Abstract

The Malaysia Open Science Platform (MOSP) was launched at a time when research and innovation in the country has matured to a point that it was ready for a change. It was time to review existing pratices and adopt new ideas to allow the continued growth of the research institutions. Concurrent execution of projects and initiatives, namely the ERASMUS+ Open Asia project, Research Assessment for HEIs in Malaysia project, UNESCO 2021 Recommendations country report on Open Science, and initiatives at respective institutions have all complemented each other in supporting the implementation of Open Science principles at institutional, national, and even regional levels. A multipronged approach with numerous activities that include training, study visits, organizing forums talks and promotional materials, stakeholders engagement and engagement with organizational management are among factors that can influence the positive progress and success of the Open Science initiative in Malaysia. Interestingly during the engagement process, many programs have been discovered which have all the elements of Open Science, such as participatory science, adoption of indigenous knowledge or traditional wisdom, and open educational resources. Compilation of these efforts are all that is needed to showcase Open Science practices already happening in the country. On the other hand, the idea of sharing and opening research datasets may need more time for buy-in, to iron out concerns on data ownership and intellectual property rights. Integrative and holistic approach in problem solving is another area that needs more attention. In revising the research assessment tool, incorporating parameters which align with the Open Science principles of inclusivity, equity, transparency and collaboration will help to strengthen the research ecosystem and shape the future research landscape in Malaysia. This will open more opportunities for Malaysian researchers to take on more prominent roles in international research partnerships in finding solutions to global problems.