UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) has proudly marked a major milestone in global water sciences with three prestigious international recognitions received during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO Water Sciences, held from June 11 to 13 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The event, which brought together global leaders in hydrology and sustainability, highlighted USM’s exceptional contributions to sustainable water management through its River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC).
USM was awarded a commemorative plaque for its impactful role as the UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in Asia and the Pacific Region. Established in 2020 under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, this Chair continues to serve as a regional hub for promoting sustainable water solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
The Chair’s mandate has been renewed until 31 December 2028, reinforcing USM’s commitment to advancing water education, science, and regional collaboration.
Led by Professor Datuk Dr Nor Azazi Zakaria, the Chair integrates ecohydraulics research with science-based solutions to meet global water challenges. To further strengthen the leadership, Ir. Dr Chang Chun Kiat, Director of REDAC, has been appointed Co-chairholder, officially listed under UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks. His expertise in nature-based solutions and sustainable water infrastructure is set to broaden the Chair’s research impact across Asia Pacific.
This innovative system has enhanced water quality, promoted biodiversity, and increased ecosystem resilience, offering a replicable model for urban water management worldwide. The system fully complies with Malaysia’s Urban Stormwater Management Manual (MSMA) and serves as a national showcase for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
USM acknowledges the strong support from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia and the Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur (HTC-KL) in achieving this milestone. On July 4, USM also received the Ecohydrology Research Award during the National-level World Water Day celebration in Kuantan, Pahang, in further recognition of its designation as a UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Site.
Highlighting its academic excellence, USM has received the UNESCO–IAHR Label for two of its graduate programmes:
– Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in River and Urban Drainage Management
– Master of Science (MSc) in River and Urban Drainage Management
This label acknowledges USM’s rigorous academic standards and its commitment to nurturing highly skilled professionals to address pressing water challenges. The programmes, offered through REDAC, cover key areas including river management, urban drainage, hydroinformatics, and environmental hydraulics, and are open to both local and international students.
USM REDAC’s enduring partnership with UNESCO continues to shape water-related policy, education, and training across Southeast Asia. These recognitions not only elevate USM’s global standing but also reaffirm the university’s mission to champion sustainable water management through research, education, and innovation for generations to come.
USM also expressed its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) Programme for their continuous support, which has been instrumental in REDAC’s sustained success and global impact in advancing sustainable urban water management.
Pix courtesy of USM