By Nurin Batrisyia Bukhari
Bangi, 31 July 2025 – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has officially launched the second edition of International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) 2025, bringing together participants from 14 countries in a celebration of nuclear science and international collaboration.
Officiated by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof Apdal, the prestigious event highlights Malaysia’s commitment to scientific excellence and peaceful nuclear advancement.
In his officiating speech, Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof emphasized how nuclear science remains vital to Malaysia’s development and global efforts in healthcare, food security, and sustainable innovation.
“In Malaysia, nuclear science has contributed impressively to our development goals from medical imaging and cancer treatment to food safety and environmental monitoring via irradiation technology.
“Institutions such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Atomic Energy Department, universities, and regulatory bodies have been working in tandem to promote research, training, and public awareness, always with a focus on safety and sustainability.
“Globally, organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology to address energy needs, health care, water management, and climate change.
“Emerging innovations such as nuclear fusion, small modular reactors, and advanced nuclear medicine mark the future of this field,” he said.
Representing the host university, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor emphasized the main point of this olympiad wasn’t just about theory and experiment, it’s about fostering global cooperation, building trust and ensuring peaceful and responsible use of nuclear science and technology.
“INSO 2025 is not merely a competition but it is also a platform for unity, where diverse minds converge to address humanity’s greatest challenges.
“At UKM, we believe that science thrives not only on experimentation but also on shared knowledge and trust.
“Thus, INSO 2025 embodies these principles by bringing young talents together to solve global challenges through the lens of nuclear science,” he concluded.
Following its successful debut in the Philippines in 2024, INSO 2025 sees participants who have undergone meticulous selection processes and training as the olympiad aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists and innovators with strong ethical foundations and a spirit of global unity.
Participants will engage in a range of academic and cultural activities throughout the olympiad, including scientific assessments, knowledge-sharing forums, and international networking opportunities.
The theme for this year’s Olympiad, “Fuelling Ambition, Celebrating Excellence”, reflects the aspiration to inspire young scientists to innovate with integrity and passion.
