Driving change through global initiatives

In a world grappling with pressing issues such as climate change, healthcare accessibility, and environmental degradation, institutions of higher learning play a pivotal role in driving positive change. UTAR has been at the forefront of promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges through a series of impactful initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Here is a glimpse into some of the remarkable events by UTAR faculties, departments, and divisions, categorised by the Sustainable Development Goals they support:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Collaborative Medical Health Care Clinic 2023 was organised by UTAR Surgical Society & Fo Guang Shan Malaysia in collaboration with M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. This initiative encompassed health education, screenings, research recruitment, and blood donation drives.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

UTAR disseminated knowledge about the black soldier fly’s value in organic farming through a project titled “Sustainable organic fertiliser and animal feed production from agro-waste using bio-conversion technology” by the Faculty of Science. The project aimed to contribute to economic growth while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The 1st International Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum 2023 by UTAR emphasised responsible consumption and production practices through discussions on environmental and social issues. Held on 15 June 2023, the forum shed light on the challenges posed by unsustainable practices, the potential opportunities for sustainability, and the pivotal role of universities in shaping societies. It also emphasised the importance of global collaboration, education, and the incorporation of ESG practices in higher education.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Under the banner of “Cycleton for a Green Campus”, UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology collaborated with various partners to initiate a project, aimed at promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Sponsored by esteemed organisations like Top Glove Foundation and Lions Club, the project not only raised awareness about the benefits of cycling but also underscored the importance of combating climate change (SDG 13) through carbon footprint mitigation strategies.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

UTAR promoted SDG 15 (Life on Land) through its Virtual Study Tour programme titled “Ocean World: Past and Future”, organised by the Office of International Affairs (previously known as the Division of Community and International Networking) in collaboration with partner universities. The study tour aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation and sustainable practices related to marine protection. Through the Virtual Study Tour and discussions led by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Faculty of Marine Technology academic Dr Eng Trika Pitana, UTAR intended to educate participants about the importance of marine conservation, sustainable practices, and global cooperation to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity, thus contributing to the achievement of SDG 15.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The Animal Lovers 2023: Happy Tails Programme and Pawsitive: Pet Abandonment Awareness Campaign were organised by the Department of Student Affairs of Kampar Campus (DSA-KPR). These projects focused on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, contributing to biodiversity conservation and terrestrial ecosystem sustainability.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

UTAR’s collaboration with Shanghai Ocean University in China, De La Salle University in the Philippines, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember in Indonesia for the Virtual Study Tour exemplified its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By leveraging virtual platforms to provide global learning opportunities for students, UTAR demonstrated its dedication to fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange to achieve shared objectives.

UTAR’s partnerships with international universities exemplify SDG 17 by promoting inclusive and sustainable partnerships for education, research, and capacity-building, thus contributing to the University’s broader mission of creating positive societal impact through global collaboration.