UTAR hosts UKM delegation for return benchmarking visit on
scheduled waste management

UTAR Kampar Campus successfully hosted a return benchmarking visit on 12 December 2025, by representatives from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), focusing on scheduled waste management. This visit followed UTAR’s initial benchmarking visit to UKM on 18 September 2025, strengthening ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange. The return visit was organised by the Faculty of Science (FSc) through the Lab Management & Safety Administration (LMSA).

The programme included a welcome address by FSc Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, and a presentation by UTAR’s certified Competent Person for Scheduled Waste Management, Ms Nurul Illiana Mazlishah, who highlighted proper handling, segregation, storage, and disposal of laboratory waste in UTAR. The visit also included UKM head of delegation, Prof Madya ChM Dr Nurul Izzaty binti Hassan, FSc Senior Lab Assistant II Mr Zaini bin Zainul Abidin, and FSc Department of Laboratory Management and Safety Administration Head Dr Ooi Zhong Xian.

During the visit, the delegates toured laboratories within FSc and the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT), providing them with first-hand insights into UTAR’s operational workflows and safety controls. They also visited the Scheduled Waste Storage Room, where UTAR’s systematic approach to waste categorisation, documentation, and storage infrastructure was demonstrated. The tour of UTAR’s Microalgae CO₂ system, greenhouse, Agricultural Park, solar panels, and Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik further showcased UTAR’s sustainability initiatives. The visit concluded at the UTAR Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Centre, showcasing Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Malay traditional practices and highlighting UTAR Hospital’s interdisciplinary academic offerings.

The benchmarking session with UKM served as a valuable validation of UTAR’s established waste management framework. In-depth dialogue and knowledge exchange allowed UTAR to assess its current practices, reinforcing effective strategies while uncovering avenues for greater operational efficiency and sustainability.

Notably, the visit strengthened the standing of UTAR’s “banned” and “use with caution” chemical lists. Feedback from UKM confirmed that these proactive governance tools successfully promote safer laboratory environments, minimise the generation of hazardous waste, and align regulatory adherence with long-term environmental protection.

The benchmarking visit was pivotal in enhancing UTAR’s waste management framework, encouraging continuous improvement through expert-peer evaluation. UTAR is thankful for the insights obtained, as they will directly inform the refinement of SOPs, elevate staff awareness, and further reinforce a culture of safety across all laboratory facilities.

Additionally, the visit reinforced UTAR’s commitment to sustainable operations. This highlighted UTAR’s active participation in such initiatives as essential to harmonising institutional practices with national regulatory standards, environmental stewardship, and sector-wide best practices. Through this initiative, both institutions expressed delight in seeing the collaboration deepened and the successful advancement of scheduled waste management, laboratory safety, and sustainability.