What makes people interested in science? For many Malaysians, it begins with the issues they encounter in everyday life.
Malaysia’s Public Awareness of Science, Technology and Innovation Survey found that public interest is strongest in areas that directly affect people’s lives and well-being.
Environmental pollution, climate change, health, sustainable communities, and water and food security are among the issues that matter most to Malaysians.
This is encouraging.
It tells us that science is not distant from the public. People want to understand scientific issues when they can see how those issues affect their health, surroundings, security and future.
At the same time, the survey highlights an important challenge.
Public knowledge remains limited in fields such as nuclear technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, recent scientific discoveries and emerging technologies.
These subjects may appear distant from everyday experience. Yet they are increasingly connected to matters that affect us all, including healthcare, energy, communication, national security and Malaysia’s future capabilities.
The lesson is clear.
Public interest already exists, but interest does not automatically become understanding.
A striking headline may capture attention. A fascinating story may encourage someone to continue reading. However, meaningful science communication must go beyond generating curiosity.
It should help readers understand how scientific knowledge is developed, how evidence is assessed and how conclusions are reached. It should also honestly explain uncertainty, without turning complexity into confusion or resorting to exaggeration.
This is the role that e-estidotmy seeks to fulfil.
We began 2026 with a simple conviction: understanding science is a public good.
We then reaffirmed our commitment to making science accessible, relevant and meaningful.
Now, we are taking the next step by turning curiosity into understanding.
Our responsibility extends beyond covering subjects that are already familiar or popular.
We must also create pathways into less familiar areas of science, helping readers recognise their importance and understand how they connect with the wider world.
As we enter the second half of 2026, e-estidotmy will strengthen its coverage of both immediate public concerns and less familiar scientific fields.
This commitment is reflected in the refreshed design of our website, which offers a clearer, more engaging and accessible reading experience.
Through clear explanations, reliable evidence and meaningful local perspectives, we aim to help readers move from curiosity to knowledge, and from knowledge to informed judgement.
Explore our new website.
Discover an area of science you may never have considered before.
Begin with a question and see where understanding can take you.
Interest is where learning begins. Understanding is what makes science truly meaningful.
Let us build a society that does more than take an interest in science.
Let us build one that can understand it, evaluate it and use it to make better decisions.
Understanding science is a public good.
e-estidotmy builds understanding where it matters most.
Sincerely,
Associate Professor ChM Dr Mohd Bakri Bakar
Chief Editor
Academy of Sciences Malaysia
