📝 Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted the Wacana Intelektual Madani Series 4, a forum that brought together global leaders to discuss a sustainable future. The event highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and collective commitment in addressing environmental challenges, with Japan’s culture of cleanliness and discipline cited as a compelling example. The forum emphasized the need for sustained action to address the climate crisis, with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol providing direction.
KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 14 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to lead global intellectual discourse through the successful convening of Wacana Intelektual Madani Series 4/2026. The programme, co-organised by Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) and the UTM Council of Professors (MPUTM), was held under the theme “MJIIT Insights: Learn From Each Other.”
The event was graced by the presence of Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economics) and Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The highlight of the forum featured an engaging deep-dive discussion by two esteemed panellists, Emeritus Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Chairman of Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and His Excellency (Dr.) Masahiko Horie, Former Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, skillfully moderated by Dr. Farah Liana Mohd Redzuan, Manager (External & Global Engagement), MJIIT.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, emphasised in his welcoming remarks, “Forums such as this are not merely academic exercises; they are intellectual movements. They shape how we think, how we collaborate, and how we envision the future.”
The programme concluded with a strong call to action by YBrs. Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurulakmar Binti Abu Husain, Dean of Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), expressed appreciation to all speakers and collaborators. She reaffirmed MJIIT’s commitment to translating dialogue into impact, positioning the institute as a catalyst for ideas that drive meaningful change for both the university and society.
A key reflection of the forum centred on the interconnected role of local practices and global frameworks in addressing environmental challenges. Japan’s culture of cleanliness and discipline was highlighted as a compelling example, where maintaining public spaces is not enforced, but internalised as a shared societal responsibility.
This collective mindset demonstrates how small, consistent individual actions can scale into significant environmental impact. The discussion further referenced global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. While such agreements provide direction, the forum reinforced that lasting solutions ultimately depend on sustained individual responsibility supported by collective commitment.
As a leading global university, UTM remains steadfast in its role as a platform for knowledge exchange and critical dialogue. The Wacana Madani series continues to serve not only as an academic forum but as a driving force toward a more sustainable, resilient, and forward-thinking future.
Prepared by Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)
