From 18 November – 23 November 2024, INGSA-Asia Chair, Prof Ts Dr Tan Wee Hoe attended the World Science Forum alongside scientists, policy makers and representatives of non-governmental organizations from various countries. The forum themed “The Science and Policy Interface at the time of Global Transformation” highlighted the role of science diplomacy in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge with policy practices, especially against the current backdrop of severe global challenges such as climate change, energy crises, and economic uncertainty.

Prof Ts Dr Tan Wee Hoe reflected upon the complexities of cross-regional cooperation and the challenges faced with securing multilateral support, especially in pivotal issues such as differences in scientific capacity, policy priorities and international role positioning. He further highlighted the need for regional cooperation, and the critical role of scientific diplomacy in establishing mutually beneficial cooperation frameworks, including joint research projects and cross-border data-sharing platforms.

The World Science Forum was a critical platform in reinforcing the understanding of Malaysia’s potential and role in scientific diplomacy. The forum underlined that scientific diplomacy goes beyond the sharing of technical knowledge and expertise – it is also an art of building trust and fostering cooperation. The visit to Budapest shed light upon the fact that Malaysia has the potential to become a regional hub for scientific diplomacy, contributing to Asian wisdom and strength to the global governance of science.