Water cooperation forum focuses on sustainable development and technological innovation

The China-Malaysia Water Cooperation Forum, co-organised by the All-China Environmental Federation (ACEF) and UTAR, was held on 26 September 2024 at Eastin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The forum brought together over 80 experts, academic researchers, and representatives from leading universities, research institutes, and industries from both China and Malaysia.

The forum focused on the vital role of the water industry in sustainable development and explored opportunities for collaboration in water resources management and technological innovation. The discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation between China and Malaysia, particularly in addressing global challenges related to water resource shortages, water pollution, and water environment management.

In his welcome address, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted UTAR’s commitment to environmental science, engineering technology, and water resources management. He remarked, “As an institution focused on academic exchanges and scientific research in these areas, we hope this forum will serve as a platform to enhance Malaysia-China water cooperation. We look forward to meaningful exchanges of knowledge, research findings, and successful case studies to drive further innovation in water technology and contribute to the sustainable development of both economies.”

ACEF Vice President and Secretary General Ms Xie Yuhong, in her speech, highlighted the long-standing history of water cooperation between China and Malaysia. She emphasised the importance of sharing successful cases and deepening collaboration to improve water environment governance and address the challenges of global water scarcity and pollution.

Prominent speakers from both economies shared their insights and innovations in water-related fields. Prof Mohd Talib Latif from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, discussed cutting-edge research on water and air quality, illustrating the crucial role of these resources in Malaysia’s socio-economic development.

Prof Wei Yuansong, Director of the Water Pollution Control Laboratory at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, presented the latest advancements in water pollution treatment technologies. He highlighted successful applications in both China and Sri Lanka, showcasing the potential for further international collaboration in water management.

Industry leaders, including Ms Fong See Yin, Managing Director of Oneness Purification Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Mr Pan Hailong, General Manager of Jiangsu Taiyuan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd; Mr Charles Yap, CEO of Best Environmental Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and Mr Yu Benhong, Deputy General Manager of Chongqing Sanfeng Technology Co. Ltd, also shared their expertise. They discussed topics such as water technology research and development, enterprise operations, and innovative solutions for water industry challenges.

In his closing remarks, Secretary General of the ACEF Water Committee Mr Liu Yuanjun emphasised the success of the forum in demonstrating the vast potential for future China-Malaysia collaboration in water affairs. He noted that ACEF would continue to work closely with UTAR and Malaysian industry stakeholders to explore new opportunities for cooperation. The forum, he added, set a valuable model for future collaborations and provided significant momentum for the green transformation of the global water sector.