Curtin Malaysia academics help shape climate change policy strategies

Miri, Sarawak – 14 August 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is strengthening its contribution to Sarawak’s climate action agenda, with two of its academics bringing higher education, research and technical perspectives to a recent workshop focused on building stronger institutional responses to climate change.

Professor Ir. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui and Dr. Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdhury represented Curtin Malaysia at the Workshop on Climate Change and Institutional Solutions for Effective Climate Action, held at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel. The workshop was organised by the Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Malaysia, with support from the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty).

The workshop brought together civil servants, researchers and civil society representatives to explore how Sarawak can strengthen institutional arrangements and develop more integrated, evidence-informed approaches to climate action. Discussions covered governance frameworks, inter-agency coordination, data governance and citizen engagement, drawing on perspectives from Sarawak, Germany and the World Bank.

Professor Ir. Chin contributed to a roundtable on institutional roles and data governance for climate action, highlighting the strategic role of universities in advancing green energy initiatives, research and innovation, and human capital development.

She emphasised that higher education institutions can play a critical role in strengthening technical capacity, informing evidence-based climate governance and fostering collaboration between government, industry, academia and communities – all of which are essential to advancing Sarawak’s sustainable and low-carbon development ambitions.

A core member of Curtin Malaysia’s Centre of New and Sustainable Energy Research and Ventures (CoNSERV), Professor Ir. Chin specialises in green technology, particularly the conversion of biomass and municipal solid waste into renewable energy through thermochemical processes. Her work focuses on addressing real-world challenges related to climate change mitigation and the development of clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Professor Ir. Stephanie Chan Yen San, Director of CoNSERV, said Professor Ir. Chin’s participation reflected the Centre’s commitment to contributing to climate action beyond research and technology deployment.

“Universities have an important role in providing evidence-based research, developing technical capabilities and nurturing human capital for the energy transition. This engagement demonstrates the potential for CoNSERV to serve as a bridge between research, policy and implementation towards a sustainable, resilient and low-carbon future,” she said.

Curtin Malaysia’s participation also highlights the growing importance of collaboration between academia and policymakers in translating research and innovation into practical climate solutions.

Aligned with Curtin Malaysia’s strategic commitment to research excellence and sustainable innovation, CoNSERV advances interdisciplinary research, technology transfer and industry collaboration in renewable and sustainable energy. The Centre serves as a platform for academia, industry and government to work together on innovative energy solutions supporting Malaysia’s and the global agenda for sustainable development and decarbonisation.

Through engagements such as this workshop, Curtin Malaysia continues to contribute its research expertise, technical capabilities and academic perspectives to discussions shaping Sarawak’s energy transition and climate resilience.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Participants at the Workshop on Climate Change and Institutional Solutions for Effective Climate Action.

Curtin Malaysia academics Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdhury and Prof Ir Bridgid Chin (1st & 2nd left) with forum panellists.