JOHOR BAHRU, 5 June – In conjunction with World Environment Day on 5 June 2025, an online forum titled “Empowering People for the Planet: Local Solutions for Global Sustainability—Insights from Malaysia and Bhutan” was successfully held by the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA). This meaningful initiative, jointly organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), brought together a full house of engaged participants from both Malaysia and Bhutan. The forum served as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, highlighting grassroots strategies and community-driven solutions that contribute to global sustainability goals.
The forum was moderated by Professor Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor, Director of IPASA, and featured a total of four distinguished panellists—two from Malaysia and two from Bhutan. Representing Malaysia were Ms. Melissa Tan, a climate action and sustainability advocate and ambassador for EarthDay.org, and Associate Professor Dr. Choong Weng Wai, IPASA, UTM, a leading expert in environmental behaviour and a Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM). From Bhutan, the panel included Professor Bhagat Suberi, a forestry expert and Head of the Department of Forest Science at the College of Natural Resources, who leads research in sustainable forest management and carbon dynamics, and Professor Chogyel Wangmo, an environmental scientist at the same institution, known for her work in climate resilience, sustainability, and community-based environmental research.
Several key insights were shared throughout the presentations and panel discussions, all aimed at charting pathways for both Malaysia and Bhutan towards a more sustainable future. The topics covered were broad yet highly relevant, providing actionable references for addressing each country’s distinct environmental challenges. Discussions ranged from empowering local communities, environmental education, and policy enforcement to ESG practices and grassroots engagement—highlighting Bhutan’s mountain ecosystem protection efforts and Malaysia’s river conservation initiatives.
The forum concluded with powerful take-home messages, emphasising that real impact begins when knowledge is transformed into action. It was highlighted that everyone holds the capacity and influence to drive change, and taking the first step—no matter how small—should never be underestimated. The importance of translating knowledge into meaningful action was underscored, particularly through co-creation and by empowering local communities to be the drivers of their own solutions. Notably, Bhutan and Malaysia were recognised as sharing many commonalities, suggesting that continued collaboration and mutual learning could significantly enhance sustainability outcomes in both nations. Furthermore, greater involvement through education and the exchange of knowledge was identified as crucial for building long-term environmental resilience.
This forum, as the first collaborative effort between UTM and RUB, marks the beginning of a promising partnership rooted in shared values of sustainability and community empowerment. The forum not only facilitated meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives between the two institutions. It is hoped that this engagement will serve as a catalyst for deeper academic, research, and grassroots partnerships, advancing environmental resilience and sustainable development in both Malaysia and Bhutan. The recorded live forum is available for viewing at the official Facebook page of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability & Water Security-IPASA: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Dgs3vrVf8/.