Bangi: The second International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) 2025, which kicked off yesterday at PERMATA@Pintar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to advancing nuclear education and nurturing young talent.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the eight-day event, hosted by UKM in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), brings together students from various countries to compete and collaborate in the field of nuclear science.

UKM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor stated that INSO 2025 is not merely a competition but also a platform for unity, where diverse minds converge to address humanity’s greatest challenges. He highlighted UKM’s pride in contributing to nuclear science through cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships with organizations like the IAEA, the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), and ASEAN networks.

The event saw participation from around 80 delegates, including 55 students from 14 countries such as Japan, the Philippines, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. This year’s theme, ‘Fueling Ambition, Celebrating Excellence’, underscores Malaysia’s dedication to nurturing global scientific talent and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal emphasized the role of nuclear science in supporting Malaysia’s national development goals, citing applications in medical imaging, cancer treatment, food safety, agricultural productivity, and environmental monitoring. He acknowledged the efforts of institutions like the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and Atomic Energy Department in promoting research, training, and public awareness with a focus on safety and sustainability.

Mohammad Yusof also noted that after a successful debut in the Philippines last year, the second edition of INSO represents a continued commitment to fostering young scientific talent. He described the Olympiad as a platform for collaboration, learning, and building international bridges through science.

The four participants representing Malaysia at this year’s Olympiad were selected from a pool of 500 individuals nationwide, aged 20 and below, who underwent three months of intensive training.