the UK’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department and delivered by UK and Malaysia partners including the British Council, MIGHT and the British High Commission, enabled over 200 outstanding research and innovation partnerships to boost international science collaboration. The programme delivered over 140 innovative products and connected 600 British and Malaysia researchers in 55 academic institutions and 250 industry organisations.
It is often challenging for women to compete with men for top positions, especially in a male-dominated industry such as science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). While STEM disciplines are about pushing boundaries, expanding the
frontiers of knowledge, and, in many cases, saving the world; women in STEM have to shatter glass ceilings, constantly prove themselves, and smash the patriarchy while they’re at it.
With the theme of ‘Embracing Equity for Gender Equality’, the British Council in Malaysia will be hosting a panel discussion to highlight the challenges faced by women in pursuing post-graduate studies in STEM and the importance of a postgraduate degree for the advancement of STEM careers. Participants will also get the opportunity to speak with key representatives from UK Universities about the British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship 2023.
Are you a Malaysian woman ready to pursue postgraduate study in science, technology, engineering or maths at a university in the UK? Apply now for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM! This prestigious scholarship will allow over 100 women from selected countries including from South Asia, East Asia, Wider Europe, and the Americas to obtain a Master’s degree or an Early Academic Fellowship from a UK university, giving them the opportunity to further develop their careers in STEM subjects.
The Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA) is exploring its participation in an ambitious international astrophysics project with the East Asian Observatory (EAO). EAO which was formed in 2014, brings together the forces of the region’s countries in an era where astronomical discoveries require large-scale instruments.
A seagrass emergency has compelled the United Nations, following a resolution by Sri Lanka, to declare a formal World Seagrass Day. For the first time, the humble seagrass will get its own day of celebration and recognition on 1st March 2023, with events and activities taking place around the world to raise awareness about the critical importance of seagrass meadows.
On 20 November, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt concluded with a historic decision to establish and operationalise a loss and damage fund, particularly for developing countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis. We asked experts to highlight some of the big wins and losses at COP 27, as well as what they signify for Malaysia and the rest of the world.
A study carried out by a group of researchers at Universiti Malaya, microbubble aeration has shown to have profound positive effects on the growth of biofloc cultures and farmed shrimp. Biofloc Technology is the new “blue revolution” in aquaculture for sustainable aquaculture by using minimum resources like feed, water and land.
Methane emissions account for roughly 25 percent of current global warming and contribute to climate-related threats including more intense and frequent heat waves and flooding, food insecurity, and poor air quality. According to Malaysia’s third biennial update report to the United Nations, methane emissions contributed 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, with its major source being fugitive emissions from the oil and gas industry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Mental Health Day annually with a global campaign on the 10th of October. Each year, the gist of the message is clear: we need to raise awareness about mental health, and mobilise efforts to support people living with mental health difficulties. This is absolutely necessary as awareness is required to encourage help-seeking behaviours and consequently, increasing the likelihood of people to reach out for mental health services.
A recent international multi-stakeholder forum held at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, highlighted the need for scientists to engage more actively with society as the nation transitions into its post-pandemic reality. The forum, entitled “Translating Science into Public Knowledge: The Role of Science Communication in a Post-Pandemic Society” was organized by the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya and gathered discussants from academia, industry and government.
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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