Curtin Malaysia hosts Indian environmental expert to advance sustainability research and collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 27 October 2026 – From harnessing nature to treat wastewater to monitoring groundwater for potential health risks, academics and higher degree by research (HDR) students at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) explored innovative approaches to pressing environmental challenges through a series of technical talks by an internationally recognised environmental sciences expert from India.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Applied Sciences, the sessions featured Professor Joseph Sabu, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Kerala, India, who shared his expertise in environmental sustainability, climate change, water resource management and applied geological research.

The programme examined how scientific research and practical solutions can support more sustainable water and energy use, strengthen climate resilience and improve understanding of groundwater systems, while opening avenues for international academic and research collaboration.

In his first talk, “Constructed Wetlands: A Nature-based Solution for Greywater Treatment with Success Stories from India and Israel”, Professor Sabu explored how engineered wetland systems replicate natural processes to treat greywater in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Drawing on successful applications in India and Israel, he demonstrated their potential to improve water reuse, reduce environmental impacts and support more sustainable water management in communities.

His second talk, “Climate Change Dynamics: Impacts, Mitigation Strategies and Adaptation Approaches with Special Emphasis on Water and Energy Resources Management”, examined the growing pressures climate change places on environmental and resource sustainability. Through examples from different regions, the participants explored strategies including sustainable water use, renewable energy adoption and resilient infrastructure, with emphasis on integrated approaches to managing water and energy resources.

The final session, “Environmental Radon in Groundwater Systems: Health Implications and Its Applications as a Tracer in Hydrogeological and Geological Investigations”, focused on radon in groundwater, its potential implications for human health and its scientific applications in tracing subsurface processes. The talk highlighted how groundwater radon monitoring can contribute to public health awareness and advance hydrogeological and geological investigations.

Beyond the lecture sessions, Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Applied Sciences organised a field visit to Niah Caves, offering Professor Sabu an opportunity to examine the karstified limestone terrain and explore the geological significance of this distinctive natural heritage site in northern Sarawak.

Professor Sabu obtained his PhD in Geology from the University of Kerala in 1997 and joined its Department of Environmental Sciences as a lecturer in 2001. With nearly 25 years of academic service, his research expertise spans biogeochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, isotope hydrology, remote sensing and disaster management.

Professor Ir. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Associate Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, said engagement with international experts was valuable in broadening research perspectives and strengthening academic partnerships.

“Exposure to international expertise and practical research applications broadens our academic perspectives, stimulates new research ideas, and creates opportunities for future collaboration. Initiatives such as this also help strengthen academic and research ties between Malaysia and India,” she said.

Professor M.V. Prasanna, Head of Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Applied Sciences, said Professor Sabu’s visit had opened opportunities to explore collaborative research projects and publications, as well as staff and student mobility between the two universities.

Through initiatives such as these technical talks and academic exchanges, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen its research capabilities, support postgraduate research development and foster international partnerships to address environmental and sustainability challenges of regional and global significance.

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

Professor Joseph Sabu shares his expertise with Curtin Malaysia staff and students.

Curtin Malaysia academics and HDR students with Professor Sabu.