Advanced Medical & Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hosts Asia-Pacific Meeting to Advance Nuclear Science and Technology Education and Regional Collaboration

Penang, Malaysia – 23 June 2025 — The Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is honoured to host the Asia and the Pacific Nuclear Education Networks Steering Committees’ Meeting from 23 to 27 June 2025. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting brought together representatives from leading institutions across the region under the Asia Nuclear Education Network (ANENT) and the International Nuclear Science and Technology Education Academy (INSTA). The event is held at USM’s main campus in Penang and the AMDI campus in Bertam.

Photo By NORIZAN ISHAK
Asia and the Pacific Nuclear Education Networks Steering Committees’ Meeting

This high-level meeting served as a strategic platform for strengthening nuclear education and enhancing collaboration among countries in the Asia-Pacific. Over five days, participants engaged in joint planning, capacity building, and discussions to improve regional nuclear science and technology education networks. The programme included parallel steering committee sessions, collaborative meetings, capacity-building initiatives, and presentations on INSTA School progress and planning. The IAEA delegation was led by Ms. Marina Mishar, Section Head for Technical Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific at the IAEA.

Photo By NORIZAN ISHAK
Asia and the Pacific Nuclear Education Networks Steering Committees’ Meeting

On the first day, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), delivered a keynote address highlighting the university’s leadership in sustainability and education. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of embedding sustainability into higher education. “By integrating sustainability into education and working closely with industry and community stakeholders, we aim to produce future professionals who are not only competent but also socially responsible,” he stated. The opening was also attended by Associate Professor Dr. Hazwani Abdullah, Deputy Director (Academic) of AMDI.

Photo By NORIZAN ISHAK
Asia and the Pacific Nuclear Education Networks Steering Committees’ Meeting

Key highlights of the meeting included updates on the ongoing activities of ANENT and INSTA, future planning for INSTA School programmes, and a facility visit to the USM Bertam Medical Centre, which showcases the application of nuclear science and technology in medical and clinical practice. The meeting concluded with the development of a joint roadmap for future collaboration and follow-up strategies to support the sustainable advancement of nuclear education across the region.

This gathering reflects the shared commitment of Asia-Pacific nations to strengthen regional cooperation, harmonise educational standards, and ensure the safe and peaceful application of nuclear technology through qualified human resources and robust academic networks. AMDI, USM is proud to be part of this important initiative and is committed to organising the INSTA School Radiation in Medicine for the IAEA, which is planned for early 2027, said Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Hafiz Mohd Zin, Chair of the Meeting Organising Committee.