Sustainability Discourse 2/2025 – Form Sustainability to Legacy: Financial Well-being Planning
On 20 August 2025, Sustainability Discourse No. 3/2025 was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Azwan Abdullah, Head of Networking and Big Data Division, Institute for Poverty Research and Management (InsPeK), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. The online discourse, entitled From Sustainability to Legacy: Financial Well-being Planning, attracted encouraging participation, with 131 attendees comprising UKM staff, members from other universities, and representatives from relevant agencies.
The session highlighted the close relationship between sustainable financial management and the effort to pass on values and assets that bring long-term benefits. The concept of “Sustainability” refers to prudent and continuous management, while “Legacy” encompasses the transfer of knowledge, values, and resources that generate positive impacts for future generations.
The key principles outlined in his presentation included disciplined saving practices, enhancement of financial literacy, long-term planning, ethical and Shariah-compliant investments, and systematic wealth management. Practical approaches recommended were the establishment of emergency funds, prudent debt management, ethically based investments, and well-structured retirement planning. Collectively, these strategies illustrate a holistic approach that integrates financial, social, emotional, and institutional family and community sustainability. Through such efforts, not only can individual financial positions be strengthened, but they also contribute to the overall economic well-being of the nation.
In summary, the journey from sustainability to legacy requires the integration of knowledge, discipline, and values in order to build a stable and prosperous future that can be inherited as a lasting asset for the benefit of society.
#SDG1; SDG2; SDG3;SDG17
Pautan asal: https://www.ukm.my/lestari.20251114/news/wacana_kelestarian_3_2025/
KASES Discussion 1/2025: The Role of Academics and Scientists in Implementing the Circular Economy in Malaysia
The KASES Discussion is a platform for the dissemination of ideas, thoughts, research findings, and experiences by academics, researchers, and the general public on various issues or subjects within the context of sustainability and sustainable development. In 2023, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed inaugurated the 2023 KASES Discussion Series by delivering a talk entitled Building Livable Cities in Malaysia: From Concept to Implementation.
This year, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed once again became the first academic to kick off the KASES Discussion Series 2025 with a talk entitled The Role of Academics and Scientists in Implementing the Circular Economy in Malaysia. The discussion was held at the LESTARI UKM Main Lecture Room on 15 April 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Among the key points shared by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed in this session were:
1. The Concept of Circular Economy
The Circular Economy focuses on initiatives to ensure the availability of limited natural resources to meet the needs of industries and consumers — a far better approach than the Linear Economy, which leads to resource depletion and promotes wastefulness.
2. Three Core Principles of the Circular Economy
- Eliminate waste and pollution: Product designs must ensure that materials re-enter the circular economic ecosystem at the end of their lifecycle.
- Regenerate nature: Business models should support sustainable resource management using the principles of the circular economy.
- Recycle products and materials at their highest value: Maintain the value of materials either as products or, when no longer usable, as components or raw materials.
3. Roles of Academics and Scientists
- Generating ideas, developing, building, disseminating, and enhancing knowledge and technology to support the dynamic needs of Circular Economy implementation.
- Teaching and learning in subjects that support the implementation of the Circular Economy.
- Producing graduates from various fields — especially in technology, engineering, economics, social sciences, environment, and law — who are crucial for implementing the Circular Economy.
- Conducting research and development across a broad range of areas essential to the Circular Economy.
- Developing and applying technologies for the Circular Economy, including:
- Design for Environment
- Waste recovery technologies to return resources
- Material substitution technologies
- Waste as a resource and product innovation.
- Understanding issues and proposing action plans for Circular Economy implementation with reference to social, legal, and economic needs.
- Acting as marketing intermediaries and promoters of circular economy-based products in collaboration with government agencies, industries, private companies, and consumers.
- Facilitating and executing knowledge and technology-sharing activities to promote the Circular Economy, including sharing best practices, technologies, raising awareness, and strengthening waste separation and 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) practices.
4. Higher Education Institution Initiatives
- Sustainable Campus Initiatives have showcased the implementation and practice of Circular Economy concepts, positioning higher learning institutions as examples for Malaysian society.
- Recent initiatives include the participation of most Malaysian universities in global ranking systems that emphasize sustainability practices for sustainable development, such as:
- UI GreenMetric
- Times Higher Education Sustainability Rankings
- These global rating systems assess and promote sustainability initiatives already implemented or in progress by universities.
At the end of the session, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fariz Mohamed emphasized that academics and scientists play a vital role in building, developing, delivering, and strengthening the knowledge and technologies crucial for the Circular Economy.
He called upon academics, scientists, government agencies, industries, private companies, civil society, and NGOs to collaborate in promoting and implementing the Circular Economy in Malaysia — especially in building and delivering knowledge, adopting technology, and fostering economic activities and social initiatives for the public.
#SDG4; SDG8; SDG17
Kursus – Integrating GIS Applications for Enhanced Social Impact Assessment in Malaysia (GIS-SIA)
On 24–25 June 2025, a course entitled Integrating GIS Applications for Enhanced Social Impact Assessment in Malaysia (GIS-SIA) was held at the Seminar Room, UKM Alumni Complex. The course had three (3) main objectives:
-
To expose participants to the importance of using GIS in Social Impact Assessments (SIA).
-
To equip participants with the knowledge and skills to use GIS in the preparation of SIA reports.
-
To enhance participants’ capacity to effectively apply GIS in SIA.
A total of 15 participants from various professional backgrounds attended the course. These included project consultants and urban planners from private firms, a research group from TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., an executive team from the Land Custody and Development Authority, Sarawak, and officers from the Sarawak Forest Department.
The team of trainers involved in the course included Professor Gs. Dr. Ruslan Rainis (Honorary Professor, LESTARI), Tuan Haji Mohamad Tahir Ariffin (GIS expert), TPr. Gs. Dr. Gobi Krishna A/L Sinniah (Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and member of the Malaysian Association for Social Impact Assessment [MSIA]), and Dr. Rospidah Ghazali (Research Fellow, LESTARI). Throughout the training sessions, participants were assisted by facilitator Puan Rd. Puteri Khairani Khirotdin (Senior Research Officer, LESTARI).
During the two-day course, the trainers introduced participants to several modules and hands-on activities aimed at enhancing their capacity and skills in using GIS. The organisers hope that the participants gained useful knowledge and insights that can be applied in their daily tasks, particularly in conducting more effective, data-driven social impact assessments. It is hoped that all input gained will be applied meaningfully in the field and bring a positive impact to both organisations and communities involved.
The organisers also extend their sincere appreciation to PLANMalaysia for recognising this course by awarding 2 CPD points to participants who completed the training.
#SDG11; SDG15; SDG8; SDG17
Sustainability Course 2/2025: Translating Science into Biodiversity Conservation Action: Importance and Strategies
On 12 June 2025, the Wacana Kelestarian (Sustainability Discourse) Series No. 2/2025 was delivered by Ts. Dr. Khairul Naim Adham, Deputy Secretary of the Biodiversity and Forestry Management Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. The online discourse, titled “Translating Science into Biodiversity Conservation Action: Importance and Strategies”, was well received, with attendance reaching 65 participants, mainly from UKM, other universities, and relevant agencies.
The discourse highlighted the urgent biodiversity crisis facing the world today. With approximately one million species at risk of extinction, many within just a few decades, the speaker emphasized that biodiversity is not only a conservation concern but also critical to human survival and well-being. A key concept introduced was the Science-Policy Interface (SPI). SPI refers to the social process through which scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders interact to exchange knowledge, jointly develop relevant policy questions, and co-produce solutions to complex environmental challenges, particularly in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is designed to ensure that science is not only produced but also meaningfully applied in policy formulation. SPI enhances policy effectiveness, bridges the gap between research and implementation, promotes mutual learning, and builds public trust in decision-making processes.
To demonstrate how SPI works in practice, the speaker presented several impactful case studies. One notable example was the conservation of the Malayan tiger, where scientific data and policy advocacy were used to address the dramatic population decline, which saw numbers fall from 3,000 tigers in the 1950s to fewer than 150 today. SPI mechanisms such as science-policy mini labs, cabinet papers, and stakeholder consultations led to the implementation of nine extraordinary conservation actions.
The presentation then outlined several strategies to strengthen SPI. These include establishing formal platforms that connect scientists with policymakers, promoting interdisciplinary research, and building the capacity of researchers and civil servants in science communication and policy development. Another key strategy is to encourage research aligned with national policy priorities and to enhance community engagement and advocacy. Transparent monitoring, evaluation, and reporting were also emphasized as critical to improving accountability and guiding adaptive management.
#SDG8; SDG17
Sumber asal: https://www.ukm.my/lestari.20251114/news/wacana-kelestarian-2-2025/
Geopark Communities Continue to Be Empowered: Third Webinar Series 2025 Gathers Representatives from National Geoparks
The Geopark Community Empowerment Webinar Series 3/2025, themed Community Empowerment, was successfully held on 17 September 2025 (Wednesday) online via Zoom from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. The programme brought together nearly 90 participants comprising community representatives, geopark managers, researchers, students, as well as officers from government agencies and local authorities.
This webinar marked the third series for 2025 under the Geopark Community Empowerment Webinar initiative, organised specifically to enhance knowledge, understanding, and community engagement in geopark development. The series serves as an important platform to strengthen collaborative networks and empower community roles in geological heritage conservation, public education, and local economic development.
For this session, the webinar featured community representatives from national geoparks in Malaysia, including Mr. Wan Baharudin bin Wan Harun (Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark), Mr. Mohamad Faizal Sulong (Kenyir Geopark), and Ms. Noina Baharuddin (Gombak–Hulu Langat Geopark), who shared their experiences, challenges, and achievements in implementing community-based initiatives within their respective areas. The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharina Abdul Halim.
Overall, the webinar provided participants with valuable insights into effective strategies and approaches for empowering geopark communities, while fostering collaboration between communities, geopark managers, and stakeholders in support of the sustainable development agenda.
#SDG11; SDG8; SDG17
https://youtu.be/B2i1CKg5u4s?si=FopwJp9xNX_AoFu1
Webinar Pemerkasaan Komuniti Geopark Siri 1/2025: Pemuliharaan Warisan Tabii dan Budaya
The first series of the Geopark Community Empowerment Webinar was successfully held on 23 July 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The webinar brought together nearly 100 participants from various agencies and backgrounds. With the theme “Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage,” the session provided a platform for sharing field experiences and ongoing efforts to preserve heritage values and strengthen community roles in the national geopark development initiative.
The webinar session was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Tanot Unjah as the moderator, featuring three invited panelists representing community groups: Mr. Janes Kansirong (representative of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark), Mr. Mohd Syukri Jali (representative of Lipis Geopark), and Ms. Siti Najwa Mokhtar (representative of Lembah Kinta Geopark).
The discussion emphasized the importance of shared community responsibility in conserving natural and cultural heritage within geopark areas. The shared values instilled in each geopark site serve as a driving force for various initiatives that not only safeguard heritage treasures but also empower local socio-economic development and community capacity.
The encouraging response, marked by active questions and engagement from participants, reflected strong interest and commitment towards conservation and sustainable community development through the geopark platform.
It is hoped that this webinar series will continue regularly as a platform for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and strategy development towards strengthening community empowerment in Malaysian geoparks.
#SDG11; SDG15; SDG8; SDG17
Pautan: https://www.ukm.my/lestari.20251114/news/webinar-pemerkasaan-komuniti-geopark-siri-1/
Collective Engagement in Geopark Management: Webinar Highlights Community Roles
14 August 2025 – Webinar Pemerkasaan Komuniti Geopark Siri 2/2025, themed Pengurusan Geopark, was successfully conducted online, attracting more than 100 participants, including community representatives from various geoparks across Malaysia. The webinar was moderated by Prof. Dr. Sarah Aziz Abdul Ghani Aziz, Academic Fellow at the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and featured three experienced panelists representing three geoparks in the nation:
- Mr. Imran Ismail – Manager, Koperasi Komuniti Kampung Kilim Langkawi Berhad, representing the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGGp)
- Mdm. Madeline George Pau – Head, Geopark Management Unit, Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp)
- Dr. Johan Afendi Ibrahim – Chairman, Geoguide Association of Perlis Geopark
The webinar focused on sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in geopark management, with a strong emphasis on the significance of broad community participation in both development and governance processes. Local community involvement was highlighted as a key pillar for the successful implementation of geopark initiatives, not only in preserving natural and cultural heritage, but also in stimulating local economies through sustainable tourism activities and establishment of community cooperative, thus fostering a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility.
This webinar marked the second in a four-part series of Siri Webinar Pemerkasaan Komuniti Geopark organized by the Geopark Research Centre (PPG), LESTARI, UKM throughout 2025, in collaboration with Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM) and Geopark Implementation Committee under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). The initiative forms part of an ongoing effort to continuously support more effective and sustainable geopark development, and strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, local authorities, and communities across geoparks in Malaysia.
#SDG11; SDG16; SDG8; SDG17
Link: https://www.ukm.my/lestari.20251114/news/penglibatan-bersama-dalam-pengurusan-geopark/
SDG-Aligned Solutions to Key Malaysian Problems: An Invitation to Join the Work of SDSN-Asia
On 10 April 2025, the Wacana Kelestarian Series 1/2025 was delivered by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Woo Wing Thye, Vice-President for Asia of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Asia Headquarters (UNSDSN-Asia), Sunway University. The hybrid lecture, titled SDG-Aligned Solutions to Key Malaysian Problems: An Invitation to Join the Work of SDSN-Asia, received an encouraging response with around 65 participants attending both online and in person, comprising mainly UKM staff, external universities, and relevant agencies.
The session focused on mobilising efforts to address Malaysia’s critical challenges through solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlighted the role of SDSN-Asia in bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to develop actionable strategies for sustainable development. The speaker encouraged individuals and institutions in Malaysia to collaborate on pressing national issues such as climate resilience, education, health equity, urban sustainability, and inclusive economic growth. By integrating scientific research, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector partnerships, this initiative aims to support Malaysia’s transition towards a more just, sustainable, and prosperous society in line with national priorities and the global SDG framework.
#SDG17
Pautan: https://www.ukm.my/lestari.20251114/news/siri-wacana-kelestarian-1-2025/
LESTARI SDG Secretariat: Pn. Wan Daraputri Razali (daraputri@ukm.edu.my)