Industry-Academic Synergy Reaffirms ESG Commitment and Supports National Carbon Reduction Goals by Preserving SDG 15 - Life On Land
SHAH ALAM, 18 MAY 2022 – The Selangor State Development Corporation or Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to preserve 85.3 acres of the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) which is owned by PKNS. Located in Bandar Sierra Alam, the PKNS Community Forest will serve as a green lung and ecological corridor.
“The SACF is a green lung beloved by people of all ages. Recognising this natural treasure’s biodiversity and role in the mitigation of climate change, we believe in doing our part in its conservation. This is in line with PKNS’ efforts to adopt ESG best practices and create a better life for all. We are excited to embark on this partnership with UiTM and hope to inspire industry peers to participate in similar collaborations which produce solutions that benefit the community at large,” remarked PKNS CEO, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas, at the signing ceremony.
The parties to the MoU have agreed to the following:
1. PKNS will be responsible for nurturing PKNS Community Forest as a “living lab” for the advancement of research projects by UiTM lecturers and students;
2. PKNS will facilitate internship placements and management of industrial training opportunities for UiTM students to garner real world industry exposure;
3. PKNS will jointly organise knowledge transfer programmes focused on sustainability, netzero carbon and environmental sustainability;
4. UiTM brings to the table its research and consulting capabilities related to town management and amenities, urban socio-economy, tourism and recreation among other relevant fields;
5. UiTM will also assist PKNS in the sustainable management and development of its designated PKNS Community Forest area located at Bandar Sierra Alam;
6. UiTM will provide in-service training for the up-skilling of PKNS employees.
Also, in the pipeline is a plan by PKNS and UiTM to apply the ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) conservation approach to the designated community forest area under its care. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines OECMs as a geographically defined area other than a protected area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes.
To achieve this, a joint task force comprising PKNS and UiTM representatives will be formed to submit an application to the Southeast Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) to categorise the PKNS Community Forest as an authorised OECM. SEARPP is an organisation which facilitates world-class scientific research addressing major environmental issues. The authorisation will be significant in increasing recognition and support for effective long-term conservation efforts at the PKNS Community Forest.
Weighing in on the MoU, UiTM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), YBhg Prof Datin Dr Suhana Sulaiman, shared that in addition to conservation, the partnership paves the way for quality education (SDG 4) through stronger industry-academic collaborative ties. “UiTM is very honoured to be part of a partnership that addresses global climate concerns. The space created by this MoU enables the sharing of ideas, knowledge, research outcomes and training that will provide a value-added teaching and learning experience to our academics and students alike,” said Prof Datin Dr Suhana.
“Incorporating sustainable business models is now critical to any organisation. There’s a lot of work to be done to achieve the milestones outlined in this MoU. With UiTM’s research capabilities and PKNS’ resources, we look forward to supporting the United Nation’s SDG15 in relation to ‘Life on Land’ through our conservation efforts in the PKNS Community Forest under our care,” concluded Dato’ Mahmud.
The MoU was signed by Dato’ Mahmud on behalf of PKNS and Prof Datin Dr Suhana, representing UiTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Ts Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor. The event was witnessed by PKNS Deputy CEO (Corporate & Entrepreneur), Haji Suhaimi Kasdon and the Dean of UiTM’s Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Prof TPr Dr Jamalunlaili Abdullah.
The partnership between PKNS and UiTM is timely as the nation strives to fulfil its carbon reduction target of 45% by 2030, and achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050.
