COSDEM 2025 CATALYSES GREEN INITIATIVES FOR THE NATION

NIBONG TEBAL, 12 September 2025 - The Conference on Sustainable Development through Education Malaysia (COSDEM) 2025, held here today, placed the spotlight on single-use plastics as a global challenge that must be addressed through education and lifestyle changes.

Penang State Executive Councillor for Housing and Environment, Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo a/l Somu, said this year’s theme, “Combat Single Use Plastic”, is highly relevant to sustainability agendas at the state, national and global levels.

“Single-use plastics pose a major threat to the environment, human health and the well-being of future generations. Studies show that millions of tonnes of plastics end up in the ocean each year, harming marine life and ecosystems worldwide,” he said.

He stressed that the theme not only highlights waste reduction, but also calls for a shift in mindset and lifestyle, with education serving as the key to nurturing responsible, aware and creative younger generations capable of finding sustainable solutions.

Sundarajoo added that the initiative aligns with the Penang2030 development agenda, and the nation’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

He also urged teachers and students to become sustainability ambassadors by practising the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and spreading awareness on reducing single-use plastics within their communities.

Meanwhile, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, USM Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, said that as Malaysia’s Apex University, sustainability remains a core identity of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

She said USM’s commitment has been recognised internationally, with the university consistently listed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for the SDGs.

“In addition, the university has implemented various initiatives including the Zero Waste Campus, renewable energy research, green technology development and sustainability-based education. These efforts demonstrate that universities can serve as agents of change towards building a more environmentally responsible society,” she said.

Also present, Chairman of the Green Educators Workgroup (GREW) and President of the Penang Green Educators Association, Khou Jerome, expressed appreciation to all parties who contributed directly and indirectly to the success of COSDEM 2025.

“My heartfelt thanks go to my team at GREW, Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as strategic partners including local authorities, NGOs, corporate partners and all who worked hand in hand to make COSDEM 2025 a success,” he said.

The one-day COSDEM 2025 conference gathered academics, students, government agencies and industry representatives in a joint effort to strengthen the role of education as the foundation for sustainable national development.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman