BANDA ACEH, 7 November 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), represented by RCE Penang, recently participated in an international workshop titled "An Intellectual Discourse on Environmental Issues" at Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry (UIN Ar-Raniry).
The event emphasised a collaboration on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provided an enriching platform for youth discussions on sustainability practices.
USM's involvement highlighted its commitment to SDG-focused initiatives, particularly through the empowerment of young leaders to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable communities.
Attended by 40 students from UIN Ar-Raniry's Fakultas Tarbiyah and Keguruan, along with faculty members Ibu Sabarni and Dr. Nurmalahayati, the workshop featured a series of youth sharing sessions led by the USM delegation.
Six USM students presented on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), underscoring practical strategies to address these global challenges.
Their presentations emphasised the integration of sustainable practices within education, urban planning, and access to clean water, aiming to inspire resilience and awareness within the ASEAN youth community.
The USM delegation included Dr. Rohaya Abdullah, Project Coordinator, and a research officer from RCE Penang, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) at USM.
Rohaya said, “Through this collaboration, USM champions SDG-focused educational initiatives, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable solutions in their communities.”
She added, the seminar marked a meaningful step toward strengthening regional partnerships and fostering a deeper understanding of SDG implementation among youth.
With a shared vision for sustainability, USM and UIN Ar-Raniry exemplify how cross-border collaboration can drive impactful change, encouraging youth to become agents of environmental and social progress in their respective countries.
NIBONG TEBAL, 22 September 2024 – The River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has successfully organised the "Leveraging Water for Sustainability" programme, which aims to promote sustainable water management practices.
The programme highlighted effective strategies and innovative approaches to water resource management that will support ongoing sustainability efforts and featured two insightful sustainability talks entitled "Sustainability Water Resource Management" and "Sustainable Water Quality".
The talks were delivered by the Director of REDAC, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol and Dr. Nurul Hana Mokhtar Kamal, who shared their expertise on sustainable water management and the importance of maintaining water quality for long-term environmental health.
Speaking about the programme, Mohd Remy said it represents REDAC's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable water management practices in the face of increasing challenges posed by climate change, population growth and urbanisation.
“The need for effective as well as innovative water management solutions has never been more urgent.
"This programme will provide participants with a deeper understanding of sustainable water resource management and demonstrate the critical need to preserve water quality for the benefit of our environment," he explained.
He added that REDAC was pleased to provide a hands-on learning experience through guided visits to key water management facilities on the engineering campus, as it gives participants a practical understanding of how these structures work and the important role they play in promoting environmentally sound water management.
"We hope that this programme will provide each participant with the knowledge and inspiration they need to contribute to a more sustainable future.
"Let us continue to work together to make water sustainability a shared responsibility and ensure a healthier environment for future generations," says Mohd Remy.
During the programme held on 14 September 2024, participants also had the opportunity to visit key water management sites such as the retention pond, wetland, type C swale and wet pond/natural soil, giving them a practical insight into how this infrastructure works and contributes to sustainable water management.
The programme, which was funded by the 2024 UNESCO Malaysia National Commission Contribution Grant, welcomed a total of 30 students from USM and the University of Miyazaki in Japan, as well as diploma students from Pusat Latihan Teknologi Tinggi (ADTEC) Taiping and high school students from Seberang Perai, Penang and Kulim, Kedah.
Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Courtesy of the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC)
