By Nurul Haziqah Abdul Halim
Pix By Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 10 Feb 2014 – Prof Dr Mohd Raihan Taha from the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FKAB) has been appointed the new Director of the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI).

He took over from Prof Dato’ Dr Mazlin Mokhtar who had earlier been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.

Prof Mazlin handed over the post to Prof Raihan at a simple ceremony at the LESTARI building here today.

Prof Mazlin said LESTARI under Prof Raihan and with the continued support of the faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB) and Science Technology (FST), will continue to carry out multi inter-transdisciplinary programmes.

Prof Mazlin said looking at sustainable development the challenge of today is not just addressing the issues of economics, social, environment and governance but people are also now interested to know about the nexus between water, energy, food security and climate change.

He conveyed a message from Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali who applauded LESTARI for its work and achievements in its various programmes, especially in Langkawi. He wishes to see similar achievements in other UKM centres around the country.

Prof Mazlin assured that he will continue to give his whole-hearted support to LESTARI while keeping a special eye on it.

Prof Raihan hopes for continued support in efforts to help raise UKM’s name to the world stage, through LESTARI.

“LESTARI is blessed with many talented, skilled and high-achieving people. Many of whom I admired and look up to. I now look forward to working with all of you and together let us raise both LESTARI and UKM to greater heights by continuing in our research and development,” Prof Raihan said.