Meet This M'sian Scientist Who Is Using Nuclear Research To Benefit Our Everyday Lives
From creating disease-resistant crops to ensuring food safety, there are many use cases of nuclear technology.
Cover image via Lumi News
This Spotlight is sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Meet Dr Siti Aishah Ahmad Fuzi, a Malaysian scientist dedicated to nuclear research
According to Dr Siti Aishah, when the public is asked about nuclear, their thoughts mostly lean towards atomic bombs, power reactors, and so on. However, that perception is far from the full picture.
"It needs to be understood that the use of nuclear is broader than that. The Science, Technology, and Innovation ministry (MOSTI), together with the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, plays an important role in expanding the role of nuclear in other aspects of life," she said.
Dr Siti Aishah currently works as a research officer at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency in Bangi, and has made it her mission to educate the public about the positive impact of nuclear science — particularly in areas like agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.
Image via Lumi News
Dr Siti Aishah, who holds a PhD in Physics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, explains that nuclear technology plays a crucial role in many industries beyond energy production
"In agriculture and food security, nuclear technology helps address issues related to food supply stability and sustainability through smart farming, land management, and livestock protection," said Dr Siti Aishah.
With climate change threatening global food security, Malaysia is exploring innovative ways to sustain its agricultural output. Nuclear technology is one of the solutions, helping farmers optimise land use, improve crop resilience, enhance soil fertility, and even ensure food safety through radiation sterilisation. Beyond agriculture, nuclear techniques also play a role in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and water management.
For those still uncertain about nuclear technology, Dr Siti Aishah reassures that Malaysia has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) — a commitment to using nuclear materials solely for peaceful purposes and never for weapon production.
Image via Lumi News
Despite this, she acknowledges that misconceptions still exist. Many Malaysians remain wary of nuclear technology, largely due to a lack of awareness and exposure.
To change this, MOSTI has been actively working to reshape public perception. One major initiative is the STI 100 Scientists Programme, launched in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to engage young minds in science and technology.
The programme aims to send 100 scientists to 100 schools nationwide, introducing students to different fields, including nuclear science.
"Through this programme, awareness and understanding in various fields of science and technology, including the general application of nuclear technology, can be widely disseminated to students and the public," she said.
Dr Siti Aishah is hopeful that with more education and engagement, Malaysians will start to see nuclear technology for what it truly is — a powerful tool for progress.
Image via Setor@TV (YouTube)
