By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, June 25 (Bernama) -- Southeast Asian policymakers and experts gathered in Jakarta last week for a high-level dialogue aimed at advancing science diplomacy and laying the groundwork for an ASEAN Science Diplomacy Roadmap.
The event brought together thought leaders, government officials, and institutional partners from across the region, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) said in a statement.
The dialogue was jointly organised by MIGHT, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) at UCSI University, in partnership with Malaysia’s Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Ministry and the ASEAN Secretariat.
According to MIGHT, the Dialogue Partners Session sought to promote regional cooperation through science diplomacy, an emerging field that uses scientific collaboration as a tool for international engagement.
In his keynote address, BRIN Chairman Dr Laksana Tri Handoko highlighted the importance of multilateral research alliances in tackling complex, transboundary challenges.
MIGHT Joint Chairman (Government) Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid stressed the need to institutionalise science diplomacy in ASEAN to support sustainable development and equitable scientific progress.
A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Mohamad Osman of IISDS, featured regional and international experts including Réka Tózsa (Asia-Europe Foundation), Dr Engin Koncagül (UNESCO Jakarta), Dr Arvin Diesmos (ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity), and Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan (MOSTI).
Discussions focused on building trust, spurring innovation, and advancing shared scientific interests, with panellists also calling for the establishment of an ASEAN Centre of Excellence in Science Diplomacy.
“Science diplomacy with an ASEAN flavour means more than scientific cooperation. It’s about building trust, sharing strengths, and ensuring no country is left behind as we pursue solutions to our common challenges,” said MIGHT President and Chief Executive Officer Rushdi Abdul Rahim.
The dialogue is part of the lead-up to the Cyberjaya Conversations Summit, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on December 3, 2025.
-- BERNAMA
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