Advancing Malaysia’s Innovation Agenda: Sunway University’s Prof. Mahendhiran Nair at the National Science Council

Image

Sunway University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainability), Professor Mahendhiran Nair, recently served as a panel member of the National Science Council (NSC), Malaysia’s highest national council overseeing the direction of science, technology, and innovation (STI) development.

Chaired by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, the NSC provides strategic guidance on policies shaping the nation’s STI agenda. Professor Mahendhiran expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to Malaysia’s science and technology policy landscape, having been actively involved in national-level initiatives for over 15 years.

Through his leadership at Sunway University, Professor Mahendhiran and his research team have collaborated closely with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), community organisations, and various research institutions to strengthen Malaysia’s Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (STIE) ecosystem.

The team has made significant contributions to a number of key national and regional STI frameworks and studies, including:
10-10 MySTIE, TRIPLE-10, National Planetary Action Plan, RDICE Roadmap, ASEAN Ahead – ASEAN STI Development 2035 & Beyond, 12th and 13th Malaysia Plans, Malaysia’s Blue Economy Blueprint, Rare Earth Business Model, Nuclear Technology Ecosystem Development, National Hydrogen Ecosystem Development, Biodiversity in Southeast Asia, Science Outlook for Malaysia, STEM Talent Roadmap, Environmental Governance Study, Government-Linked Research Organisation Business Model, Values-Inspired Development (Transitioning from ROI to ROV), Malaysian Knowledge Content Study, Urban Poverty Study in Malaysia, and ICT Adoption among Vulnerable and Orang Asli Communities, among others.