MALAYSIA–PERU COLLABORATION JOINTLY LED BY USM STRENGTHENS WOMEN’S ROLE IN STEM AND APEC DIGITAL ECONOMY
PENANG, 21 August 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is enhancing its regional role through Malaysia–Peru collaboration to empower women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the digital economy under the Women in STEM and Digital Economy Policy Study project within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework.
The project, valued at approximately RM517,000, is jointly led by Dr. Miharaini Md Ghani of USM and Carlos Rodrich Portugal of Universidad de Piura, Peru, with support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and Peru’s Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC).
As part of the initiative, the APEC Policy Lab was held in Dalian, China on 17–18 August 2026, gathering experts, researchers, and representatives from APEC economies to share experiences, identify challenges, and discuss policy approaches adaptable to domestic contexts.
USM also contributed economic expertise through Professor Dr. Saidatulakmal Mohd from the School of Social Sciences, who represented Malaysia as a speaker. She provided insights on women’s economic participation, career development, entrepreneurship, and opportunities arising from technological and digital advancement.
Miharaini, from the School of Communication, emphasised that empowering women in the digital era must go beyond technology adoption and mastery.
She explained that true empowerment requires creating inclusive ecosystems where women are not only users of digital tools but also active contributors to shaping policies, driving innovation, and leading entrepreneurial ventures. “This means equipping women with critical thinking, leadership skills, and access to networks that enable them to participate fully in the digital economy,” she added.
The project is expected to deliver a policy paper, evidence-based policy recommendations, and a Digital Toolkit compiling best practices, resources, and practical strategies to support APEC economies in strengthening women’s participation in STEM and the digital economy.
The Toolkit will serve as a reference for policymakers and stakeholders in identifying approaches and interventions tailored to the needs of each economy.
The leadership of Miharaini and the expertise of Saidatulakmal highlight USM’s ability to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge and contribute to inclusive, evidence-based regional policy development.
This strategic collaboration further reinforces USM's global commitment to empowering women and advancing evidence-based policy frameworks across APEC member economies.