Moscow, Russia, 5–7 November 2025 — The Malaysian Science and Technology Information Centre (MASTIC) successfully completed a three days technical meetings with the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), Higher School of Economics (HSE), Russia from 5-7 November 2025. These meetings aimed to explore the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based national foresight methodology.

The delegation led by Mr. Shahrizal bin Shahrudin, Director of MASTIC engaged in a series of technical meetings with ISSEK, HSE experts headed by Professor Dr. Alexander Sokolov. Discussions centered on three areas:

1. Knowledge transfer on applied foresight techniques in both institutes;
2. An in-depth introduction to the Foresight Intelligence System (iFORA), developed by ISSEK, HSE as an AI-based platform for analysis, monitoring, and foresight in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI); and
3. Bilateral exchanges to identify opportunities for future collaboration.

MASTIC also conducted a benchmarking visit to the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) to delve into the best practices on the management, monitoring and evaluation of R&D funding for fundamental research. This mandate is similar to MASTIC’s role as the national STI information centre.

The working visit concluded with a courtesy call on H.E. Dato’ Cheong Loon Lai, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Russian Federation. Discussions focused on strengthening post meeting collaboration and identifying strategic avenues for Malaysia–Russia cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).

MASTIC is committed to leveraging international partnerships via science diplomacy approach to enhance Malaysia’s readiness for AI-enabled foresight. Insights gained from the visit will inform a strengthened collaborative framework involving capacity building, expert exchanges and joint research with the end goal of supporting the development of future proof national STI policies.