ARTICLE
In efforts to encourage collaboration between scientists, journalists, and policymakers, Science Media Centre (SMC) Malaysia recently hosted a transdisciplinary workshop aimed at bridging the gaps between science communication and evidence-based policymaking, especially in the context of climate change. Held on 20 May 2025 at Universiti Malaya, the PANAS! Science Journalism Workshop brought together 30 participants from diverse sectors including scientists, journalists, advocacy groups, and government officials for a full day of sharing, dialogue, and capacity-building.
Organised by SMC Malaysia in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Universiti Malaya, the workshop was supported by the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP) and the International Network for Governmental Science Advice Asia (INGSA-Asia). The event builds on the success of SMC’s PANAS! Climate Change Stories in Malaysia initiative, which supports evidence-based climate storytelling.
YOU CAN ALSO READ ABOUT THE WORKSHOP ON INGSA-ASIA’S WEBSITE HERE.
The workshop took an interactive and collaborative approach, weaving together presentations, side chats, panel discussions, and breakout sessions to create a dynamic learning environment. From the very beginning, participants were immersed in a “speed networking” icebreaker, setting the stage for open dialogue across disciplines.
The programme began with Dr Nurulaini Abu Shamsi, senior lecturer at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Universiti Malaya introducing participants to the Malaysian science advice ecosystem, followed by SMC’s co-founder and renowned science communicator, Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan’s engaging session on how researchers can frame and present evidence effectively for policymakers. Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for more meaningful collaboration across sectors.
A standout session was the fireside chat with Dr Helena Varkkey, Associate Professor of Environmental Politics and Governance at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya, who reflected on her own journey working at the intersection of research, media, and policy. Moderated by SMC’s Tan Su Lin, the session explored the real-world complexities of engaging with decision-makers and the media while maintaining scientific rigour and integrity.
A case study presented by Seetha Bhai, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation examined how the local news framing on contentious issues such as the Lynas rare earths project can influence public perception and policy. Moving away from the “doom-and-gloom” narrative of climate reporting, Su Lin’s session on climate solutions journalism, encouraged both journalists and scientists to flip the narrative from problems to solutions approach in storytelling, empowering audiences to take informed climate action.
A separate panel discussion brought together three voices working at the science-policy-media interface: environmental journalist, Patrick Lee, Dr Azliyana Azhari (Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub, Monash University Malaysia), and Tommy Cheo (WWF-Malaysia), who also serves on Malaysia’s Climate Adaptation Committee. They discussed the challenges and best practices in ensuring scientific evidence is translated effectively into public discourse and policy, emphasising the need for mutual trust, shared language, and consistent engagement.
In another interactive “How to Deal with You” session, scientists and journalists swapped notes on their communication styles, expectations, and common misconceptions. This session offered a rare but valuable opportunity for both groups to reflect on their communication habits and learn from one another. Participants also heard from policymakers including from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation through a feedback survey conducted by SMC Malaysia. Among others, the policymakers shared their preferences for receiving scientific input, ranging from concise policy briefs and one-pagers to infographics and summary visuals, and highlighted the importance of timing, clarity, and credibility in influencing decisions.
The workshop concluded with breakout sessions where scientists and journalists were paired up to co-develop climate-related story ideas that centre both evidence and people. These collaborative writing exercises reflected the workshop’s core message: we all want the same thing: evidence-informed policies, informed citizens, and a sustainable future. The challenge now is how to work better, together.
The PANAS! Science Journalism Workshop demonstrated that fostering collaboration across disciplines is not only possible, it is essential. By creating a space where scientists, journalists, policymakers, and advocates can listen and learn from one another, the workshop laid the groundwork for a stronger, more connected science communication ecosystem in Malaysia.