Water pollution and management

Researchers from the University System of Taiwan (UST), UTAR, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), and Taylor’s University presented their research at the “Water Pollution and Management” workshop held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 24 to 26 August 2015.

The objective of this workshop was to introduce international research collaborations between local and UST academicians as well as local industries on wastewater treatment and management approaches.

Dr Lai explaining the objective of the workshop

“The long term goal is to form an Industrial Service Team, consisting of local and UST academicians to provide technical consultation services to Malaysian industries,” said Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean (Student Development and Industrial Training) Dr Lai Soon Onn.

“The estimated volume of wastewater generated by municipal and industrial sectors is 2.97 billion cubic meters per year. Several environmental and health impacts resulting from insufficient wastewater treatment and management have been identified in the scientific literature and immediate action need to be taken to reduce these impacts,” he added.

Prof Chuah stressing the importance of water pollution management

“Water pollution is an existential threat to the stability of human societies today, and they will only become more severe in the future. The value and urgency of this workshop has never been more relevant. The sharing of expertise and experience from Taiwan will help to develop competent experts in risk management to lead us to a better-prepared future”, said Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

Prof Chyi

“I’m very happy with UTAR’s strong commitment to establish extensive collaboration that will benefit both Malaysian and Taiwanese society. Today’s event is the cornerstone of our future collaborations,” said UST Vice-Chancellor Professor Chyi Jen-Inn.

UST delegates and UTAR staff at BUNUS STP water treatment plant

The workshop also continued with a roundtable discussion between Malaysia and Taiwan’s water treatment industry as well as site visits to BUNUS STP in Setapak and Ulu Kanchong Palm Oil Mill in Rantau.

The University System of Taiwan (UST) was formed under the initiative of the Ministry of Education Taiwan with four outstanding research universities – National Central University, National Chiao Tung University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Yang Ming University – in seeking overall teaching quality and research excellence.

This workshop is jointly organized by UTAR and UST, and also sponsored by Leaderman and Associates, Taiwan, Trident Innovations Sdn Bhd, and Eternal Engineering Sdn Bhd.

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a gift to Prof Chyi (right)