SEMENYIH, 14 April 2026 – The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) today officially launched National Science Week (Minggu Sains Negara) 2026, a national flagship programme aimed at strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement and advancing the emergence of new technology particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy across Malaysia.
Held in collaboration with the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), the initiative serves as a key national platform to support Malaysia’s transition towards a high-income, innovation-driven economy, in line with the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTIN) 2021–2030. The MSN 2026 edition highlights the Government’s commitment to developing a future-ready talent ecosystem and strengthening Malaysia’s position in emerging technologies such as AI and data science.
As part of the programme, UNM also marked the soft launch of its STEAM-AI Impact Centre, an interdisciplinary initiative designed to support national efforts in expanding inclusive access to AI education, enhancing STEM participation, and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang stated, “In the context of an increasingly challenging global geopolitical landscape, the nation's ability to develop local technological talent has become critical to ensuring Malaysia does not merely remain a consumer but emerges as a creator of technology. This effort is vital in strengthening the nation’s technological sovereignty and reducing dependency on foreign entities within strategic sectors”
Professor David FitzPatrick, Provost and CEO of University of Nottingham Malaysia, emphasised the importance of this milestone, "Hosting National Science Week 2026 is a significant milestone that reflects our enduring commitment to the nation's progress. We believe that for technological transformation to be truly successful, the benefits of innovation must be inclusive and far-reaching. The soft launch of our STEAM-AI Impact Centre is a vital part of this mission, serving as a dedicated platform to provide inclusive access to technology for all Malaysians, from our students on campus to underrepresented communities in rural areas. By integrating creativity with technical skills through the STEAM framework, we are not just teaching technology; we are nurturing a future-ready generation of innovators equipped to solve complex challenges and drive Malaysia’s growth for the next quarter-century and beyond."
The STEAM-AI Impact Centre is designed to empower communities by transforming complex concepts into accessible learning experiences. By prioritising data and AI literacy for non-experts, the Centre supports a diverse, future-ready workforce equipped to tackle grand challenges in sustainability, health, and technological innovation.
Key highlights of the Centre's ongoing mission include:
- National Reach: Reaching over 10,000 students nationwide through 10 piloted learning programmes, including Smart Plants and Eco-Gardens.
- Affordable Science, Technology and Innovation Literacy: Making advanced concepts like nanochemistry accessible to underserved schools for as little as RM6 per experimental kit.
- Democratising AI via X-Mind: Utilising the X-Mind educational tool, which empowers non-experts and students to build, evaluate, and deploy their own Machine Learning models through a simplified five-step pipeline.
- Urban-Rural Synergy: Actively bridging the digital divide through dedicated outreach in rural regions, including Miri, Kapit, and Song in Sarawak, as well as Madani programmes in Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan.
The Centre’s interdisciplinary approach integrates the Arts into traditional STEM fields (STEAM), nurturing the creativity and critical thinking necessary for students to apply AI responsibly to real-world challenges in sustainability and health.
The event also featured the MOSTI TECHtalks 2026 session, with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, delivering insights on “Artificial Intelligence and Malaysia’s Innovation Future: Talent, Technology and National Competitiveness.” The session served as a collaborative platform for experts and stakeholders to examine the role of AI in strengthening national innovation capabilities, while addressing ethical considerations and social implications. Discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that AI-driven progress remains human‑centric and supports inclusive, sustainable national development.
The launch event welcomed over 240 delegates, including ministry heads, industry leaders, and 110 students from primary and secondary schools. Attendees explored the STEAM-AI Exhibition, showcasing 14 interactive booths where AI simulations demonstrated real-world solutions, such as the Smart Plant Project, which uses Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) to foster a deeper connection between nature and advanced technology.
Throughout 2026, the STEAM-AI Impact Centre will continue to expand its reach through new research funding calls in AI for education and STEM equity studies, solidifying its role as a world-leading hub for technological innovation and societal betterment.
Posted on 14th April 2026