Meet the Chevening alumna bridging UK and Asian research 

Asia Research News, a UK Limited company, is the region’s first dedicated science communication hub, designed to amplify scientific expertise on the global stage.  

‘We wanted to make sure Asian scientists were visible globally, and that the public recognised their expertise alongside their Western peers.’

Transforming global perception of Asian science 

Under Magdeline’s leadership, Asia Research News has: 

• Raised awareness about leading Asian scientists, ensuring that Asia’s rich scientific heritage is recognised internationally.  
• Promoted women scientists by connecting them with journalists and showcasing their expertise, increasing media visibility.  
• Supported scientists fleeing conflict, ensuring their safety while helping them communicate vital findings on mental health, life in refugee camps, and human rights.  
• Contributed to high-impact recognition, with researchers from two institutions the platform has closely worked with winning the Nobel Prize last year. 
• Built a global network, sharing over 15,000 research findings and partnering with more than 160 universities and research institutions.  

UK collaboration and the Chevening experience  

Magdeline’s Chevening Scholarship has shaped both her career and Asia Research News. During her time in the UK where she studied at the University of Leeds and Bristol Glaciology Centre, she often represented the only female Asian scientist at international conferences.  

‘These experiences highlighted both the challenges for women in science and the need to increase global awareness of research from Asia.’ 

Incorporating UK expertise, Magdeline registered Asia Research News as a UK Limited company, enhancing international credibility and enabling collaborations with British institutions. Engagement with the Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) allowed her to connect with university leaders, policymakers, and media across Asia.  

‘The OMIS programme helped me reach people who would have been out of reach for a young scientist like me.’ 

The platform continues to foster UK-Asia partnerships through collaborations with the British Council in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, supporting joint research initiatives and helping UK universities expand their presence in the region.  

Supporting women in science  

A core focus of Asia Research News has been promoting women in science. In partnership with Canada’s knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative, the platform has highlighted female leadership and scholarship in innovative ways. One notable project, Through Eyes of Leadership: Women of Shan State, was a month-long photo exhibition in Bangkok showcasing women leaders from Myanmar.  

The platform also hosts SciCom Coffee, a monthly professional development and peer-support group for women science communicators across Asia, and maintains an annually updated Experts for Media: Women in Research list, connecting female experts with journalists.  

‘Our goal is to raise awareness about women scientists and make it easier for journalists to access experts, increasing the number of women recognised as authorities in the media.’ 

Looking ahead  

Returning to Malaysia, Magdeline established a local branch to expand operations further. With science communication more important than ever, her plan is to:  

• Grow both UK and Malaysian operations to increase reach and revenue.
• Support more scientists and ensure their research reaches the public and policymakers.
• Influence decisions on pressing global issues through wider visibility of credible science.

‘The Chevening experience introduced me to science communication as an industry. Our growth enables us to support more scientists, share their work more widely, and inform decisions on issues that affect the world today and in the future.’