- In 2012, Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) was established by the Government of Malaysia with the mission of sustaining Malaysia’s presence and strengthen capacity in polar (Antarctic and Arctic) research.
- Launched by Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, Sultan of Terengganu who is also Patron of YPASM on 19 July 2012.
- Since its establishment until 2024, YPASM has provided 56 polar research grants, 14 fellowships and 14 Antarctic berth supports to undertake research in Antarctica worth RM 9,746,780 million mainly to Malaysian young scientists. Most of the research projects funded by the foundation are targeted at contributing to our understanding of how the planet works and in predicting how it will change.
- Recognising the need to sustain Malaysia’s involvement in polar research, YPASM introduced the YPASM Smart Partnership Initiative in collaboration with twelve local universities. International Medical University, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Tenaga Malaysia.
- The foundation also organises education and outreach program such as polar science camps, sharing sessions, contests, and exhibitions for students and the public which to involved over 20,000 engagements to 2023.
- Apart from providing exposure to youths on Malaysia’s involvement in Polar regions (Antarctic and Arctic), these programmes are targeted at inculcating interest in science education and the global climate change as well as explore solutions on the issue. Through hands-on learning, youths can better understand and respect the history, culture, and ecological diversity of the Polar regions.
