27 November 2023: CeTMA, with its unwavering dedication, is actively contributing to the transformation of the academic landscape, aligning it with sustainability goals. In a recent global roundtable discussion on "Raising Awareness on Climate Change Policy and Law Education," organized by the esteemed Climate Change Law Research Unit (CLIMATE) and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, CeTMA's commitment to change emerged as a focal point.
Represented by Associate Prof Dr Masnita Misiran, CeTMA articulated its role in shaping a sustainable academic future. Dr Masnita emphasized the need for a gradual yet impactful shift in educational paradigms. CeTMA's approach involves a thoughtful integration of interdisciplinary studies, real-world applications, and technology to effectively address climate challenges within the higher education sector.
During the session, CeTMA shared the platform with esteemed panelists Mr Gurmit Singh KS from the Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia, and Dr Elina Mohd representing the Alor Setar Municipal Council. The moderator for the session was Assoc Prof Dr Ani Munirah Mohamad, a distinguished researcher at CLIMATE.
CeTMA shed light on its Living Campus agenda, outlining plans for a sustainable campus by 2030. The agenda encompasses green talent cultivation, resource conservation, transparent governance, and increased visibility of sustainability initiatives. CeTMA's commitment reflects a practical, measured stance toward fostering positive change.
Additionally, the discussion touched upon policy advocacy, community engagement, and the crucial role students play as agents of change. In her concluding remarks, Dr Masnita underscored the transformative potential of student empowerment for global impact. She encouraged a ripple effect approach, starting from individual efforts and expanding to friends, family, community, and the global arena. Dr Masnita stressed the importance of balanced knowledge consumption, promoting sustainable practices in daily activities such as fashion choices, leisure activities, and volunteering.
In a resounding finale, Dr Masnita advocated for a paradigm shift in daily conversations. She urged the audience to move from a victim mindset to an empowerment mindset, from focusing on what and why to strategizing how and when, from attributing responsibility to collective responsibility, and from assigning blame to seeking continuous improvement.
