Building Bridges Between Science, Journalism, and Policy in Malaysia
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In the face of today’s escalating climate crisis, the need for clear, accurate, and impactful science communication has never been more urgent. To help meet this need, Science Media Centre (SMC) Malaysia organised the PANAS! Science Journalism Workshop, a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary initiative that brings together journalists, scientists, science communicators, and policymakers.
The workshop was made possible through the generous support of the:
- International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP), funded by the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources and led by the Australian Academy of Science, and
- International Network for Governmental Science Advice – Asia (INGSA-Asia), funded by the Québec government and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec.
SMC Malaysia is proud to be one of only six recipients of the 2025 INGSA-Asia Grassroots Science Advice Seed Grant, awarded to support initiatives that promote the use of science advice in public communications and policy across the Asia-Pacific region.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Held on 20 May 2025 at Universiti Malaya, the workshop was designed to explore how science advice can support evidence-based climate storytelling and strengthen public understanding, trust, and policy responses. The event brought together 30 participants—a vibrant mix of scientists, journalists, science communicators, and policymakers, including from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) – Climate Change Division and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
Objectives of the workshop were to:
- Strengthen the accuracy and impact of science reporting
- Foster informed decision-making at individual, community, and policy levels
- Build public trust in science and the media as reliable sources of knowledge
- Institutionalise science communication practices within media and research organisations
- Enable cross-sector collaboration for more effective, evidence-based policymaking
YOU CAN ALSO READ ABOUT THE WORKSHOP ON INGSA-ASIA’S WEBSITE HERE.
TOOLKIT
A key output of this initiative is a digital toolkit, “Communicating Climate Science to Policymakers”, designed for scientists, journalists, and advocacy groups. The toolkit synthesises best practices and insights shared during the workshop and includes:
- Guidelines on tailoring science communication for policy impact
- Tips on using infographics, narrative framing, and cross-sector collaboration
- Contributions from policymakers on what works best when receiving scientific input
GRANTEE CLIMATE STORIES
We received 29 pitches for PANAS! Climate Change Stories in Malaysia covering themes such as extreme weather, food and water security, indigenous knowledge, adaptation efforts, and locally driven innovations. After careful review, five pitches were selected for story development in either English or Bahasa Malaysia. Each grantee received RM1,500 to produce a 700–900 word written article, highlighting community resilience and offering grounded insights into Malaysia’s climate realities.
| Sustainable, Comfortable, Future-Ready: The Way Forward For Affordable Homes As Malaysia grapples with climate change, the need for climate-resilient, affordable housing has never been more urgent. In the Klang Valley, many affordable apartments suffer from poor ventilation, low-quality materials, and structural issues. This story explores how Malaysia can design affordable housing that is both comfortable and climate-resilient, particularly suited for our tropical environment. Soon Li Wei is a bilingual journalist with the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA). Since 2011, she has reported on a wide range of issues, with a current focus on climate change, biodiversity, energy transition, lifestyle and current issues. Passionate about environmental storytelling, she aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue through her work. Published on BERNAMA: [ENG] Sustainable, Comfortable, Future-Ready: The Way Forward For Affordable Homes [BM] Adakah Flat Mampu Milik Anda Sesuai Iklim? |
| Panaslah! Kenaikan suhu gugat kelestarian makanan warisan di Kampung Baru? For the women that labored within the walls of our eateries, whether they are running big or small-scale food businesses, their livelihoods are at risk when climate change affects their meager income. This story explores this axis, how global warming is causing a cultural and gender crisis in Kampung Baru, particularly the hidden stories of the legacy of Javanese cuisines in Kampung Baru, and the challenges encountered amidst the global warming. Atiqah Aznur, also known as cangkerang in online spaces, works to make the invisible visible.She tells stories that are liberation-focused and echoes voices from the socioeconomic periphery. Her macro photography documents the ecosystem of micro flora and fauna. She practices a hands-on and grassroots approach to environmental conservation which informs her climate journalism. Published on Astro AWANI: [BM] Panaslah! Kenaikan suhu gugat kelestarian makanan warisan di Kampung Baru? |
| Turning Waste into Watts: How Biogas is Powering Malaysia’s Climate Future Amid rising temperatures and energy demands, this story highlights how science-backed solutions like biogas are quietly transforming Malaysia’s energy landscape—where farmers, scientists, and policymakers intersect. It offers a hopeful, evidence-based narrative that shows how rural Malaysia is contributing to climate mitigation, one biodigester at a time. From climate advocacy to space innovation, Sathesh Raj is committed to science-driven storytelling. He has worked on climate solutions using space technologies, led a data visualisation journalism project on Malaysian forests, and contributed to award-winning research in science communication. He recently completed a Master’s specialising in Astrobiology at the University of Naples Federico II, and placed third in China’s MoonStation2050 Global Innovation Competition for his lunar energy system concept. Now back in Malaysia, Sathesh is reconnecting with his journalism roots—focusing on accessible, evidence-based narratives that communicate climate and environmental issues at the intersection of science, technology, and society. Published on Astro AWANI: [ENG] Turning Waste into Watts: How Biogas is Powering Malaysia’s Climate Future |
| Forest Wisdom: How a Local Community Finds Climate Solutions in Malaysia’s Last Forest Sanctuaries. At the foothills of Gunung Pulai in Johor, a small forest community called Rainforest Treehouse has lived closely with nature for over a decade. This story explores how the community is contributing to local climate resilience through sustainable eco-tourism. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with environmental education, guided forest hikes, and low-impact lifestyle, the Rainforest Treehouse has become more than just a nature retreat. It serves as a platform for raising public awareness about the importance of forests in mitigating climate change. Pheona Tay is a storyteller at heart, drawn to the power of words, nature, and human connections. With a background in journalism and a deep love for the environment, she finds meaning in community work, volunteering with NGOs, documenting moments and hiking. She’s endlessly inspired by the resilience of people and the quiet wisdom of nature. She believes stories can spark change — starting with the ones we tell ourselves. She aspires to build a career in the environmental journalism and sustainability sector. Published on Free Malaysia Today: [ENG] Rainforest Tree House: a community-led model for living with nature |
| Buzz of Hope: Saving the Pollinators, One Hive at a Time The story highlights the work of a local NGO that is actively relocating bee hives from residential areas, offering a humane, community-based alternative to the common practice of torching hives. Their work raises important awareness of bees’ role as pollinators and their ecological value, especially as urban development continues to encroach on natural habitats. Shumin Tan is a full-time educator and writes on the side. Outside the classroom, she writes personal essays and poetry that explore the relationships between literature, land, and identity, shaped by her experience as a third-culture child. She holds a BA in Literature & Creative Writing and Theater from NYU Abu Dhabi, and her work has appeared in Singapore Unbound, Exit 11, and showcased at the European Cultural Center in Venice. Published on Weekly Echo: [ENG] Buzz of Hope: Saving the Pollinators, One Hive at a Time |
TESTIMONIALS
What Participants Said
“I think this workshop is one of the best and most structured I’ve attended. It’s very clearly delivered and even includes diversified viewpoints from policymakers, journalists, and scientists.”
— Pheona Tay, Independent Journalist
“I enjoyed listening to the perspective of journalists and the experiences of scientists.”
— Dr Muhammad Zaid Zainuddin, Scientist
“Hearing researchers share their challenges when dealing with the media helped me better understand how to approach them.”
— Lee Kwai Han, Independent Journalist
“Engagement with key players in the science ecosystem was the biggest highlight. We need more human-centred approaches like this to understand perspectives across the board to make science more inclusive and impactful.”
— Seetha Bhai Kalimuthu, Policy Maker
“The topic on solutions-based journalism, which was relatively new to me but seems like a good way to address climate change-related issues.”
— Abirami Durai, Assistant Editor, The Star
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Part of a Regional Movement on Science Advice
This workshop contributes to a wider regional effort to institutionalise science advice across Asia-Pacific. Supported by ISC RFP-AP and INGSA-Asia, this initiative is one of several advancing science-informed public communication.
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