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.
As Malaysia turns 60, it grapples with a dementia crisis affecting 8.7% of individuals aged 60+. Yet, 40% of dementia cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyles. Misconceptions about dementia’s age onset prevail. Modifiable factors like education, obesity, and hearing loss contribute to risks, which can be tackled through education, mental health support, and lifestyle changes. The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2023, “Never Too Early, Never Too Late,” underscores lifelong risk reduction.
Imagine powering your household appliances with sustainable energy generated right from the roads in front of your home. Malaysia, with its warm climate and extensive road network, holds immense potential for harnessing solar power from asphalt pavements. Solar roadways, an emerging technology, can transform pavements into “energy farms,” mitigating the heat island effect and environmental pollution. By leveraging on partnerships with stakeholders and research institutes, Malaysia can actively contribute to this visionary endeavour in the energy harvesting industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to reducing methane emissions, over a year after Malaysia signed the Global Methane Pledge at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26. Delivering the keynote speech at the Energy Asia 2023 conference recently, Anwar said Malaysia recognised the importance of managing methane emissions, and had committed to joining the global pledge to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.
Discover how artscience approaches are transforming STEM education, bridging the gap between creativity and knowledge. This opinion article explores the transformative power of artscience activities, from physics-themed theater productions to quantum debates in “wayang kulit” puppet shows. Artscience offers holistic learning experiences, fostering creativity and advocating for sustainable development goals. Embrace the idealism and realities of this interdisciplinary approach to inspire holistic learning and creative problem-solving.
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.
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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