Introduction of Chair (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in Asia and the Pacific
A green and sustainable urban stormwater management system known as the Bio-Ecological Drainage System (BIOECODS) was designed and constructed at the USM Engineering Campus, Penang in 2001 as a national pilot project. BIOECODS addresses three major challenges commonly encountered in Malaysia, namely flash floods, river pollution, and water scarcity. Its implementation supports the preservation of the natural characteristics of existing river ecosystems.
The national pilot project has continuously received national and international visitors, and nearly 20 BIOECODS projects have since been implemented throughout Peninsular Malaysia, mainly for government development projects. The system has received positive responses from developers, engineers, regulators, planners, and other stakeholders, and has become a reference model for sustainable stormwater management practices. Based on its active involvement and contributions in water security and sustainable water infrastructure, Universiti Sains Malaysia was awarded the UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in the Asia and the Pacific Region for four years beginning in 2020.
The UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in Asia and the Pacific has been awarded to Universiti Sains Malaysia for four (4) years, from October 2020 to October 2024. UNESCO has appointed Dato’ Dr Nor Azazi Zakaria, Honorary Professor at REDAC (former Director of REDAC), as the Chairholder to lead the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) UNESCO Chair. This appointment is the third UNESCO Chair to be awarded to Malaysia.
Title of the Chair/Network:
UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in Asia and the Pacific
Host Institution:
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang
c/o River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC)
Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang
Date of Establishment of Chair/Network: October 2020
Renewal of the UNESCO Chair (2025–2028)
Following the successful completion of its first appoinment, UNESCO has officially renewed the agreement of the UNESCO Chair at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The renewed mandate shall remain valid until 31 December 2028.
Under the renewed UNESCO agreement, Professor Dato’ Dr Nor Azazi Zakaria remains as the Chairholder, and Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Chang Chun Kiat to serve as the Co-Chairholder. The Chair will continue to contribute to UNESCO’s priorities in water education, water science, and sustainable water management. The renewal reflects international recognition of USM’s sustained commitment to advancing SDG 6 and strengthening regional collaboration in sustainable water infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific.
CONTACT :
Dato Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria
Chairholder/ Honorary Professor at REDAC USM
or
Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr Chang Chun Kiat
Co-Chairholder/ Senior Lecturer/
REDAC Director
redac10@usm.my
Article :
https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2020/12/usm-terpilih-terajui-kursi-unesco/
https://www.kosmo.com.my/2020/12/17/usm-terpilih-terajui-kursi-unesco/