USM’S UNESCO CHAIR ON ECOHYDRAULICS RENEWED UNTIL 2028, NEW CO-CHAIRHOLDER JOINS LEADERSHIP

GEORGE TOWN, June 19 - The mandate of the UNESCO Chair on Ecohydraulics for Sustainable Water Infrastructures for SDG 6 in the Asia and the Pacific Region at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been renewed until 31 December 2028.

The renewal reflects USM’s leadership in water education, science, and management across the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable water research, education, and regional collaboration.

Established in 2020 under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, the Chair continues to serve as a regional hub for promoting sustainable water infrastructure aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Led by Professor Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria as Chairholder, the Chair has been instrumental in integrating ecohydraulics research with science-based solutions to meet global water challenges.

The Chair has been instrumental in integrating ecohydraulics research with science-based solutions to meet global water challenges and the renewed term is expected to further elevate its role in research, training, as well as the policy impact.

To strengthen the leadership team, Director of the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC), Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Chang Chun Kiat, has been appointed as the new Co-chairholder and is now listed in the official register of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks.

Dr. Chang, a specialist in sustainable water infrastructure and environmental hydraulics, is expected to broaden the Chair’s research agenda and deepen engagement with regional stakeholders, especially in areas involving nature-based solutions and technical capacity building.

According to him, the Chair’s renewed mandate and new leadership appointment reflect USM’s dedication to impactful research, innovation, and education, while also reaffirming its role as a key partner within the global UNESCO water science community.

“This development further positions USM as a leading institution in water-related research and education in the region, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable and resilient water systems worldwide,” he said.

Text: Siti Faizah Abdul Halim/Photo: Courtesy of River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre