Kuala lumpur: The participation of Malaysia’s young scientists in international platforms significantly contributes to the country’s scientific human capital development and strengthens research collaboration networks and science diplomacy. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) deputy secretary-general Datuk Ruziah Shafei emphasized the importance of such involvement in fostering a culture of science across society and empowering young scientists.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOSTI is dedicated to expanding opportunities for Malaysian scientists on international platforms, aiming to nurture a generation capable of driving innovation and enhancing Malaysia’s role in the global science landscape. Ruziah expressed these views during a meeting with young Malaysian scientists who participated in the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany and the CERN Summer Student Programme (CSSP) in Switzerland.

Also present at the meeting were Academy of Sciences Malaysia CEO Hazami Habib and its head of international affairs and communications Dharshene Rajayah. Ruziah praised the scientists for representing Malaysia on the international stage.

The 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, held from June 29 to July 4, featured 35 Nobel Prize winners and over 600 young scientists from 84 countries. Malaysia was represented by Dr. Nur Diyan Mohd Ridzuan from Universiti Teknologi Petronas and Dr. Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar from Universiti Sains Malaysia. They participated in sessions including lectures, panel discussions, and dialogues with Nobel Prize winners.

For the CSSP, held from June to September, Muhammad Aiman Zulkipli, a Theoretical Physics graduate from Lancaster University, represented Malaysia by conducting research alongside over 150 young scientists at CERN, a leading particle physics center.

Ana Masara highlighted that her participation in the Lindau Meeting enabled her to communicate the significance of research in science and technology to the public, emphasizing its impact on national development and public well-being. Nur Diyan noted that the meeting enhanced her science communication skills, enabling her to raise public awareness about the importance of science and technology.

Muhammad Aiman stated that the CSSP allowed him to broaden his knowledge and share it with the public, aligning with his passion for research. Since 2004, 89 young Malaysian scientists have attended the Lindau Meetings, and 27 students have participated in the CSSP through collaborations between MOSTI and ASM.