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)