COVID-19 has focused the world’s attention on science. And not just health science but also economic sciences. While some don’t appreciate the value of the sciences, others, especially those in more developed economies, value it enough to increase investment in it.In Malaysia, though, I have heard some lawmakers call our science ministry – the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (better known by its Malay acronym, Mosti) – insignificant. This, in a way, is a reflection of how this country is not very science literate.
The Academy of Sciences has long fought to raise more discourse about science among lawmakers and citizens. Many are not well informed about the strategic importance of science in addressing global challenges. For instance, fighting climate change, a major threat to humankind’s survival, would be difficult without resorting to science. Finding the cure to many of the world’s health challenges falls to science. This applies to both infectious diseases as well as noncommunicable diseases that continue to challenge the world.
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