The 1st Sustainable Development Webinar organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) together with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), and Institut Teknologi Nasional (ITN) Malang, Indonesia was successfully held on 11th November 2020 via Cisco Webex. The theme of the webinar was “Towards Sustainable Housing” and had attracted over 300 attendees among academic staff, researchers, and students who actively participated during the live Q&A session.
The opening remark was delivered by the Vice Rector III of Institut Teknologi Nasional (ITN) Malang Indonesia, Faourry Handoko. Three speakers delivered a range of sustainable and affordable housing topics covering liveability of high-density housing (Dr. Wilson Rangga Anthony Jiram, UTM); purchasing behaviour of the millennial towards eco-friendly home (Dr. Maranatha Wijayaningtyas, ITN Malang); and investigating problems perceived by the occupants of Malaysian affordable housing (Ts Dr. Mariah Awang, UTHM). The webinar was successfully moderated by Dr. Azizah Ismail (UTM).
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of housing, therefore, by improving housing we can improve lives. The pandemic just exposing how liveable or otherwise, our homes are. Homes, being occupied by more householders for longer periods of time which means the design and layout of houses and apartments, have become increasingly important.
The shortcomings of high-density housing are highlighted by isolation, where housing needs adequate physical space, ventilation, and an appropriate outlook. The pandemic lockdown has reinforced the necessity of having sufficient public open spaces available within walking distance, especially for people living in high-density residential area. The need for people to stay home and be in their local neighbourhood has reaffirmed the importance of strong local communities and the need for appropriate neighbourhood social infrastructure.
The organiser would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the participants for their participation in making the event successful!
Prepared by: Wilson Rangga Anthony Jiram, FABU UTM.