Ahmad Razif Mohamad (razif@might.org.my)
Science Diplomacy: Fostering Global Collaboration
Science diplomacy encompasses three interrelated dimensions:
Through science diplomacy, countries can address global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and cybersecurity threats. This approach not only fosters diplomatic ties but also accelerates the pace of scientific discovery, offering a beacon of hope for global progress. For example, international collaborations on vaccine development, like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the role of scientific exchange in fostering diplomatic ties. Similarly, agreements on space exploration, nuclear safety and climate mitigation illustrate how science can transcend political and economic divisions. Moreover, international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union and the World Health Organisations actively support science diplomacy initiatives. Collaborative research programmes like CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) and SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) exemplify how nations can pool resources and expertise to achieve scientific breakthroughs that benefit humanity. The EU has released an expert report titled “A European Framework for Science Diplomacy,” developed through a six-month co-creation process involving 130 scientists, diplomats and science diplomacy professionals. This collaborative effort outlines key recommendations for shaping a future European science diplomacy framework. The report builds on the momentum of the Council Conclusions on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, adopted in September 2021, and responds to the call from EU Research Ministers during the informal Competitiveness Council (Research) in July 2023 for a bold and strategic European Science Diplomacy Agenda. Recent development, More than 100 delegates representing over 60 countries participated in UNESCO’s Global Ministerial Dialogue , reflecting a strong international commitment to fostering multilateral collaboration in science, technology and innovation. The diverse representation included ministers, senior policymakers, scientists and experts, all coming together to discuss shared global challenges and explore strategies for advancing inclusive and sustainable development through science diplomacy. In Malaysia, through its National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030 , introduced by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in December 2020, explicitly identifies science diplomacy as a core strategy for strengthening Malaysia’s global standing in science, technology, innovation and the economy (STIE). Some of the examples of Malaysia’s experiences in Science Diplomacy are as follows:
- Antarctic research: Malaysia has been involved in Antarctic research since 1982, when it established diplomatic relations with Antarctica.
- International Space Station: Malaysia sent its first astronaut to the International Space Station.
- United Nations Biodiversity Treaty: Malaysia was part of the Malaysian delegation that negotiated the United Nations Biodiversity Treaty from 1990 to 1992.
- Newton-Ungku Omar Fund: Malaysia is one of 18 countries participating in this global initiative that builds scientific innovation partnerships.
- Southeast Asia’s haze episodes: Malaysia has responded to haze episodes in Southeast Asia.
- Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO): Malaysia has been an active participant in the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
MIGHT is an active member and strategic partner of several international platforms that play a key role in advancing our Science Diplomacy agenda. These include the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC), the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, and the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM). Through participation in these platforms, MIGHT strengthens its global knowledge network, gains valuable insights into emerging trends, and accesses international best practices. These engagements not only enhance our capacity to inform national strategies but also provide a platform to showcase Malaysia’s innovation capabilities and promote local ingenuity on the global stage.
Technology Sovereignty
While global collaboration is essential, nations are increasingly prioritising technology sovereignty to maintain control over critical technologies. Several factors drive this approach:
Technology sovereignty is not just a concept, but a national priority for nations. It revolves around a nation’s ability to independently develop, deploy and manage critical technologies that shape its economy, security and society. It ensures that key technological decisions are made based on national interests rather than external dependencies, providing a sense of security and control. This strategic imperative underscore the urgency and importance of maintaining control over critical technologies.
Some of the global trends on technology sovereignty:
1. European Union: The EU has a strong focus on “digital sovereignty” through initiatives like the “EuroStack” – aimed at developing an independent European technology infrastructure. The mission is to invest in public goods and infrastructures that protect citizens’ rights, ensure European autonomy and security, support the growth of European businesses, and serve the public interest.
2. China: Rapid advancements in technology development coupled with concerns regarding data control and potential for technological influence. The most recent news is that DeepSeek has become one of the world’s best-known chatbots, and much of that is due to its development in China – a country that wasn’t, until now, considered to be at the forefront of AI technology.
For Malaysia, this is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. Investing in artificial intelligence, cyber security and digital infrastructure is crucial while also recognising the necessity of importing specialised technologies where needed. The government’s initiatives, such as the National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy and MyDIGITAL Blueprint, demonstrate this careful balancing act between local innovation and global collaboration.
Most recently, MIGHT unveiled four strategic reports during LIMA 2025, aimed at supporting the growth and advancement of Malaysia’s high-technology sectors. These reports are designed to serve as key reference materials for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders, providing data-driven insights into market size, growth prospects, competitiveness and sector- specific challenges. The publications include the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Report, Exploring Malaysia’s Space Frontiers 2024/2025, the Aerospace Technology and Innovation Report 2025/2026, and the Malaysian Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Report 2025/2026.
Striking a Balance Through Bilateral Grand Challenges: The Best of Both Worlds
To tackle the challenges of science diplomacy and technology sovereignty, MIGHT follows the 3Cs approach – Conversation, Collaboration and Co-Creation – fostering meaningful engagement, strategic partnerships and shared innovation. Our bilateral programmes require bilateral syndicated funding and negotiations on priority areas. In essence, while we embrace collaboration, we also aim to prioritise our technology and bring it to market. We have successfully done so with several countries, including the UK, Spain, Türkiye, Indonesia and Indonesia.
The Newton-Ungku Omar Fund (NUOF) is a notable initiative through which Malaysia actively participated in the global Newton Fund, aimed at advancing economic and social welfare development among partner economies through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) partnerships. The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) served as the central coordinating body, facilitating collaboration across eight ministries and agencies in Malaysia while acting as NUOF’s delivery partner. MIGHT’s key counterparts in the United Kingdom, included the Research Councils, national academies, the British Council, Innovate UK and the Met Office. The programme concluded in 2021.
Malaysia also engaged in cross-border collaboration with Türkiye, reinforcing science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation between the two nations. In alignment with its mandate to enhance Malaysia’s high- technology capabilities, MIGHT implemented various initiatives leveraging co-creation and collaboration as core strategies. Building upon the NUOF model, MIGHT has replicated the model of ‘Grand Challenges’ with Turkiye, Spain, and Indonesia. Science diplomacy and technology sovereignty play pivotal roles in shaping the future of global innovation and international relations.
Science diplomacy facilitates collaboration and addresses shared global challenges, while technology sovereignty safeguards national security, economic stability and self-sufficiency. International collaboration is inherently a two-way street, and its success hinges on the cultivation of trust – fostered through mutual respect, trust transparency and a sustained commitment to shared knowledge, values, and long-term objectives.
