The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) is the nation’s premier think tank for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Engineering (STIE) committed to shaping policies and strategies that advance Malaysia’s scientific progress. Since 2012, the Young Scientists Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) has served as a dynamic platform for early-career researchers and innovators to collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute to national development through science-driven solutions. Recruiting fresh talent into YSN-ASM is therefore essential.

The comprehensive application, rigorous screening, and stringent selection process spanned nearly one year, culminating in the announcement of the new YSN-ASM Members and Affiliates. Compared to the preceding year, applications for Membership surged by over 90%, while Affiliate applications recorded an even more substantial growth of more than 160%.

On 7 January 2026 (Wednesday), YSN-ASM hosted its first-ever induction session for new Members and Affiliates, offering insights into ASM, YSN-ASM, and future roles and responsibilities.

The session began with a welcome address by Academician Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, FASc, ASM Vice-President and Chairperson of the YSN-ASM Selection Committee.

She was followed by Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, FASc, ASM President, STI Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Nation, who emphasized that young scientists are not merely “future leaders” but equal partners today.

Puan Hazami Habib, ASM CEO, introduced ASM’s vision, mission, and state-level leadership, urging members and affiliates to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and actively participate in ASM’s expert-led studies.

Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai, 5th Chairperson of the YSN-ASM and Deputy Director (Research Strategy and Innovation) at the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), also extended a warm welcome to the 22 new Members and 60 new Affiliates. He also shared insights into YSN-ASM’s latest Strategic Framework, upcoming flagship programmes, and the exciting progressive developments planned for the years ahead. All potential stakeholders and experts in the networks are welcome to join forces with YSN-ASM. The induction also highlighted YSN-ASM’s roles, Steering Committees, Strategic Committees, and Special Committees by the YSN-ASM Chairperson.

Notably, eight outstanding academic staff from IMU University were appointed as Affiliates—a historic milestone marking the highest number of successful IMU applicants in a single year!

The outstanding academic staff are:

• Dr Joshua Ng Joo Hou (School of Psychology and Social Sciences)
• Dr Lee Yi Yi (School of Health Sciences)
• Dr Wong Ting Xuan (School of Health Sciences)
• Dr Tan Siew Tin (School of Health Sciences)
• Dr Yong Heng Yaw (School of Health Sciences)
• Dr Chang Lee Sin (School of Health Sciences)
• Dr Lai Pei Kuan (Institute for Research, Development and Innovation)
• Dr Nur Alia Johari (Institute for Research, Development and Innovation)

 The induction session continued with the presentation of certificates to the newly appointed YSN-ASM Members and Affiliates by Academician Distinguished Prof Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, FASc, accompanied by Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai. The event concluded with pleasant refreshments and an engaging networking session.

Dr Tan Siew Tin (Lecturer, School of Health Sciences)

I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to attend the inaugural YSN-ASM Induction, thoughtfully organised by Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai and his dedicated team. I am deeply grateful to receive my ‘Affiliate of the Young Scientists Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia’ certificate from Academician Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Looi Lai Meng, FASc. The inspiring speeches delivered by each distinguished speaker were truly impactful. Reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones made this special ceremony even more memorable!

Dr Joshua Ng Joo Hou (Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Social Sciences)

Through the YSN-ASM network and resources, I aim to raise awareness about psychological knowledge and applications (as a valid empirical social science) to the community of different ages, the school setting, and digital media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Radio, e-news). This is mainly because the awareness of differences between psychology (e.g., receiving evidence-based psychotherapies for mental health issues) versus pseudoscience (e.g., neuro-linguistic programming, NLP) is quite low among the Malaysian communities. There is a need to establish the awareness of psychology as a social science among the Malaysian communities.

 Dr Wong Ting Xuan (Lecturer, School of Health Sciences)

Being recognised as a YSN-ASM Affiliate is an encouraging milestone that strengthens my commitment to advancing clinical nutrition research and contributing to Malaysia’s scientific community. I am grateful to my university for its continuous support, which has shaped my development as a researcher. I look forward to using this platform to broaden collaborations, grow as a researcher, and create meaningful impact through my involvement in YSN-ASM advocacies.

 Dr Yong Heng Yaw (Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences)

The YSN-ASM Induction Session was not merely an introduction, but a reminder that science is a collective effort. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as a YSN-ASM Affiliate and to represent IMU with pride. I look forward to working with fellow scientists across Malaysia through collaboration, committee involvement, and expert-led initiatives, while translating research into meaningful impact that supports Malaysia’s STIE development.

 Dr Chang Lee Sin (Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences)

I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as an Affiliate of the YSN-ASM. This appointment represents a meaningful recognition of my academic journey and professional development. Being part of YSN-ASM provides a valuable platform to engage with researchers and experts from diverse disciplines, fostering opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Most importantly, I hope to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful impact for the wider community and support initiatives that strengthen public understanding of science while contributing to national development goals.

Dr Nur Alia Johari (Senior Lecturer, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation)

The induction session was an excellent initiative to introduce new members and affiliates to the network and meet both old and new friends from multidisciplinary backgrounds. It is indeed an honour to join my fellow colleagues as a YSN-ASM affiliate, giving us the opportunity to explore the various areas of research and collaboration and how we can support YSN-ASM initiatives in research engagement, capacity building, and policy-relevant science.

Dr Lee Yi Yi (Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences)

I am thankful for the opportunity to be appointed as a YSN-ASM affiliate alongside my fellow colleagues at IMU University. I look forward to contributing to YSN-ASM’s work and learning from this community. Congratulations to all the newly appointed Affiliates — it’s an honour to be in such great company.