In a bid to promote sustainable practices within its community, the International Medical University proudly launched the Go Green Campaign at its Dewan Chancellor on 20 February 2024. The event, marked by a dynamic combination of thought-provoking speeches, an insightful forum and interactive booths, served as a rallying point for students and faculty to join hands in the collective pursuit of a greener future.
The launch ceremony commenced with a welcoming note by Prof Abdul Aziz Baba (Vice Chancellor IMU), who commended the IMU S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S (IMU Students/Staff Taking Environmental Wellness Actions and Responsible Development for Sustainability) for committing themselves to champion the Sustainability efforts within IMU and taking this key step, to lead the university towards achieving our Sustainability goals, notably in an area where every single IMU citizen has a part to play on bringing action for a greener and healthier campus environment.
Prof Aziz further elaborated that “the IMU Go Green Launch is not just about launching a new initiative but about igniting a spark of change within our campus community. It’s about recognising our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. And most importantly, it’s about taking concrete steps towards building a better and more sustainable future, starting right here in our own home ground”.
The welcoming note was closely followed by a keynote address delivered by Dr Sham Razak (ex-Director of the Academy of UN Global Compact), a prominent figure in the field of environmental advocacy. With the presentation titled “Healing with Purpose: Embracing Sustainability in Healthcare”, Dr Sham Razak captivated the audience with his profound insights and impassioned call-to-action, emphasizing the critical role that individuals play in shaping a more sustainable world.
Highlight of Go Green Campaign Launch
A highlight of the event was an enlightening forum on sustainability titled “Carbon Neutral Campus: What and How?” where panelists from various disciplines consisting of Dr Sham Razak, Razak Abdul Aziz (SEEDS Malaysia), Sugitha Kanniaseelan (Worldwide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), S Suresh A/L Santhalingam (IMU) and A/Prof Dr Wong Chiew Yen (IMU) converged to discuss pressing environmental challenges faced by campuses and explore innovative solutions.
FORUM PANELLISTS
Dr Sham Razak, Razak Abdul Aziz (SEEDS Malaysia)
Sugitha Kanniaseelan (Worldwide Fund for Nature-Malaysia)
S Suresh A/L Santhalingam (IMU)
A/Prof Dr Wong Chiew Yen (IMU)
Throughout the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to engage with multiple booths showcasing informative infographics and interactive displays on various aspects of sustainability.
The exhibition booths consisted of the IMU Go Green initiatives focusing on Energy, Water and Waste. The “Energy Avengers”, “Wasteful Waste”, “H2O Heroes”, “Did-You-Know Discovery”, “Sustainability Café”, “Sustainability Market”, “Green Fusion” are amongst some of the initiatives that have rolled out their calendar of activities.
Invited industry and community partners/collaborators such as Eijau, SEEDS Malaysia, RIMBA and Q3 Solutions shared inspiring insights on their endeavours for a healthier environment.
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among participants. The launch of the Go Green Campaign represents not just a momentous event, but a catalyst for lasting change within the IMU community. By uniting behind a shared vision of sustainability, we have embarked on a transformative journey towards a greener, more resilient future.
Written by Goh Li Lian (FIS123)
IMU Cares Student Advocate
