By Nadia Sapuan
Pictures by Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 9 May 2017 – UKM’s Institute of Climate Change (IPI) Director, Prof Dato’ Dr Sharifah Mastura Syed Abdullah became Malaysia’s first Professor of Environmental Sustainability Wan Fatimah, sponsored by Dato ‘Nik & Associates Sdn Bhd (DNA Sdn Bhd).

The sponsorship, valued at RM728,000 for a period of two years, will see Prof Datuk Dr Sharifah playing the advisory role to a research titled Spatial Analysis on Coastal Line Changes.

“We are conducting a research project about the sea and coastal lines as it has the potential to cause probelmes to the surrounding community.

“Therefore, my role as an advisor is to ensure that any impact to the community, is minimized,” she explained adding that the research will also see a new system of land reclaimation implemented.

Meanwhile, UKM Board of Directors Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad said UKM’s cooperation with the private sector in terms of university research is important because it helps the university to generate income and simultaneously contribute to the betterment of the country.

Also present at the ceremony is DNA Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato’ Ir Dr Nik Mohd Kamel Nik Hassan and UKM Pro-Vice Chancellor of Strategic and Corporate Development, Prof Dato’ Ir Dr Mohd Marzuki Mustaffa.