Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation visits IIASA

© IIASA

The minister was briefed on the institute’s history, its current research agenda, and main models and tools developed by IIASA researchers. Particular attention was given to IIASA research on topics of particular interest to Malaysia, including the development of a sustainable bioeconomy, projecting the changing population and human capital, tackling haze in Asia, and improving air quality in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. For the latter, IIASA used the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model to assess how a set of targeted measures and interventions can bring significant local and regional benefits.

During the visit, the Minister was joined by H.E. Ambassador Ikram bin Mohammad Ibrahim, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna; Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency; Ts. Tuan Haji Hasmadi bin Hassan, Director General of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board; and other government officials. From the IIASA side Wolfgang Lutz, Interim Deputy Director General for Science; Gansen Pillay, Interim Head of the Communications and External Relations Department; Volker Krey, Integrated Assessment and Climate Change Research Group Leader; and Sanja Drinkovic, IIASA Council Secretary, participated in the meeting.