Systematic Approach to Public Understanding of Biotech Needed in Malaysia

It is time for Malaysia to put emphasis on public understanding of science. A National Science Communication Policy is long overdue. These were the recommendations forwarded by Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan in a review article A need for a systematic approach to public understanding of biotechnology in Malaysia published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Vol. 20(4).

Arujanan noted that a glaring missing link in Malaysia is a National Policy for Science Communication that would be inclusive of biotechnology and other emerging technologies. This policy under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation would complement the various robust policies that have been developed.  "For Malaysia to fully see the fruition of all these policies, initiatives, and investments, biotechnology should be communicated to a wider community using an integrated approach," she said. In addition, the inclusion of science communication modules/subjects into science degree programs at the universities is needed.

Read the full review article at http://www.msmbb.org.my/apjmbb/html204/204cont.htm.