Annual Review 2018 | Page 41

MONASH UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEME In 2017, we provided seed funding to support research and development projects that will contribute to the sustainable development of the community where we are located. The key themes identified were: > environmental sustainability – Reducing carbon footprint > waste management > energy and water sustainability > safe and resilient communities > improving health, well-being and work/study experience of staff and students > social/gender equality and inclusive development. Findings from the funded studies were presented at the World Urban Forum. World Urban Forum While Sunway City has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 30 years, the Sunway Group is still taking steps to improve the sustainability of its township by engaging the expertise of our researchers. Three Monash University Malaysia projects (managing traffic congestion and environmental pollution; sustainable river management; and energy sustainability within Sunway City) were showcased at the ninth gathering of the World Urban Forum in Kuala Lumpur during a networking session titled ‘Sunway City - Wasteland to Wonderland (ST3: Climate Responsive Cities)’. Ageing in Sunway City: A holistic approach towards improving health and wellbeing Monash−Sunway decarbonisation initiative: Microalgae farming and native tree planting Aligned with the theme of improving health and well-being, this project is studying the ageing population in Sunway City and its vicinity to identify key environmental and genetic factors that are affecting their health and longevity. It will harness local expertise, establish linkages with the Sunway Group and use technological advances and personal monitoring devices to improve life for the over-60s in the community. More than 50% of the world population lives in cities where approximately 70% of the total global carbon dioxide gas emissions are associated with urban development. Sunway Group has taken the lead to enable development in Malaysia that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals. This initiative is looking into utilising microalgae and trees to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Subsequently, an air quality and psychology nexus will be established to evaluate its impact on the community. Researchers: Associate Professor Qasim Ayub, Associate Professor Teh Pei Lee, Associate Professor Alexandre Rene Schaefer, Professor Shajahan Yasin, Associate Professor Tan Chee Pin, Dr Vineetha Kalavally, Associate Professor Lee Sui Mae, Dr Yek Sze Huei, Professor Sadequr Rahman, Professor Pervaiz K Ahmed and co-researchers from Sunway Integrated Properties, Sunway Sustainability Solutions and Sunway Medical Centre Researchers: Dr Foo Su Chern, Professor Sadequr Rahman, Associate Professor Chong Meng Nan, Dr Saman Ilankoon, Dr Ooi Chien Wei, Dr Yek Sze Huei, Dr Wong Zhi Hoong, Associate Professor Motoki Watabe and Associate Professor Tam Cai Lian 40