The hard work of the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) has culminated in the conception of a training-of-trainers module to benefit Malaysian science communicators.
The Academy of Sciences Malaysia has launched the YSN-ASM Science Communication Module on 26 April 2022. It was officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr Adham Baba.
In his speech, Dr Adham highlighted the low uptake of STEM subjects among school students, and the importance of improved science communication skills among scientists, researchers, educators, and media practitioners to ensure scientific information can be effectively conveyed to the public, especially the younger generation.
“The perception among parents, students, and the public that science-based subjects are difficult must be changed.” He said, “Science is a fun subject, and we should all play a role to instil a love for science among the younger generation.”
The Minister also stressed on the importance of technology as well as simple yet effective methods in bolstering the efforts to improve science communication.
The Module titled “Science Communication Module in Practice: A Malaysian Perspective with Global Relevance” features easy to read chapters, rich exercises, and relevant case studies to equip readers with effective science communication skills. This Module is the first training-of-trainers module on science communication with examples and context related to the Malaysian scenario.
“Scientific knowledge and discoveries should be carefully translated into relevant applications to benefit society,” said Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc, ASM President and Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisor to the country and the Prime Minister. “Such inventions and innovative solutions should be communicated to the public through effective science communication,” she added.
The authors of the Science Communication Module believe that if everyone could communicate better with each other, the world would be a better place. Therefore, they were motivated to publish this book so the communication gap between subject matter experts and the various types of audiences in Malaysia can be effectively bridged.
The Science Communication Module in Practice: A Malaysian Perspective with Global Relevance is currently on sale at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Click here to reserve your copy.