BATU FERRINGHI, 17 December 2024 – The 8th International Conference on Environment (ICENV 2024) commenced today, attracting participants from nine countries who are engaged in addressing urgent environmental issues.

Themed "Cutting-Edge Innovation for a Greener Environment and Sustainable Future", the conference is dedicated to exploring solutions that will ensure the long-term protection of the planet for future generations.

In his officiating speech, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed underscored the urgency to address global challenges such as rising temperatures, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

"In the current landscape, the preservation of our natural environment represents a fundamental challenge that requires immediate attention.

"Therefore, events such as ICENV 2024 offer a crucial opportunity to explore collaborative and forward-thinking approaches for a sustainable future," he stated.

In alignment with the conference's objective to cultivate international collaborations, advance interdisciplinary methodologies, and provide pragmatic solutions to environmental challenges, he reaffirmed USM's dedication to sustainable development in addition to its adherence to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his view, the role of higher education in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is of great consequence.

"At USM, it is our mission to provide an excellent education and to contribute to the well-being of the community," he added.

Meanwhile, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering and Chairman of ICENV 2024, Professor Ts. Chm. Dr. Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of international representation.

Zuhairi highlighted the necessity of innovative solutions to address complex environmental issues, a theme that has been a focus of this year's event.

"The diversity of participants thus provides a unique opportunity to gain perspectives that reinforce our collective responsibility towards sustainability," he said.

Additionally, he emphasised that ICENV 2024 will address essential subjects, including sustainable process engineering, waste management, clean energy, ecosystem conservation, and community education.

"These areas are of critical importance for the advancement of meaningful environmental protection and the mobilisation of communities in the implementation of tangible changes," Zuhairi stated.

Scheduled to be held until 18 December 2024, the conference provides a forum for researchers, policy makers and industry leaders to disseminate findings and build collaborative relationships, with a focus on practical as well as innovative solutions.

Hosted by the USM School of Chemical Engineering, it also served as a medium for the exchange of ideas and a demonstration of collective resolve in addressing environmental challenges, thereby reinforcing optimism for a more sustainable enabling future.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman