News & Activities

DAAD–SEARCA In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026–2027https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarship?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYWVkS3Rvb2g1OWpHVGhJRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Srd2GZBSTRmSITs38eNMD_JoADI-gSBrlsKWMQ_QrAzFoD7orm5Tw1WovvA_aem_Te4GscRZJXn8MqHarPLsbADeadlines: 16 February 2026 – via DAAD portalThe Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) invites applications for the DAAD–SEARCA Scholarship Programme for Master’s and PhD studies for Academic Year 2026–2027 in agriculture, natural resources, environment, and food-related fields.Up to 25 scholarships are available for candidates who plan to pursue careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.Key Eligibility:Nationals of SEAMEO member countriesUniversity staff / prospective teaching or research staff / public sector personnelAge: ≤ 40 (Master’s), ≤ 45 (PhD)IELTS 6.0 or higherLast degree completed within the past 6 yearsResearch focus on SUSTAIN Southeast AsiaAdmission or proof of application to partner universitiesPartner Universities:IPB University (Indonesia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universiti Putra MalaysiaDAAD's partnership with SEARCA started in school year 1975–1976 through a support to the Center's graduate scholarship program leading to Masters and PhD degrees in agriculture. The first 15 beneficiaries of the DAAD support were graduate students from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ten scholarship recipients pursued their Master's degree, while five pursued their PhD.As of Academic Year 2025/2026 (December 2025), DAAD and SEARCA have awarded 434 Southeast Asian nationals from Cambodia (19), Indonesia (94), Lao PDR (10), Malaysia (15), Myanmar (32), Philippines (109), Thailand (82), Timor Leste (26), and Vietnam (47). Among the 434 scholarships, 210 pursued their MS, 219 pursued PhD, and 5 enrolled for Non-degree.EligibilityOpen to nationals of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor Leste, Thailand, and VietnamMust be (a) staff member of a public university, (b) or a candidate considered for teaching or research staff recruitment, (c) or from the public sectorMust not be more than 40 (Master's Degree) or 45 (PhD) years of age at the time of application.Have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application.Proposed thesis research should focus on sustainable transformation of agricultural systems through innovation in Southeast Asia. Moreover, research topics must strategically contribute to any of the following outcomes:Increased farmers' incomeImproved food security and nutritionGreater climate resilience of agricultural systemsEmpowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutionsScholarship BenefitsCovers tuition and other school fees; study and research allowance; printing allowance; stipend for food, lodging and incidental expenses; travel allowance (In-Region only); and insurance.Details & application: https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarshipInquiries: gsid@searca.org

2026 the 9th International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology (ICNST 2026) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during July 15-19, 2026.https://www.icnst.orgImportant DatesSubmission Deadline: Feb. 25, 2026Notification Deadline: Mar. 20, 2026Registration Deadline: Apr. 15, 2026 ICNST 2026 focuses on the fascinating nano-world, mesoscopic physics, analysis with atomic resolution, nano and quantum-effect devices, nanomechanics and atomic-scale processes and so on. ICNST 2026 is aiming to convene experts around the world to present their research works and discuss the present hot topics in the field of nano science and technology. ICNST will be held every year to make it an ideal platform for people to share views and experiences in nanoscience and technology and related areas.All submissions will be peer reviewed 2-3 reviewers, and the accepted papers after registration will be published in Materials Science Forum (ISSN print 0255-5476 / ISSN web 1662-9752), which will be indexed by Scopus, Chimica, Inspec, Chemical Abstracts Service, Google Scholar, ProQuest, etc. Call for Papers (https://www.icnst.org/cfp.html)ICNST 2026 focuses on the fascinating nano-world, mesoscopic physics, analysis with atomic resolution, nano and quantum-effect devices, nanomechanics and atomic-scale processes and so on. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:Advanced Nanomaterials:▲Nanoparticles Synthesis and applications▲Nanocomposites / Bionanocomposites Materials▲Nanofluids▲Nanostructured / nanoporous Materials and devices▲Nanostructured coatings, surfaces and membranes▲Carbon Nanostructures and devices/ Graphene▲Polymer Nanotechnology▲Soft Nanotechnology and ColloidsGraphene and 2D Materials:▲Fundamental Science of Graphene and 2D Materials▲Growth, synthesis techniques and integration methods▲Characterization techniques (AFM, SPM, TEM, etc.)▲Chemistry and biology studies of graphene and 2D Materials▲Applications in electronics, Photonics, Magnetism, Spintronics, sensors,etc▲Applications in energy (photovoltaics, fuel cells, hydrogen etc)▲Application in health and biomedical▲Graphene-related health and environment research/ Toxicity▲Graphene: Innovation and commercializationNanoMetrology- Characterization and Modelling at the Nanoscale:▲State of the art of measurement at the nanoscale level▲Methodologies▲Precision instrumentation design and theory▲Nanotribology, Surface nanometrology/ 3D printing, etc▲New and emerging measurement and analysis technologies▲Standards for nanometer scale Characterization▲Reference materials, measurement standards, etc▲Good laboratory practice, traceability, uncertainty, calibration, verification, etc▲Emerging control theory and applicationsNanoscale Electronics:▲Nano Electronics and Photonics▲Memory and logic devices, circuits and architecture for advanced CMOS technologies▲Beyond and extended CMOS devices▲spin electronics▲Sensors based on emerging devices▲Quantum electronics▲Neuromorphic architectures▲Interconnecting nanoscale objects▲3D approachesNanotech for Energy and Environment:▲Nanomatrials for Clean and Sustainable Technology▲Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion▲Energy Storage and Novel Generation▲Nanotech for Oil and Gas▲NanoNuclear Materials▲Fuels Applications▲Renewable Energy Technologies▲Bio Sources for Materials and Fuels▲Green Chemistry and Materials▲Water Technologies▲Smart GridNanotech in Life Sciences and Medicine:▲Bionanomaterials and Tissues Engineering▲Biosensors, Diagnostics and Imaging▲Materials for Drug and Gene Delivery▲Biomarkers and Nanoparticles▲Cancer Diagnostics, Imaging and Treatment▲Drug Delivery and Therapeutics▲Cancer Nanotechnology▲Nano Robots▲DNA nanotechnology▲Nanotoxicity Nanotechnology Safety:▲NanoToxicology▲Risk assessment and management▲Measurement of health risk▲Exposure scenarios▲Regulation and ethical impacts Nano Applications:▲Food Technology▲Catalysis▲Military and Defence▲Aeropspace and Vehicle Manufacturers▲Manufacturing and Construction▲Textiles

External events, opportunities, and trade missions UK Government UK-ASEAN AI Innovation Summit; 6-8 October (KL, Malaysia) The UK-ASEAN AI Innovation Summit is a strategic platform for advancing shared priorities between the UK and ASEAN Member States. It builds upon previous engagements such as the UK-MY AI Conference 2023, UK AI Week in Thailand, and the AI for Sustainable Development in ASEAN (AISDA). The Summit is also aligned with the forthcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan (2024). There will be keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops for the Summit covering the following themes: Sustainable and secure AI infrastructure and cross-border compute access, Trusted data-sharing partnerships to support inclusive innovation, AI talent development and skills exchange, including pathways for women and non-traditional learners, Pro-innovation regulation and responsible AI governance, Public sector adoption and business innovation partnerships. If you would like to attend, please email Poorani.Krishnan@fcdo.gov.uk

What is Horizon Europe?Horizon Europe is not a funding agency, but rather a funding framework established by the European Union (EU) to support research and innovation across various fields.Read more at https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_enWhat is Horizon Europe?Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Following the Multiannual Financial Framework Midterm Review (MTR) decision, the indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2027 is EUR 93.5 billion.It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies.It creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.Key details about Horizon Europe:Nature of Horizon Europe:It is a 7-year research and innovation program (2021-2027).It has a total budget of €95.5 billion.It focuses on addressing global challenges, such as climate change, health, digital technologies, and more.Role:It serves as a funding framework for researchers, universities, industries, SMEs, and organizations within the EU and associated countries.It does not distribute funds directly but is managed by the European Commission and its agencies, such as the European Research Executive Agency (REA).Related Funding Agencies: Horizon Europe collaborates with funding agencies or entities responsible for allocating funds for specific projects, including:European Research Council (ERC): Supports frontier research.Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): Focuses on researcher development and international collaboration.Innovation Fund: Provides funding for innovative projects.Conclusion:Horizon Europe is not a funding agency but a funding framework managed by the European Commission to promote research and innovation in Europe and internationally.Countries in ASEAN can apply for funding from Horizon Europe in certain cases, depending on the type of project and the country’s status within the Horizon Europe framework. Here’s a detailed explanation:1. ASEAN Countries and EligibilityASEAN countries are not EU Member States or Associated Countries:Countries in ASEAN such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam are categorized as Third Countries (non-EU and non-Associated Countries).Third Countries Status:Researchers or organizations from these countries can still participate as partners with teams from EU Member States or Associated Countries.2. Conditions for Third CountriesMost ASEAN countries are not eligible for direct funding from Horizon Europe (non-eligible for funding). However, they can collaborate with European teams in specific projects.Example:A research team in Thailand can join as a partner in a project with a European team.Collaborations are typically focused on global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity, or health.Some ASEAN countries may be supported in certain cases, such as Low- and Middle-Income Countries, as defined by Horizon Europe.3. Examples of ASEAN ParticipationVietnam: Often supported under topics related to sustainable development.Singapore: Can participate as a Third Country, though not eligible for direct funding, it can still contribute as a partner in significant research projects.Thailand: Research teams from Thailand often join through International Cooperation in areas related to regional issues, such as renewable energy or environmental conservation. 4. Recommendations for ASEAN Countries Applying for Horizon Europe FundingBuild collaborations with teams from EU or Associated Countries:This increases the chances of participation and funding opportunities.Focus on projects addressing global challenges:For example, climate change, health innovation, or food security.Review specific project requirements:Some projects may allow ASEAN countries to participate and receive funding.

Hosting InformationOffer Deadline: Thu, 11 Sep 2025 - 23:59Organisation / Company: Monash University MalaysiaCountry: MalaysiaWebsitehttps://www.lancaster.ac.uk/health-and-medicine/https://www.monash.eduEmail- s.r.hall@lancaster.ac.uk- yap.michelle@monash.edu DescriptionBackgroundWe seek highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for a 3-year Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Global Fellowship in drug development for snake venom toxins-induced necrosis. This prestigious fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for career development and international attachment in pharmacology and toxinology research. The fellowship also opens opportunities for international collaborations between Asia-Pacific and the EU. This fellowship also fosters early career development support. The candidate will lead innovative research projects in drug development for toxin envenomation, including mechanistic actions, structure-activity relationships, and preclinical assessment. Upon successful application, you will be hosted in Monash University Malaysia (Dr Michelle Yap – Toxin Pharmacology Lab) for 2 years and 1 year at Lancaster University (Dr Steve R Hall). Eligibility:Must hold a PhD in pharmacology, toxinology, biomedical science, biochemistry or biology-related field at the time of application. Meets MSCA requirements for this Global Fellowship: The applicant must be national or long-term resident (5 years+) of an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Demonstrates an excellent track record of publications. Demonstrates proficiency in research, laboratory, and data analysis skills; bioinformatics knowledge is an added advantage. Demonstrates proficiency in writing and communication skillsDemonstrates ability to work effectively in a team. To express interest, please submit a CV, and motivation to apply with two recommendation letters from academic supervisors or collaborators. We will contact the shortlisted candidate to prepare for the application. Closing Date for Applications:To allow ample preparation time for application and proposal writing, we anticipate the closing date to be 31st March 2025. However, please note that the call will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Early submissions are encouraged.

Keywords from research in five industries: AI, BCG, Earth and Space, High Energy Physics, and Quantum, categorized by ASEAN member countries.

Asian Economic PapersLink: https://aep.jci.edu.my/aboutAsian Economic Papers is sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, United States; the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, South Korea; the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, Sunway University, Malaysia; the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Indonesia; and Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. AEP’s articles focus on rigorous, objective analysis of key economic issues of a particular Asian economy or of the broader Asian region, and offer creative solutions to these Asian economic issues.AEP selects articles from open submissions and solicits articles from the top experts in the fields that are of high contemporary interest. Authors present their analyses at the Asian Economic Panel, which convenes thrice yearly in different parts of the world. The panel, which held its first meeting in April of 2001, invites about forty leading economists from all over the world to each meeting to discuss the subjects of that particular meeting. The discussion of each topic begins with the presentation of an analytical paper.AEP makes its publication decisions after reviewing the revised papers. The proceedings of the AEP conference are edited and published thrice yearly in a journal, Asian Economic Papers (MIT Press).Editor-in-Chief: Wing Thye WooEditors: Sungbae An, Fukunari Kimura, Ming Lu, and Jeffrey D. SachsFor more details, please see the Editorial Info.Instructions for Authors: https://aep.jci.edu.my/instructions-for-authors/

Deadline for applications: 06 October 2024, 12:00 mid-day BSTSource: https://opportunities-insight.britishcouncil.org/news/opportunities/grants-capacity-strengthening-programmesWe invite applications from UK institutions for the International Research Empowerment Programme supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) under the ISPF thematic priority ‘Tomorrow’s Talents’.Aligning with the British Council’s mission to connect the UK with international partners through meaningful people-to-people connections across borders, the opportunity aims to address several critical priorities within the realm of international research collaboration through capacity strengthening.Countries initially joining this call include Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.Grants up to £80,000 will be available for funding capacity strengthening activities under four priority areas:Forster better engagement and management practices in international research collaboration.Support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in international research endeavours.Promote capacity strengthening and knowledge exchange in interdisciplinary research.Create opportunities for researchers and institutions to engage with communities, policymakers, and translate research into societal benefits.Applicants should consider how best to address the priority set for the international partner that you will be collaborating with, as specified in Appendix 1 of the Guidelines for Applicants. TimelinesWho can applyBoth UK and international partner project leaders must hold permanent positions (research/academic/professional) at eligible institutions and have relevant expertise and capacity to lead the project.Collaborations should include one project leader from the UK and a project leader from the international partner. We will allow only one application per a project leader, from either side.Please see the Eligibility Section of the ‘Guidelines for Applicants' for additional criteria.Equality, diversity and inclusionBritish Council are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to continuing to attract and nurture talented people from the widest pool to remain internationally competitive in research and innovation. We believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed. This includes avoidance of bias due to disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex (gender), and age.The British Council is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for support to encourage underrepresented groups to engage in ISPF activity, so long as sufficient justification is provided. Action RequiredApplication deadline: 6 October 2024, 12:00 mid-day BSTTo apply: https://grants.britishcouncil.org/Select ISPF Research Empowerment Programme application form to start application.The British Council approach to contracting can be found here: https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ispf_grant_base_template.docxThe list of UK eligible research organisations is at: https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/eligible_uk_research_organisations_0.pdfIf you require an alternative formal for reasons of accessibility please contact us at: ISPF-IREP@britishcouncil.org

The IEEE Malaysia Section Control Systems Chapter is proud to organize the 2024 12th IEEE Conference on Systems, Process & Control (ICSPC 2024). ICSPC 2024 will be held in Malacca, Malaysia on the 6-7th of December 2024. Link: https://sites.google.com/view/icspcAreas of InterestAutomation & Robotics System Identification Modeling & Simulation Process & Control Intelligent Systems Optimization of Systems Nonlinear Systems Digital Control Advancements in Computation Algorithms for Control Optimal and Robust Control Emerging Areas Control Applications in Other Areas Important DatesSubmission Deadline: 31st July 2024Notification Deadline: 1 September 2024Registration & Camera-Ready Deadline: 1 November 2024Conference Date: 6-7th December 2024IndexingThrough our selective review process and meticulous quality control measures, the ICSPC conference series has an excellent track record of being indexed in IEEE Xplore and Scopus since 2013.