SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL CRISIS OF FLOODING, POLLUTION AND WATER SCARCITY

Bismillahirahmanirrahim.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera.

His Excellency Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Hj. Abdul Rahman Haji Abbas
The Head of the State of Penang
And Y.A.Bhg. Toh Puan dato’ Seri Utama Hajah Majimor Shariff

Profesor Roger A. Falconer
Halcrow Professor of Water Management, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
President of International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)

Yang Berusaha Profesor Nor Azazi Zakaria
Director, River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia cum The Chairman of RIVERS 2011

Distinguished guests, Delegates of RIVERS 2011,
Members of the media, Exhibitors, Ladies and gentlemen.

1.    First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Allah s.w.t for granting us the opportunity to gather here for this closing ceremony.

2.    As the host, I express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency the Head of the State of Penang and Y.A.bhg. Toh Puan on their willingness to spend precious time to join every one of us for this memorable closing of RIVERS 2011. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all presenters and participants of RIVERS 2011 for your participation and presence. The organization of this conference marks another history in the milestone of REDAC since its inception in 2001. RIVERS 2011 is also proud to commemorate the 10th anniversary of REDAC.

3.    Irrigation and rivers are essential to humankind. River provides drinking water resources as well as food through agricultural irrigation and fishery. River is a source of habitat for floral and faunal biodiversity.  River provides our daily electricity which flows through the hydroelectric generator. River is used for daily transportation of human goods and other resources. River can be used as a recreational center which could be in turn lead to tourism activities. Thus, in short, river is life.

4.    Malaysia is blessed with an abundant source of water supply. Never take it for granted as it may foul us in a way that we could never imagine. Natural disasters are “acts of God”. However, mankind has to be more thoughtful in their acts. Parts of the country and even the world have seen the worst storms and floods in recent memory and it’s not over yet. The devastation has been as indiscriminating as it has been unrelenting. Whatever the cause, it is a serious problem affecting virtually everyone and urgently needs to be fixed. Flood, water pollution and water scarcity will persist to demand urgent address.

5.    REDAC has pledged to adopt a holistic research and develop various new technologies in river Engineering and Urban Drainage ever since it started operation in 2001. With full dedication and aspiration, REDAC has developed an ecologically sustainable solution to the flooding and pollution problems using the “control at source” approach known as Bio-Ecological Drainage Systems (BIOECODS). REDAC is undoubtedly regarded as a catalyst and pioneer in many sustainable water management systems which befit the theme of its conference which is ‘Sustainable Solutions for Global Crisis of Flooding, Pollution and Water Scarcity’.

His Excellency, ladies and gentlemen,
6.    As you all are aware, Universiti Sains Malaysia has been chosen to deliver the APEX Programme  by the Ministry of Higher Education since 2008. USM is proud to uphold the rebranding of ‘Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow’. The key thrust of APEX is sustainability. Various transformation agenda have been planned and implemented to integrate the act of sustainable into all aspects.

7.    In line with the University’s vision, REDAC has proven all its strengths to be world-renowned in sustainable River Engineering and Urban Drainage. Ten years down the line, REDAC has innovated solutions to flash floods, river pollution and water scarcity during dry periods via BIOECODS. REDAC has received various recognitions nationally and internationally. Recently, REDAC has secured a long-term research project entitled “Urban Water Cycle Processes, Management and Societal Interactions: Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability” granted by the Ministry Higher Education Malaysia.

Ladies and gentlemen,
8.    I am proud to acknowledge the success of RIVERS 2011 where more than 100 papers from both local and international were presented technically. I am certain the result of these discussions will uplift and spur various dimensions to further develop and innovate global solutions of current global flood, water pollution and water scarcity.

9.    Finally, I would like to congratulate the diligent Committee and work force of RIVERS 2011 for the hard work and effort in coming up with this conference. To all delegates, I wish you all the best and have a safe journey home. May we meet again in the coming years.

Wabillahitaufik walhidayah,
wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Thank you.