KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), in collaboration with the Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (UCSI-IISDS) at UCSI University, launched a book titled 'Science Diplomacy in the Global South' today.
The book explores the role of science diplomacy in addressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
In a statement, MIGHT said that the book is a joint work by UCSI-IISDS Founding Director and MIGHT Co-Chairman (Government) Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, who is also the Patron of the International Network for Government-Science Advice (INGSA-ASIA), and Senior Fellow at Atri Advisory and Deputy Director of the International Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) at UCSI University, Prof Dr Mohamad Osman.
"This book highlights the importance of regional and international collaboration among Global South countries in finding solutions, sharing resources, and building capacity.
"It also emphasises the significance of scientific collaboration and research in shaping international policies and facilitating cross-border cooperation to address common challenges and strengthen global interests," the statement read.
The symbolic launch of the book was officiated by former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar, witnessed by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, MIGHT Co-Chairman (Industry) Tan Sri Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, and Zakri as MIGHT Co-Chairman (Government).
Additionally, MIGHT and UCSI-IISDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in developing a Joint Master's Programme in Foresight Studies.
"This MoU spans a five-year period and includes initiatives to establish an ASEAN Centre for Science Diplomacy, facilitating academic and research exchanges, as well as developing training and capacity-building programmes," it said.
During the MoU signing ceremony, MIGHT was represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Rushdi Abdul Rahim, while UCSI University was represented by its Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
MIGHT further emphasised that to underscore the critical role of science diplomacy in evidence-based policymaking, free from political influence, a high-level dialogue session was also held under the theme “Advising Government about Science.”
The panel for this session included distinguished experts such as United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Karima El Korri; Syed Hamid; former Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed; and the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Malaysia, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed.
-- BERNAMA
