On October 30, MSU welcomed Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), to launch the MSU Centre for Climate Resilience and Strategy (m-CREST). Also in attendance were Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, President and Founder of MSU; Professor Dato’ Seri Ir Dr. Zaini Ujang, Pro Chancellor of MSU; and Professor Puan Sri Datuk Dr. Junainah Abd Hamid, Vice Chancellor of MSU.
Climate resilience is instrumental to sustainable development, ensuring that communities, economies, and ecosystems can withstand and recover from environmental challenges.
With its unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), alongside well-devised strategies for mitigation and adaptation, MSU aims to strengthen water security, energy systems, food sources, and urban environments, paving the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Through m-CREST, MSU will undertake technical studies on flood mitigation and resilience using advanced methods such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology. The university will also conduct policy research on water conservation and financial models for water management, as well as integrated studies on the water–energy nexus for low-carbon utilisation.
Additionally, MSU will offer postgraduate programmes related to the water and energy sectors for PETRA and its associated agencies through various schemes and modes. The collaboration will also include Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and microcredential programmes, co-organisation of events related to the water and energy sectors, carbon footprint, and Ecosystem Sarawak, along with other relevant programmes as required by PETRA in partnership with m-CREST.
Five dedicated clusters have been established under this strategic hub, namely Green & Biotechnology, Water & Ocean, Energy & Low Carbon, Waste & Circular Economy, and Health, Climate & Community.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the minister accentuated the MSU’s significant commitment towards climate change.
“The role of higher learning institutions such as MSU is highly significant, not only as a centre for knowledge cultivation and human capital development but also as an epicentre for nurturing sustainable mindsets, pioneering green technologies, and educating society on the importance of environmental conservation and our shared responsibility on Earth.
“The m-CREST is encouraged to collaborate with government agencies to ensure Malaysia can effectively reduce the risks associated with climate change. The Centre may also work together with PETRA through its agencies, the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). This includes conducting studies on flood mitigation using the latest methodologies such as AI and satellite technology”, explained Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof.
“We are looking the foundations laid over the past 40 years. With this forward-looking perspective, we remain committed to upholding the university’s core pillar, especially our commitment to community upliftment, said Professor Dr. Mohd Shurki Ab Yajid. He further highlighted that Professor Dr. Zaini Ujang’s expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing MSU’s efforts toward climate resilience and strategic development.
In addition to the novel establishment, the ceremony also encompassed the SEED grant handover from the MSU Foundation (Yayasan MSU) to the m-CREST initiative, signifying MSU’s commitment to fostering innovative research and advancing sustainability initiatives through knowledge transfer programmes.
RM 10 million was presented by Professor Puan Sri Datuk Dr. Junainah Abd Hamid to Dato’ Seri Ir Dr. Zaini Ujang, who also serves as the advisor of m-CREST. This fund will support a range of research, training, grants, and consultancy initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability and climate resilience over a five-year period (2025-2030).
In conjunction with the launch ceremony, the 3P’s (People, Planet, Purpose) Podcast was unveiled, an initiative by the Department of Media and Strategic Communication, under the banner of MSUTV. The podcast will explore and discuss pressing issues surrounding climate change and sustainability by bringing together experts.
