USM RECEIVES ECOHYDROLOGY RESEARCH AWARD AT WORLD WATER DAY 2025 CELEBRATION

KUANTAN, July 5 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable research after receiving the Ecohydrology Research Award at the National-level World Water Day 2025 celebration held at Dataran Sayangi Kuantan, Pahang today.

The award recognises USM’s achievement in obtaining UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Site status in 2024 for its BIOECODS system located at the USM Engineering Campus.

Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, Director of the Engineering Campus, accepted the award on behalf of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed. The award was presented by Chairman of the Pahang State Committee on Investment, Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Dato' Mohamad Nizar Mohamad Najib.

Also, in attendance was PETRA's Deputy Secretary General (Water), Dato' Mohd Rodzwan Mohd Baba Sakri.

USM, through the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC), played a significant role in the event in condicting the Water Sustainability Module training, introducing participants to the use of biological indicators.

During the same event, REDAC had also participated in the exhibition, showcasing the UNESCO-recognised BIOECODS system as a sustainable solution in urban water management.

YB Mohamad Nizar also visited the REDAC USM exhibition booth and was briefed on the scientific value and impact of the BIOECODS system as a UNESCO-recognised demonstration site.

Earlier, USM marked a major milestone on the global stage by receiving three prestigious recognitions during the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO Water Sciences held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris from 11 to 13 June.

The three recognitions are the Commemorative Recognition of the UNESCO Chair in Ecohydraulics, the Recognition of the UNESCO Ecohydrology Demonstration Site at the USM Engineering Campus, and the UNESCO–IAHR Label for Water Training and Education.

According to the Director of REDAC, Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Chang Chun Kiat, these achievements reflect USM’s continued commitment to advancing the global sustainability agenda, particularly in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on clean water and sanitation.

World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of water resource conservation and sustainable development.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Courtesy of REDAC USM