Malaysia has called on members of the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) to strengthen their foresight initiatives and harmonize data frameworks to enhance regional resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Speaking at the ASM–AASSA Workshop on “Addressing Global Challenges in a Postnormal World,” the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Dato’ Dr Hj Mohammad Yusof Hj Apdal, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in driving Asia’s preparedness for future challenges.
“We encourage all AASSA members to strengthen their national foresight initiatives. Malaysia stands ready to share methodologies and explore ways to harmonise data frameworks so that foresight can become a practical tool for collective resilience and shared prosperity,” said Dr. Yusof.
Malaysia’s Foresight-Led Development Vision
Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strategic, foresight-driven planning, Dr. Yusof announced that under the 13th Malaysia Plan, a megatrend analysis report will be produced periodically to guide national research, development, commercialization, and innovation (RDCI) strategies.
He also revealed the upcoming launch of “ASEAN Ahead: ASEAN STI Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond,” developed through the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in collaboration with ASEAN Member States. The report—set to be launched by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim—presents a strategic blueprint to strengthen ASEAN’s global scientific and technological leadership.
Driving Open Science and Responsible Data Sharing
Dr. Yusof also highlighted Malaysia’s proposal for the APEC Open Science Alliance (APECOSA), an initiative welcomed by APEC economies to promote open and responsible data sharing. APECOSA aims to connect open-science focal points across the Asia-Pacific region by 2026, fostering collaboration among researchers, institutions, and policymakers.
“MOSTI believes AASSA members can play a vital role in advancing open and responsible data sharing. By aligning regional expertise with global initiatives, we can ensure that science remains both accessible and impactful,” Dr. Yusof added.
Collaborating for a Resilient Future
The workshop, jointly organised by AASSA and ASM from 22–23 October 2025, gathered over 100 scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders from across Asia to deliberate on science-based strategies to address emerging global challenges.
ASM President, who also serves as the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisor to the Prime Minister, reiterated the need for a paradigm shift in science and innovation, urging regional cooperation to proactively shape the future rather than merely respond to change.