JOHOR BAHRU, 2 October – Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md. Din, Director of the UTM Campus Sustainability Office (UTMCS), took center stage at the parallel session of the UTM World Technology Universities Congress (WTUC) 2024, delivering a powerful presentation titled ‘Sustainability Practices & Navigating Towards ESF Campus Transformation’.
In his presentation, Prof. Fadhil emphasized that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer just corporate buzzwords—they are rapidly becoming critical pillars in reshaping the values and operations of higher education institutions. As educational systems face new pressures to adapt, ESG practices are increasingly seen as essential in ensuring that the core business of learning and research outcomes remains aligned with societal needs and environmental stewardship.
Prof. Fadhil explored how universities, including UTM, are navigating the complex terrain of sustainability by integrating ESG principles into their daily operations. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that not only adopts sustainable practices but also actively contributes to the transformation of campus ecosystems, enhancing both the academic experience and planetary health. He pointed out that there is often a disconnect between existing campus frameworks and the broader concept of Planetary Health education, which seeks to create a harmonious relationship between human well-being and the health of our planet.
Throughout his talk, Prof. Fadhil acknowledged several challenges to implementing ESG-focused transformations, including issues related to funding limitations and resistance to change within institutions. However, he also highlighted the opportunities for innovation, especially through the adoption of cutting-edge technology and collaborative initiatives that align with sustainability goals. He shared insightful case studies and best practices, underscoring how campuses around the world have successfully integrated ESG into their strategic planning and daily operations, offering a comprehensive blueprint for other institutions seeking to lead in this area.
The WTUC 2024 event is a flagship program under UTM International, designed to bring global thought leaders to the UTM campus. It is one of four high-impact UTM initiatives aimed at fostering international collaboration. The congress is organized by the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN), a global coalition of 18 technology universities dedicated to addressing 21st-century challenges through innovative research and the development of the next generation of global citizens. As a founding member of WTUN, UTM has played a pivotal role in shaping the network’s mission to engage in challenge-led research that benefits society while driving sustainable solutions for the future.
