Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Safe, Sustainable Nuclear Technology At INSO 2025

SUBANG JAYA, Aug 6 (Bernama) — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to the safe, responsible and sustainable use of nuclear technology, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) 2025, which concluded here yesterday.

Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the week-long international competition was not just a celebration of scientific excellence, but also a reflection of Malaysia’s dedication to nuclear science education, scientific excellence and cross-cultural cooperation at the highest level.

“INSO is not just a competition of intellect, but a true celebration of discovery, friendship and shared ambition in advancing nuclear science,” he said in his closing speech. 

Hosted by the Pusat PERMATA@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), this year’s INSO brought exceptional young talents from 14 countries, continuing the legacy of the Olympiad’s inaugural edition in the Philippines in 2024.

 According to Mustapha, nuclear science has long played a vital role in national development, from medical diagnostics and cancer treatment to food preservation and industrial applications.

“While at the international level, nuclear science continues to be essential in addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges, climate change, energy security and public health. 

“Thus, the collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout this Olympiad reflects exactly what the world needs: scientists and leaders who work not only for discovery but for the betterment of humanity,” he said.

Mustapha expressed gratitude to supporting agencies — including the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy (ATOM) — for helping to make the Olympiad a success and reinforcing Malaysia’s role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear science.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mustapha said the country is preparing to transition from conventional energy sources to renewables, with nuclear energy forming part of the strategy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

He said Malaysia is eyeing the development of nuclear power plants within the next 10 years as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This is why we are actively creating awareness among students, especially gifted and high-performing ones to encourage more to pursue nuclear science and become the scientists who will help realise our clean energy future,” he said.

Commenting on the growing interest among youths in the field, Mustapha said the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is already supporting efforts in this area, highlighting UKM’s longstanding role in nuclear education since the 1980s.

“UKM has been at the forefront of nuclear science education for decades, which is why it was selected to co-host this year’s Olympiad,” he added.

The closing ceremony featured the second session of the award presentation, where bronze, silver and gold medallists were honoured for their outstanding performance.

In addition to the main awards, Special Awards were presented in four categories: Nuclear Ambassador, Highest Score in Theoretical Examination, Highest Score in Experimental Examination, and Outstanding Female Participant.

The event was also marked with the symbolic handover of the INSO trophy to Dr Maya Al-Azri, the chair of the INSO steering committee, marking the transition of hosting responsibilities to the next organising committee.

— BERNAMA 

Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial