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.
The recently concluded 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai has undoubtedly propelled global initiatives forward. However, as we navigate the post-COP landscape, the challenge lies in translating these international commitments into tangible actions on the ground. To shed light on this crucial matter, we have reached out to a few climate experts for their immediate reactions and insights.
Amidst Malaysia’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, a groundbreaking policy brief emphasises the urgent need for the government to articulate a clear national direction for methane action. The role of corporations, public awareness, and cohesive strategies are crucial for sustainable progress against methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. The policy brief calls for a more integrated approach and highlights the risk of missed opportunities without clear policies and committed action.
As COP28 kicks off in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, the urgency of addressing the escalating climate crisis takes centre stage. It marks a pivotal moment for world leaders, country negotiators, activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders among the expected 70,000 attendees—the largest gathering in the history of United Nations climate change summits. With a resounding call to accelerate global climate action, this conference is an essential platform to reassess commitments and chart a course towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
In his U.N. General Assembly address, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed global action on climate change. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, holds the key to rapid warming reduction. Malaysia, already facing climate impacts, commits to methane reduction in line with the Global Methane Pledge. Dr. Shareen Yawanarajah urges a national methane mitigation policy, a domestic charge on methane emissions, and policy support for methane innovation to align with Malaysia’s energy transition goals. COP28 provides a platform for Malaysia to showcase its climate leadership.
The race against climate change has brought the focus to methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming, especially from the oil and gas sector. A new initiative in Malaysia, supported by leading universities and environmental organisations, aims to accurately measure and manage methane emissions using advanced technologies, rigorous data analysis, and cost-effective strategies. Challenges include discrepancies in existing data, the complexity of measurement methods, and lack of transparent reporting.
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.
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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