The Centre for Water Engineering and Technology (CWET) at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, marked another significant milestone in international engagement when it was invited to participate in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Bridging Policy and Practice for Wastewater in Floating Settlements”
Organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the one-day event was held at the Zenith Hotel, Putrajaya, with support from the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund on 2 July 2025.
CWET was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Azrulhisham Engku Mohamed and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Shakir Mohd Saudi, who shared their expertise in sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
The invitation by UN-Habitat stands as a testament to CWET’s growing recognition as a leading institution in solving global water challenges, particularly in underserved and complex environments such as floating settlements.
The FGD was officiated by Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, Chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), and brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders.
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), its key agencies, academia, industry, and civil society organisations. The event aimed to bridge the gap between national wastewater policies and the realities on the ground, particularly in marginalised communities residing in floating settlements.
The discussions covered critical aspects such as institutional and policy frameworks, technical standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs), stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and strategies for financing, capacity building, and long-term sustainability.
CWET’s participation contributed valuable insights into the development of practical, fit-for-purpose wastewater management systems tailored to the unique needs of floating communities.
The FGD also supported global commitments under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water), as well as the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.
CWET’s engagement highlights the role of academic institutions in advancing inclusive environmental governance and co-developing solutions with government and international partners.
“CWET is proud to be part of this important dialogue. Floating settlements represent a growing concern in both environmental and public health domains.
“Our participation reflects our commitment to apply technical expertise to address real-world problems and shape policies for inclusive and sustainable water management,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Engku.
With its continued involvement in national and international dialogues, CWET reaffirms its strategic role in supporting Malaysia’s and global environmental aspirations and promoting water resilience through innovation, capacity development, and collaboration.
