CATEGORY WINNER

Sustainability Leader of the Year Award

Mohamad Faiz Mohd Amin

CATEGORY WINNER Sustainability Leader of the Year Award

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan - Malaysia

""Empowering Change, One Drop at a Time.""


Summary

My commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in over 16 years of dedicated service in environmental sciences, particularly in water and environment. My notable work, under the theme "One Drop of Hope, Ripple Infinite Impact," reflects my continuous efforts to develop innovative solutions to critical environmental challenges. As an Associate Professor and former Dean at the University of Malaysia Kelantan, I have led pivotal projects like the Realtime Water Quality Monitoring System and the Superfood Spirulina Program. These initiatives have not only tackled pressing environmental concerns but have also fostered sustainable community practices. My ability to secure substantial research funding has enabled a wide range of projects that significantly advance water sustainability. My contributions have been recognized with several awards for academic excellence and innovation, underscoring my role in driving sustainable change.

Key People


Dato Prof. Dr. Nik Maheran Nik Mohamed
Professor
University Malaysia Kelantan



Dato Prof. Dr. Noor Azizi Ismail
Professor
University Malaysia Kelantan


Acknowledgements

I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support provided by many who have been instrumental in my journey and achievements. First and foremost, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to my mentor, Dato Prof. Dr. Noor Azizi Ismail, whose wisdom and guidance have been pivotal in my professional growth and accomplishments. His mentorship has been a beacon of inspiration throughout my career.

I also wish to express my profound appreciation to the UMK Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Internationalisation, Dato Prof. Dr. Nik Maheran Nik Mohamed, for her unwavering support and visionary leadership, significantly enriching my academic and research endeavors.

A special thanks goes to my closest teammates, Assoc. Prof. Hanisa, Hasyiya, Roslizawati, and Dr. Sukhairi, whose collaboration and partnership have been indispensable. Their commitment and teamwork have been crucial in supporting me in this journey.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly supportive faculty members at the Faculty of Earth Science—colleagues, staff, and students alike—who have created a nurturing and stimulating environment that fuels continuous learning and innovation. Their camaraderie and encouragement have been vital to my success.

Lastly, I must acknowledge the support of the UMK Chairman, board members, and all top management members, whose support has been a critical enabler in my efforts to advance sustainability and make meaningful contributions to society.

To all mentioned, and to many others who have walked this path with me, thank you for your invaluable contributions and for believing in the vision of a more sustainable world.

Images

With the President of Singapore

With Dr Peter the Germany Ambassador during the German Embassy event in Kuala Lumpur.

After the invited presentation at ISDB Jeddah HQ

Speech during the Malaysia Unesco Cooperation Programme

Giving speech to the USA ambassador representatives in Kelantan, Malaysia.

IMPACT STORY

Impacting lifes

My expertise in sustainable water management has been recently recognized by Singapore, as highlighted in a feature by The Straits Times. This acknowledgment came during a notable event the President of Singapore attended, where my innovative approaches to tackling regional water issues were discussed. This recognition underlines my work's regional and international impact, emphasizing its significance beyond the Malaysian borders.

One of the most impactful aspects of my initiatives is providing clean water to local communities. Through the projects I've led, such as the installation of advanced water quality monitoring systems, we've significantly improved the availability and safety of drinking water. This has enhanced the health and well-being of thousands of residents and fostered a sense of community and cooperation. These projects serve as practical models of how scientific research and community-focused strategies can be effectively combined to solve real-world problems, setting a precedent for future sustainability efforts in the region.

This broader recognition and the tangible outcomes of my projects illustrate my work's profound impact on enhancing life quality through improved water resources. My commitment to sustainable water management continues to influence and inspire actionable change, paving the way for more inclusive and effective environmental stewardship.

LEARNINGS

Lessons learned

I believe effective sustainability leadership hinges on innovation and an understanding of the interconnectedness between human and ecological systems. My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace adaptability, pursue continuous learning, and engage diverse stakeholders. It is vital to prioritize collaboration and focus on long-term impacts over immediate gains, which are essential for achieving substantial and meaningful change. I encourage leaders to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and always to consider the broader effects of their actions.

FUTURE PLANS

What's coming?

In the future, I aim to broaden my research into more comprehensive aspects of environmental sustainability, particularly focusing on climate change adaptation strategies. I plan to initiate new projects that bridge the gap between research and policy-making, ensuring that scientific progress translates into practical policy actions. I am also dedicated to improving educational programs that prepare future generations to address global sustainability challenges effectively. My vision includes creating more robust frameworks for community involvement in environmental decision-making and promoting a pervasive culture of sustainability beyond academic and geographic boundaries.


KEY STATISTICS

11471400

Approximately 11,471,400 liters of clean water have been pumped from two installed groundwater treatment plant by Dr Faiz and his team since March 1, 2023 to 31 of July 2024 to support an estimate 10,000 people consumption.

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