MELAKA: A local education activist has become the first Malaysian elected as co-chair of the Global Young Academy (GYA), an international platform representing young scientists across the globe.
Associate Professor Dr Sam Chan Siok Yee (pic), a registered pharmacist and academic at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was elected during the GYA’s annual general meeting held in Hyderabad, India, from June 10 to 13.
The event was officiated by India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Chan will serve alongside returning co-chair, Dr Yensi Flores Bueso of University College Cork, Ireland.
Her election followed a hybrid voting process involving over 70 academics from around the world.
With her appointment, Malaysia assumes a greater role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and championing scientific leadership from lower-middle-income countries.
In an interview on Saturday (June 21), Chan described the appointment as a “landmark achievement for Malaysian science and global leadership”.
"My elected role marks a significant step forward for gender representation and regional inclusion in global scientific governance,” she said.
Chan, 41, said that the position is not merely a personal milestone, but also a recognition of the growing impact of Southeast Asian scientists in the international research community.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as co-chair of the GYA and this role reflects the collective progress of our region’s scientific contributions on the world stage,” she said.
Founded in 2010, the GYA promotes international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational dialogue to address pressing global challenges.
The academy currently includes 22 Malaysian members who actively contribute to scientific progress.
Chan has been involved with the GYA since 2021 and remains committed to strengthening support systems for young researchers worldwide.
She also serves as vice-president and education specialist with the Melaka Action Group of Parents in Education (Magpie).
According to The Hindu Newspaper (India) on June 16, the GYA’s 2025 AGM was held under the theme “Confluence of Visionaries: Empowering Science for Global Change.”
The week-long programme featured sessions on Industry 5.0, human-machine interaction, nutrition and well-being, science-society interfaces and foresight planning.
Delegates also contributed to shaping the organisation’s future strategic priorities.
