17.2.1 TVET UniTY Program – Green House of Worship Transformation Initiative

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), through the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Technology, collaborated with the management committee of Masjid Al-Mursyid Guring to implement the Program Transformasi Masjid Kepada Rumah Ibadat Hijau (Green House of Worship Transformation Program) on 9 November 2024. This initiative forms part of the TVET UniTY Program, which promotes community engagement and sustainable practices through technical education.

A total of 26 students from the EMT20105 – Building Electrical System Maintenance course participated in the program, working closely with mosque representatives to improve the mosque’s energy and water efficiency. Activities included:

1. Replacing conventional lighting with energy-saving LED bulbs,
2. Installing Smart Wi-Fi switches for better energy control, and
3. Installing water-efficient ablution taps to reduce water consumption.

This collaboration exemplifies UniMAP’s effort to build partnerships between academia and the local community in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative not only strengthened UniMAP’s engagement with local stakeholders but also promoted awareness of sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

Through this partnership, UniMAP contributed to SDG 17.2.1 – Relationships to support the goals, demonstrating how academic expertise and technical education can empower communities to adopt greener, more sustainable practices.

(More info: TVET UniTY Program)

17.2.2 Cross-Sectoral SDG Dialogues through International Conferences

In 2024, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively initiated and participated in cross-sectoral dialogues on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by hosting and co-organizing major international conferences that brought together participants from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), industry, and academia.

Key events included CENVIRON 2024, ICoBiomasSE 2024, ELECRiS 2024, and ICONGEET 2024. These conferences served as collaborative platforms for knowledge exchange and innovation on sustainability issues. Discussions and presentations addressed a range of SDGs, including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Industry, Innovation, and Green Technology (SDG 9).

Through these multi-stakeholder engagements, UniMAP demonstrated its commitment to advancing sustainable development by fostering dialogue, partnerships, and practical solutions across sectors. The outcomes from these conferences contributed to strengthening local and regional capacity for sustainability, aligning with SDG 17.2.2 – Cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs.

(More info: GTEST 2024, CENVIRON 2024, ELECRiS 2024)

17.2.3 International Collaboration on SDG Data, Research, and Community Engagement

In 2024, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively engaged in international collaborations to generate, measure, and share data supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UniMAP researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Geopolymer & Green Technology (CEGeoGTech) conducted funded experiments at the Thailand Synchrotron National Laboratory (SLRI). The research focused on eco-friendly solder materials and green geopolymer composites, generating sustainability data relevant to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The findings support Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan and National Semiconductor Strategy, contributing to international scientific data sharing for sustainable industrial innovation. (Newspaper article)
(More info: Thailand Synchrotron National Lab Research Collaboration)

UniMAP hosted the RUTS–UniMAP Collaboration Camp 2024 (13–17 May), engaging 72 participants in academic discussions, innovation workshops, and cultural exchanges. The partnership continued with the Smart Farm Camp 2024 at Rattaphum College, RUTS on 14 August, focusing on data collection and measurement for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These initiatives strengthened cross-border cooperation in sustainability research and innovation.
(More info: RUTS–UniMAP Collaboration Camp 2024)

In collaboration with UNUSA and the Malaysian Ministry of Education, UniMAP participated in an international community service program at Sekolah Kebangsaan Guar Jentik, Negeri Perlis. Participants from three nationality schools received training on clean water and simple community technologies. The program included data collection and analysis of water quality, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
(More info: UNUSA–UniMAP International Community Service)

Through these collaborations, UniMAP demonstrates its commitment to advancing global sustainability through international partnerships, applied research, and data-driven initiatives, fulfilling the criteria of SDG 17.2.3 – International collaboration on gathering or measuring data for the SDGs.

17.2.4 International Collaboration for SDG Best Practices: SEA Workshop 2024

In 2024, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), through the Centre of Excellence for Biomass Utilization (CoEBU), advanced international collaboration on SDG best practices by participating in the SEA Workshop on Environmentally Green Technology for Sustainable Development and Net Zero Emission, hosted by National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (29 October–9 November 2024).

The workshop brought together experts and participants from multiple countries to share knowledge and strategies on renewable energy, CO₂ capture, waste-to-value technologies, and green energy applications. UniMAP’s participation facilitated knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and academic networking, contributing to capacity building and the dissemination of best practices in sustainable development. This initiative supports global SDG implementation, demonstrating UniMAP’s commitment to advancing sustainability through international partnerships and cooperation.
(More info: International Joint Research and Training Workshop on Environmentally Green Technology, ICoBiomasSE 2024)

17.2.5 University–NGO Collaboration to Support SDG Implementation

In 2024, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively engaged in partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support SDG-related initiatives, reflecting SDG 17.2.5 – Collaboration with civil society organizations.

The UniMAP Volunteers Club (UVoC) partnered with Indera Youth, mobilizing student volunteers to conduct community education activities in October 2024. This initiative enhanced civic engagement and fostered community development while strengthening the partnership between students and civil society organizations.
(More info: Projek Ruang Edukasi (Fasa 3))

UniMAP, in collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah (YH), launched the “Anak Kita” research programme, supported by a grant of nearly RM5 million. Led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Sara Yasina Yusuf, the programme involves over 100 schools in Kedah and builds upon prior YH-funded research in Perlis. It demonstrates UniMAP’s commitment to evidence-based educational research, advancing national education policy and supporting SDG outcomes in quality education and community development.
(More info: "Anak Kita" Research program)

Through these partnerships, UniMAP demonstrates active engagement with NGOs and community organizations, leveraging academic expertise and student involvement to support sustainable development goals at the community and national levels.