KUALA LUMPUR, 6 SEPTEMBER 2022 -  International Science Council foundation fellow Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid has joined UCSI University as the founding director of its International Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability.

A think tank that connects the scientific community with policymakers in the ASEAN region and beyond, the Institute will focus on environmental diplomacy, global health, food security, as well as international trade and finance.

It will also promote research on sustainability development and conduct training programmes for public officials.

“The importance of science diplomacy cannot be overlooked at a time when the world is fraught with geopolitical fault lines,” said Dr Zakri. “The best way to deal with polarisation is to commit to collaborative endeavours that address cross-border interests.

“From the management of climate change to infection control, we can leverage on science diplomacy to foster sustainable networks of governance.”

UCSI vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir welcomed Dr Zakri to the University and said that she looked forward to working with him at the Institute.

“Dr Zakri is a well-respected thought leader who is recognised globally for his contributions to science and biodiversity,” she said.

“He brings a wealth of experience with him and I am certain that his efforts at UCSI will result in far-reaching outcomes.”

Dr Zakri is the joint chairman of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology and a senior fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

He is also the fifth holder of the Tun Hussein Onn Chair in International Studies at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, a former science adviser to the Prime Minister and member of the Scientific Advisory Board to the-then United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.