FOREWORD The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons on the importance of science communication. Continuous public engagement is vital to ensure the development of informed and responsible society. The message conveyed to people must be clear and accurate. A well curated science information presented through effective science communication will go a long way to inform and forge behavioural change in society. This will bridge the gap between scientists and public. YSN-ASM has grown and developed as a platform for prominent young scientists from various backgrounds. For the past 10 years, these young scientists of YSN-ASM have always strived to implement, advance, and create awareness of science in the community. Throughout their programmes, YSN-ASM have brought together institutions, industries, and organisations to implement impactful programmes and varieties of engagements. These young scientists are expected to be the changemaker to transform the landscape of STIE for a better future of Malaysia. As YSN-ASM will continuously educate society on STIE, it is about time for this module to be published. I have no doubt that with the experiences obtained from various public engagements over the years, the contents available in this science communication module will be a good reference for scientists, researchers, members of the media and teachers out there. As the nation’s Thought Leader in STI, ASM champions science communication as an important approach to transmit scientific ideas, methods, knowledge, and research to the community in an accessible, understandable, or useful way.
Research and innovation are not meant to serve scientist but humanity. Scientific knowledge and discoveries should be carefully translated into relevant applications to benefit society. Such inventions and innovativesolutions should be communicated to the public through effective science communication. I wish to congratulate the team of authors from the Young Scientists Network of ASM for their hard work in developing this Science Communication Module. I believe this module would serve as a great tool to enable researchers, teachers, and media practitioners to better communicate and engage the public. I hope this module would inspire many to learn the art and demonstrate the heart of effective science communication.
- Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc President, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
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