UKM Hosts INSO 2025, Reflecting Malaysia's Commitment To Nuclear Education

BANGI, July 31 (Bernama) -- 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.

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 said INSO 2025 was not merely a competition but also a platform for unity, where diverse minds converge to address humanity’s greatest challenges.

“As a leading research university, UKM takes pride in its contributions to nuclear science through cutting-edge research under its nuclear science programme, as well as strategic partnerships with the IAEA, the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), and ASEAN networks,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of INSO 2025 here today.

Also present were Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal and UKM Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnerships) Prof Dr Faizal Mohamed.

The event brought together around 80 delegates, including 55 students from 14 countries – among them Japan, the Philippines, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – to celebrate scientific excellence and foster cross-cultural collaboration.

This year’s theme, “Fueling Ambition, Celebrating Excellence”, underscores Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing global scientific talent and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Yusof said nuclear science in Malaysia had played a vital role in supporting national development goals.

“These include medical imaging and cancer treatment through nuclear medicine, as well as ensuring food safety through irradiation technology.

“Besides enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring environmental monitoring, nuclear technology is embedded in our journey towards a better quality of life,” he said.

 Mohammad Yusof said that institutions such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Atomic Energy Department, universities and regulatory bodies have been working together to promote research, training and public awareness, with an emphasis on safety and sustainability.

Regarding INSO 2025, he said that following a successful debut in the Philippines last year, the second edition represents a continued commitment to nurturing young scientific talent.

“This Olympiad brings together bright minds from across the globe as the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders in nuclear technology, serving not just as a competition but as a platform for collaboration, learning, and building bridges among nations through science,” he said.

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

--BERNAMA