Strengthening Malaysia–South Africa STI Ties

ASM was honoured to host the South African delegation on 14 July 2025 as part of the Malaysia–South Africa Bilateral STI Technical Visit and the 3rd Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Cooperation.

The visit was led by Executive Director of International Grants and Partnerships, Dr Nare Prudence Makhura from South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and representatives from key South African STI institutions and universities, as well as Chair of International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South–South Cooperation (ISTIC) under the auspices of UNESCO, Professor Mohd Basyaruddin Rahman FASc.

The visit to ASM was chaired by ASM Vice-President & Chairperson of the International Committee, Academician Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng FASc. It was joined by Honorary Treasurer of ASM & ISTIC Governing Board, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Jamil Maah FASc.

The session featured presentations on ASM’s functions and the Malaysia Science Endowment (MSE), as well as discussions on shared interests and potential joint initiatives.

As part of the South African delegation’s visit, a Consultative Workshop on Enhancing South–South Cooperation was held from 16 to 17 July 2025, co-organised by ISTIC, NRF, and the Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre (FEAHLC).

ASM CEO, Puan Hazami Habib, presented on Malaysia’s STIE Landscape. At the same time, ASM Senior Analyst Mr Loh Chia Hur spoke about the Malaysia Science Endowment’s funding strategies.

The programme concluded with the 3^rd Malaysia–South Africa JCM between MOSTI, Malaysia and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Republic of South Africa, on 18 July 2025. The meeting served as a strategic platform to strengthen STI ties between Malaysia and South Africa, discuss the proposed renewal of the MoU, and explore high-impact, structured bilateral initiatives.