On 7th June 2023, Universiti Malaya (UM) Research Gallery was launched with the theme Climate Action & Planetary Health. The inauguration was officiated by Professor Ir. Dr. Shaliza Ibrahim, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), in conjunction with the Universiti Malaya Sustainability Festival 2023. This significant event coincided with the celebration of World Environment Day, which is dedicated to promoting awareness and taking action for the protection and preservation of our planet.
The theme of the Research Gallery is poignantly aligned with the message of World Environment Day, focusing on the urgent need to address environmental challenges
and promote sustainable solutions. The event served as a platform to showcase innovative research initiatives that contribute to understanding and mitigating the impact of climate action on the planet's health and well-being.
By launching the Research Gallery during the Sustainability Festival and on World Environment Day, UM demonstrated its commitment to advancing research efforts in sustainability and environmental preservation. The occasion is aimed to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and encourage positive action towards finding solutions for global challenges related to climate action and the health of our planet.
It's admirable to see UM taking proactive steps in addressing critical global issues as well as the university's commitment to the cause and the recognition of the importance of this international observance. The World Environment Day's message of "Solutions to Plastic Problems" is in line with the gallery's focus on climate action and planetary health, emphasizing the urgency to find sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
By providing a platform for showcasing innovative research initiatives, UM not only raises awareness but also fosters collaboration among researchers, experts, and the wider community. Such collaborative efforts are vital in addressing the impact of climate action on the health and well-being of our planet.
Through this event, UM reaffirms its dedication to advancing research efforts in sustainability and environmental preservation. By encouraging positive action and cooperation, the institution plays a pivotal role in driving meaningful action and finding solutions to global challenges related to climate action and the overall health of our planet.
This serves as an inspiring example for other institutions and individuals to contribute towards a more sustainable future. It is indeed commendable that Professor Shaliza Ibrahim and Universiti Malaya (UM) are taking significant steps towards addressing sustainability challenges and promoting a more sustainable future. The UM Sustainability Policy, launched in 2021, stands as a testament to the university's commitment to making a positive impact in five key pillars: Education, Research, Environment, Economy, and Social.
The Climate Action & Planetary Health theme received significant patronage and support from the general UM community, showcasing the collective commitment of various faculties and research centers.
Special mentions go to the Faculty of Built Environment, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Foundation Studies, Institute for Advanced Studies, Research Cluster Office, Universiti Malaya Sustainability and Development Centre (UMSDC), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), National Antarctic Research Centre (NARC), and the Mushroom Research Centre. These collaborations demonstrate how diverse expertise can contribute to a holistic approach to tackling climate action and planetary health challenges.
The gallery also gained support from external industries and agencies, including Yayasan Penyelidikan Antarctica Sultan Mizan, Global Tunikara Sdn. Bhd., Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan Tenaga Lestari (SEDA), and Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research Sdn. Bhd (TNB).
These collaborative initiatives reflect UM's commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and promoting innovative research for the betterment of society. By showcasing the highlights of these research projects and partnerships, UM inspires and encourages others to join the journey towards creating a healthier and more sustainable world.
Author: Ts. ChM. Dr. Kumuthini Chandrasekaram for Research Services Division (kumuthinic@um.edu.my)
Photos: Mr. Mohd Yani Alias for BPP