Malaysian Students Earn Prestigious CERN Placement

Two Malaysian students have been selected to participate in the prestigious CERN Summer Student Programme (CSSP) in Geneva, Switzerland, giving them the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in one of the world’s leading scientific research environments.

Running from June to August 2026, the programme brings together around 150 outstanding students from across the globe. Through CSSP, participants gain first-hand exposure to cutting-edge scientific research through daily project work, lectures, technical discussions and access to CERN’s advanced experimental facilities.

This year’s Malaysian representatives are Ahmad Lutfi Che Hasan, a Master of Science in Industrial Statistics student from Sunway University, and Loh Jia Cheng, a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering student from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. Since 2012, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) have served as Malaysia’s official nominating bodies for the programme. To date, 29 Malaysian students have participated in CSSP.

Loh described the selection as a significant honour and a valuable opportunity to apply his molecular simulation expertise in a world-class research environment. He hopes working alongside international scientists will broaden his research perspective and enable him to contribute new technical knowledge to Malaysia’s research ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Lutfi said the opportunity carries personal significance, allowing him to make his family proud while demonstrating how data analytics, statistics, and quantitative methods can help solve complex scientific challenges across disciplines.

Minister of MOSTI, Datuk Chang Lih Kang, said the students’ participation reflects the government’s commitment to expanding international learning and research opportunities for young Malaysian talent. He noted that initiatives such as CSSP support the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021-2030 by nurturing adaptive and globally competitive STI talent.

ASM President and STI Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Nation, Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc, added that the programme helps cultivate critical thinking, scientific confidence, and research capabilities, preparing future Malaysian researchers to thrive in an increasingly collaborative and technology-driven world.