Water is not merely a resource, but a lifeline essential for all. For Professor lr. Ts. Dr. Teo Fang Yenn and his team, championing water security is both a passion and a responsibility that spans from local communities to national interests.

His groundbreaking revolves around the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) Malaysia Water Awareness Programme, an initiative that goes beyond textbooks and lecture halls, to inculcate action, awareness, and leadership among youth and the wider community.

Semenyih River as a Living Classroom

Professor Teo and his team raise awareness on river conservation by educating students and local communities to protect the Semenyih River.

 
From 2017, UNM has championed the message of ‘River as the Lifeline for Sustainability’, focused on the Semenyih River, which flows past the campus, and part of the Langat River basin serves millions across the Klang Valley. Unfortunately, the river faces growing threats, from microplastics to diesel pollutants, which harm both local ecosystems and the livelihoods.  

The programme aims to cultivate new sustainability advocates, by transforming students and residents into water stewards. Through workshops, field excursions, and community engagements, participants learn about the impacts of climate change, pollution, forest conservation, and biodiversity, witnessing firsthand how these challenges affect their own backyards! 

On nurturing future water leaders, Professor Teo expresses that “youth and community empowerment is the key to building resilient, effective, and capable water management leaders. When we take ownership of local rivers, they become catalyst for broader environmental change, and a more sustainable future.” 

Building A Community of Changemaker

Through partnership with government agencies, private sector partners, and topical experts, it forms a coalition of changemakers united in protecting Malaysia's precious water resources. 

The UNM & UNESCO IHP Water Awareness Programme focuses on experiential, action-oriented, hands-on learning, turning awareness to action.

 
This initiative exemplifies Professor Teo and his team’s commitment, reflecting UNM’s aspiration to empower socially responsible individuals who value sustainable water practices. It also reinforces the university's role as an innovation hub and community leader, offering a promising blueprint for conserving other river ecosystems. 

As rivers continue pulsing with life, UNM's Water Awareness Programme is ensuring the next generation stands ready to protect the flow of life, and lead Malaysia towards a better tomorrow.