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Month: December 2021

LETI’s research will help apply magnetotactic bacteria in oncology

Posted on by Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University

LETI researchers identified the main properties of magnetotactic bacteria and described the possibilities of their application in medicine. The results obtained will help create theranostic agents in neurooncology and cardioprotection. The results of the joint study with colleagues from St. Petersburg State University, RAS Institute of Cytology, and RAS Institute of Biotechnology were published as a review article in the journal Magnetochemistry.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are distinguished by their ability to synthesize magnetosomes, special cellular organelles in which magnetite biomineralization occurs. Thanks to their magnetic properties, MTBs and isolated magnetosomes can be used in medicine to fight cancer. Using magnetosomes, drugs will be transported directly to the malignant tumor. In addition, scientists aim to study the formation of bacterial magnetite crystals inside MTB cells, the mechanisms of magnetostatic interaction between individual magnetosomes, and their chemical and aggregative stability outside the bacterial cells. These results become the core of research in paleomagnetism and the physics of magnetic phenomena.

Currently, scientists from Germany, France, Brazil, the USA, and Japan are engaged in large-scale research of magnetotactic bacteria. The research conducted by LETI scientists will be the first in St. Petersburg. LETI chose an interdisciplinary approach: the university formed a research team, which includes specialists in different fields – physics of magnetic phenomena, rock magnetism and magnetofossils, neurooncology, and target therapy based on nanoparticles, as well as the synthesis of composite magnetic particles based on iron oxide. That will make it possible to carry out a versatile study and obtain objective results.

“We expect to eventually complete the full cycle of research – from fermentation of MTBs in high throughput automated bioreactors of large volume and evaluation of their physical characteristics to functionalization of magnetosomes with pharmaceuticals and their laboratory tests. Thus, subject to the achievement of the set goals, for the first time in our city, there will be world-class results in this field of science,” says Kamil Gareev, Associate Professor of the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics of LETI, Senior Researcher of the Engineering Center for Microtechnology and Diagnostics.

The next stage of studying MTBs will bring scientists closer to the practical use of structures based on bacterial magnetosomes in medicine as new tools for targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia therapy, and contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. “Compared to currently used structures based on synthetic iron oxide nanoparticles, bacterial magnetite has better chemical stability, high uniformity in shape and size, and, even more importantly, high biocompatibility,” commented Kamil Gareev.

LETI scientists obtained the first results of studying magnetic nanoparticles in 2013, and since then, research in this direction has continued. Until 2021, the research mainly focused on the properties of synthetic, rather than biogenic, magnetic nanoparticles, such as magnetosomes. The long-term experience allowed researchers to move on to a full-fledged study of magnetotactic bacteria and bacterial magnetosomes.

Therapeutic Avenue for Inflammatory Diseases

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Researchers identify a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity and subsequent inflammatory responses in immune disorders

While dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) is known to mediate inflammation and bone metabolism, ligands that bind DCIR and the mechanisms underlying DCIR activity remain poorly understood. Researchers from Japan have now identified “asialo-biantennary N-glycan”—a glycoprotein present on the surface of bone cells and dendritic cells, as a functional ligand of DCIR. Their findings could help in understanding DCIR’s role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and bone disorders and develop novel targeted therapies.

Immune cells play a key role in mediating inflammatory responses. Dysregulation in signaling mechanisms that operate across immune cells can trigger chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis that cause pain and swelling in joints. One such immune cell known to be involved in autoimmune diseases is the dendritic cell. The activity of dendritic cells is regulated by the dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) present on their surface, which comprises a carbohydrate recognition domain that can bind to sugar moieties present on other proteins or cell surfaces, in a calcium dependent manner. The activity of osteoclast, which is involved in bone degradation, is also regulated by DCIR. However, little is known about the interacting partners of DCIR that help mediate inflammatory responses.

A team of researchers from Japan led by Professor Yoichiro Iwakura of the Department of Experimental Animal Science at the Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, have now delved deeper into understanding the mechanisms underlying DCIR activity. In their previous work, the researchers reported that mice deficient in DCIR spontaneously develop arthritis and metabolic bone disorders. Building on this finding, in a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, they sought to elucidate DCIR binding partners and immune signaling mechanisms involved in inflammatory diseases. “In this study, we have identified a novel functional ligand of DCIR, likely involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. We are hopeful that our work can advance the research of immunology and glycobiology in inflammatory diseases.”, explains Prof. Iwakura.

The researchers began by identifying potential ligands (molecules that bind to cell receptors) of DCIR on immune and bone cells, and found that DCIR binds to glycoproteins present on the surface of macrophages and osteoclasts, the latter differentiating from bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs), and involved in bone degeneration and remodeling. On further characterization of the glycoprotein, they noted that this interaction was specific to “asialo-biantennary N-glycan (NA2),” a complex carbohydrate moiety comprising various sugar molecules.

Having identified the DCIR ligand, the team next sought to understand the effect of DCIR on osteoclast differentiation and “osteoclastogenesis,” a process contributing to bone loss. Interestingly, cells deficient in DCIR showed a significant increase in the expression of osteoclastogenesis associated genes. As the researchers speculated, expression of DCIR significantly suppressed the differentiation of osteoclasts, thus suggesting DCIR as an independent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis. Further confirming this finding, a mutant version of DCIR, incapable of recognizing carbohydrate residues, was shown to not exhibit this inhibitory effect.

The role of DCIR in osteoclast differentiation, and its interacting ligand, NA2, now decoded, the team next examined the effect of NA2 on osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with their previous finding, NA2 treatment suppressed the differentiation of osteoclasts from wild-type BMMs but not from cells deficient in DCIR, underscoring the role of NA2 as a specific functional ligand of DCIR that suppresses osteoclastogenesis.

Taking a step further, the researchers treated mouse autoimmune disease models with neuraminidase, an enzyme that removes terminal “sialic acid” residues from N-glycan, thereby enhancing the exposure of NA2. Much to their delight, neuraminidase treatment further suppressed autoimmune diseases like autoimmune arthritis or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, yet again, in a DCIR dependent manner! Furthermore, neuraminidase treatment ameliorated inflammation and associated bone loss in a mouse model of arthritis, thereby confirming their findings in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of DCIR-NA2 interaction on autoimmune diseases was found to be mediated through suppression of the antigen presenting ability of dendritic cells and subsequent decrease in the activation of other immune cells that contribute to inflammation.

All these findings, together, highlight a novel regulatory mechanism of DCIR signaling involved in the suppression of autoimmunity and excess bone loss. Commenting on the clinical applications of their work, Prof. Iwakura observes, “Our findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of immune and bone metabolic diseases.”

This study indeed takes us a step closer to resolving the complex immune mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, thus paving the way towards effective and targeted treatments.

Health Minister supports Merah Putih vaccines from UNAIR and PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Menkes RI), Ir. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, CHFC., CLU., expressed his support for the development of the Merah Putih vaccine by Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). It was stated directly during the Open Assembly of the 67th UNAIR Anniversary on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

According to Ir. Budi, UNAIR’s vaccine preclinical test on animals, shows good results and has high efficiency. Thus, for the next stage, the clinical trials on humans, it is submitted to PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia.

Furthermore, Ir. Budi explained that the first phase of clinical trials examines the safety aspects of the vaccine, and it requires 100 people as volunteers. Then, the second phase of clinical trials will involve about 400 people to see aspects related to its immunogenicity. Furthermore, the third phase of clinical trials will involve about 3,000 people to see the vaccine’s efficacy.

“I pray that it will go smoothly so that in the second half of next year, the Merah Putih vaccine can be produced. It also relies heavily on assistance from the East Java Governor, because the plan will be carried out in Surabaya,” he explained.

Regarding the third phase of the clinical trial, continued Ir. Budi, it is still in the drafting stage. So, besides being used for the regular vaccination process given twice, a scenario related to the use of vaccines as a booster and for children should be developed.

“So, the first scenario is used for two injections, then for the second scenario, the vaccine will be injected as a booster so that it can strengthen the previous vaccine. And the third scenario, the vaccine will be injected twice, targeting children under 12 years old,” Ir. Budi explained.

On the same occasion, Ir. Budi also witnessed the handover of vaccine seed from the Rector of UNAIR to PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia. Ir. Budi revealed that what UNAIR and PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia did was an extraordinary thing because it can complete the research process to preclinical trials in less than one year.

Since the beginning of the development, added Ir. Budi, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), has been involved. So all parties support the acceleration of the first national vaccine development.

“Once again, I’d like to express a very high sense of pride towards my colleagues at UNAIR for being the first to create a domestic vaccine production. I’d also express my deepest gratitude to PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia. I’d pray that UNAIR to be better than before and will be better in the future than the current condition,” he concluded. (*)

Thammasat students draw “BLOCKCHAIN” to check voting transparency

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University students, the Pro-Tech team consists of Mr. Teeradon Pakalak, a 4th-year student from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT). Ms. Sirintra Ngamviriyapong, a 4th-year student from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mr. Nattapong Wongthaveethong, a 4th-year student from the Faculty of Political Science, and Mr. Akkarachai Jintanakarn, a 2nd-year student from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, was award-winning with a technology certificate from the Hackathon Competition: Smart Voter Application (Application for quality voting) organized by King Prajadhipok’s Institute, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orathai Kokphon, Deputy Secretary-General of King Prajadhipok’s Institute to present the award and congratulate the youngster’s Student at Thammasat University.

Mr. Teeradon Paklak said that the Hackathon: Smart Voter Application is organized to design and create voting applications by using innovations to encourage and assist voters in making decisions about the use of their own voices, facilitating and supporting voters’ access to decision-making information and further develop the body of knowledge in democratic innovation including creating public participation to reach all target groups.

Mr. Nattapong Wongthaveethong added that together, we brainstormed to create this Smart Vote app, our app is transparent and accurate as it is the first voting app that uses the Blockchain system to help verify the transparency of the voting system, including checking the identity of the people who have the right to vote against corruption or omissions. We are more advanced than other applications with the community system for posting topics and issues that require additional information or comments. This is a space to gather experts and people involved in the issue to discuss and share ideas. On top of that, data is also processed through a CIPP evaluation tool, indicating that our app is newer and more reliable than others with interesting technology and promising ideas to develop an applicable electoral system for our country.

Miss Sirintra Ngamviriyapong revealed that in the future, if we have the opportunity to develop and extend innovations from this idea further, we would like to further our work by collaborating with King Prajadhipok’s Institute to start implementing our innovations on a small scale first, such as student council elections. Then, in the future, we expect that this application will be able to extend to the national and international level to address the issue of the electoral systems that are not able to reflect the needs of people, for example, we want to create a community to provide a way to safely and transparently reflect people’s needs that can be monitored more efficiently.

“We are very proud to know that we have won this competition because it is the first-time championship for all of our team members and that it is regarded as an important initial step in proving our abilities which motivates us to work harder than ever. This competition has helped us bring out a lot of our potential. We learned a lot from the mentors and that they helped us develop and expose ourselves to the real world of work. And finally, the friendship that arises after the victory of the competition makes us closer, the relationship developed that can’t be found anywhere else,” concluded Mr. Akarachai Jintanakarn.

TPU Scientists Study Problems of Inertia Change in Energy Systems

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University are conducting research on electromechanical transients in type-III and type-IV wind power plants, as well as their impact on the inertia of an energy system in general and algorithms of virtual inertia. The TPU scientists are intending to develop a methodology for adjusting automation devices to prevent emergencies taking into account the impact of renewable sources of energy on inertia change in the energy system. The research is supported by a grant from the President of the Russian Federation.

Conventional energy systems possess experience in proven power system protection, which allows controlling emergencies and responding to them on time. Electrical equipment (gas-turbine units, renewable energy systems) equipped in the modern energy systems significantly changes their dynamic properties, i.e. increases the speed of the process due to inertia reduction.

“The next types of wind power plants introduced in Europe and the USA in large scale make a less contribution to the total inertia of the energy system as they connect to the energy system via voltage converters. Over 50% of the German energy system is based on renewable sources of energy, while over 80% is in Denmark.

“The next types of wind power plants introduced in Europe and the USA in large scale make a less contribution to the total inertia of the energy system as they connect to the energy system via voltage converters. Over 50% of the German energy system is based on renewable sources of energy, while over 80% is in Denmark.

Although, wide-area stability control systems in such plants can be insensitive to rapid changes,” says Igor Razzhivin, Associate Professor of the TPU Division of Power and Electrical Engineering.

The TPU scientists conducted a series of experiments using a teaching model similar to the energy system of Tomsk Oblast. They simulated emergencies (short circuit, load shedding and so on) ranging the introduction level of capacity of the wind power plants. The experiments showed that after the introduction of the wind power plants in the energy systems, inertia could be decreased up to 50% depending on the introduced capacity.

“A popular method of risk calculation and estimation is mathematical modeling. There is a fundamental problem affecting the fidelity of process reproduction. Therefore, we used a TPU development in the research work, a multiprocessor hardware and software system entitled All-mode Real-time Simulation Facility of an Electric Power System. The construction principles of the model of the energy system which are laid down in the TPU development guarantee the fidelity of solution,” the scientist explains.

The scientists also conducted a series of experiments with the algorithm of virtual inertia, which overseas colleagues consider as a probable solution to decreasing inertia problems. The core of the algorithm lays in the synthetic maintenance of inertia due to an additional control system of voltage converters. The research showed that in case of a change of the capacity level and adjustment coefficients, the algorithm can show a negative effect.

“It is a relevant problem for Russia, as renewable sources of energy are gradually being introduced in the united energy system. Wind and solar power plants are currently being introduced in the southern part of Russia. There are plans to introduce plants of total capacity up to 1 GW (this capacity is equal to four state district power plant No. 2 in Tomsk).

“It is a relevant problem for Russia, as renewable sources of energy are gradually being introduced in the united energy system. Wind and solar power plants are currently being introduced in the southern part of Russia. There are plans to introduce plants of total capacity up to 1 GW (this capacity is equal to four state district power plant No. 2 in Tomsk).

The process of plant connection to the energy system is complicated and requires detailed prior research. Such problems related to inertia changes in the energy system and the problems of inertia changes are not solved in the Russian energy industry yet,” Igor Razzhivin explains.

The TPU scientists are intending to create a universal specialized accelerated processing unit, which will simulate and reproduce type-III and type-IV wind power plants and a solar power plant. Based on this model and the TPU simulating energy complex, the scientists will create a large energy system. Its advantage will become a hybrid approach: digital, analogue and physical simulation. Due to it, it will be possible to minimize an error and in more detail study the impact of renewable sources of energy on the energy system in general.

The research work is being conducted within the grant of the President of the Russian Federation and will last for two years. The staff of the TPU the Division of Power and Electrical Engineering: Associate Professor Igor Razzhivin and two postgraduates Vladimir Rudnik and Anton Kievets are conducting the research work.

The University of Petra wins the Fifth National Moot Court Competition Cup for Jordanian Universities.

Posted on by Dr. Ahmed El Qasem

The University of Petra won the Fifth National Moot Court Competition Cup for Jordanian Universities for the year 2021/2022 out of sixteen public and private Jordanian universities that participated in this prominent event. Accordingly, the University of Petra has qualified to represent the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the next Regional Moot Court Competition to be held later in Cairo in 2022.

The President of the University of Petra, Prof. Marwan M. Muwalla, congratulated the Faculty of Law, its students, and its teaching and administrative staff on the extraordinary results that they have achieved in this competition, especially that the Faculty of Law has won the competition cup for the second time in a row. Prof. Muwalla further expressed his wishes and support for the Faculty of Law team, which consisted of Dr. Omar A’mar, Dr. Kamal Jamal Alawamleh and the students; Heba Abhis, Somaya Joudeh, Farouk Alhunaiti and Yasmine Awad.

This competition was organized in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Jordanian Judicial Institute. The competition was judged by a group of civilian and military Judges from the various courts of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as a group of specialized lawyers. Sixteen Jordanian universities participated in this competition, namely the University of Jordan, Mutah University, Yarmouk University, Al al-Bayt University, Al-Hussein bin Talal University, Al-Isra University, the Middle East University, the University of Applied Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, the University of Islamic Sciences, Ajloun National University, Irbid Private University, Jerash University, Amman Arab University, Zarqa University and the University of Petra.

Universitas Sumatera Utara Medical Studies on “One Health” approach to deal with Knowlesi Malaria and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases

Posted on by Editorial Team

The emergence of new diseases calls for new preparations. While viral diseases like avian flu, zika, and Ebola have not reached the pandemic status of Covid-19, records of their epidemic have been numerous. Covid-19 proves that no viral diseases should be underestimated; new strains could emerge almost without warning and the best vigilance is always understanding what to expect and how to respond. As a major university in North Sumatra, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) needs to contribute medical studies to look for ways to improving human well-being and quality of life through disease prevention.

Many emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic: deriving from pathogens present in animals through changes in the ecosystems and land use, intensification of agriculture, urbanization, international travel, and trade. A collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, cutting across boundaries of animal, human, and environmental health, is needed to understand the ecology of each emerging zoonotic diseases to undertake risk assessment and develop response strategies. Recognizing this scope, USU has adopted a “One Health” approach in medical studies by building a multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Currently, USU is undertaking medical research on Knowlesi malaria directed by Dr. Inke Nadia D. Lubis, Ph.D, a medical specialist and researcher from USU and is conducted in USU Medical Research Facility Center.

Knowlesi malaria is a novel emerging disease in Southeast Asia. It is a malaria parasite of the long-tailed (Macaca fasicularis) and pig-tailed (M. nemestrina) macaque monkeys and is transmitted by the Anopheles leucosphyrus group of mosquitoes. First identified as an emergent public health threat in 2004, human malaria from P. knowlesi has now been reported throughout the region in countries where the macaque hosts and mosquito vectors are found. Dr. Inke has confirmed the presence of this malaria in North Sumatera, where it has contributed to 32% of malaria cause in studied areas. She and her team has been developing a rigorous molecular detection tool that targets the schizont-infected cell agglutination variant antigens (SICAvar) as a unique gene to P. knowlesi. This increases its recognition and identification in humans, enabling quicker response and more detailed monitoring.

USU is collaborating with the Indonesia Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and Australia Menzies School of Health Research as part of its “One Health” approach to strengthen the surveillance of zoonotic malaria in Indonesia. North Sumatra is home to two national parks in which some forests had been impacted by changes in land use to plantations and farming, making it one of the places best suited to this study. This international collaboration evaluates the disease burden, agricultural practices, and mosquito vectors associated with knowlesi transmission. The study would help identify the type of intervention measures needed to control knowlesi malaria, prevent the introduction of other zoonotic diseases to the population while ensuring that agricultural development remains sustainable.

EdUHK App Helps Change Eating Habits

Posted on by eduhk

The Hong Kong SAR Government’s 2018-19 Health Behaviour Survey showed that around 96% of residents aged 15 or over consumed less than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Added to this, almost 10% of these people ate processed meat at least once a day, on average. The World Health Organisation states that an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health, and its member states have agreed to halt the rise of diabetes and obesity in adults, teenagers, and of overweight children by 2025.

With this in mind, Dr Louisa Chung Ming-yan at the Department of Health and Physical Education of The Education University of Hong Kong and her team have developed the eDietary Platform, an app for users to record their diet and monitor what they eat and drink. “To change eating habits, we can’t merely deliver lectures on nutrition. We need a record of scientific facts,” explained Dr Chung.

Users input their dietary record onto the app. Any food not already on the list can be added by simply uploading a photo. The app then gives users a bespoke nutrition report, taking into account personal details such as age, gender, height and weight.

The project team was awarded funding by the Food and Health Bureau under the Health Care Promotion Scheme. Through the feedback received, researchers found that using the eDietary app made younger adults more capable of matching food products to categories. Participants therefore understand how to reduce the risk of health problems and vulnerability to diseases and are encouraged to develop their own eating plan in terms of food and portion size change. In testing, the complete switch to healthy eating took 12 weeks.

As a start, the app has already been downloaded over 4,500 times to date, and its effectiveness was trialled in a study on how the use of such technology enhances the eating behaviour of young adults. “We formulated and tested the theory on eating behaviours when people monitor their diets online,” said Dr Chung. People who have used the app have noted that it makes them realise the importance of enjoying healthy food. “It has encouraged me to develop the habit of recording my daily intake,” said one. They suggested that the app could be used by young adults and children, as it helps youngsters learn about food classification, nutrients and quantities.

Thammasat students awarded in ‘TikTok Challenge’ at AUBCC 2021

Posted on by Thammasat University

With the recent international competition, the Australian Undergraduate Business Case Competition 2021 (AUBCC 2021) organized by the University of New South Wales, Australia, which has 16 teams from 9 countries participating in the competition, namely Australia, USA, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Serbia, Hungary, Ireland, and Thailand. The Little Ripper team from BBA Thammasat, the only representative from Thailand was able to win the second runner-up award and is the winner of the Tiktok Challenge. In addition, Ms. Nuerprae Duangsri, one of the team members, also receives the Best Speaker award.

The Little Ripper team which has built a reputation for Thailand is a gathering of 4th-year students from the International Business Administration Program, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University which consists of Ms. Nuerprae, Accounting Major, Ms. Nanticha Jiratphikanpong, Accounting Major, Ms. Sarita Wiphasdamrongkul, Accounting Major, and Ms. Manipha Mahathanakorn, Finance Major.

This competition is divided into 2 sub-competitions: 1. Short-term case, offering ideas that will enhance corporate culture in the new era of work, ‘Future of Work’, in 3 hours within 3 PowerPoint slides; 2. Long-term case on how will the TikTok platform expand its user base and acceptance while benefiting both TikTok and Australia, having 12 hours to solve the challenge.

However, this competition uses the method of collecting points from each round. The teams with the highest total points in each division will advance to the final round using the long-term cases to present.

Ms. Nuerprae said that the specialty of the AUBCC 2021 competition in addition to organizing via the online platform as the consequences to the COVID-19 situation, is that the competition also focuses on fostering change through innovation or the fact of becoming more innovative. This year’s challenge is on how to make the TikTok platform in Australia gain more users. The Little Ripper team found that TikTok is not just for entertainment but also is a general knowledge-providing platform. Therefore, this issue is taken as a selling point that will attract new generations to use the application more.

“We didn’t have much time to prepare, therefore we had to practice hard every day, having clearly divided duties for each of us and set all the rehearsal schedules. The crucial thing is to look back at the old matches of this competition, and another part is the division of duty to find relevant information about Australia to develop a strategy that meets the needs of the Australian market,” said Ms. Nuerprae.

She said that she was very happy to receive the award from the competition because she felt that all the intentions including the acquired presentation experiences were really useful. However, the most joyful feeling is that the name of Thammasat University has had the opportunity to be on the prize-giving screen 3 times, winning the second-runner up for the Best Speaker award and the TikTok Challenge. Being on the top rank allows people to get to know our university better.

Strategic partnerships on urban development

Posted on by ahmadibrahim

An increasingly urgent need to mitigate climate change through responsible urban development has led to a new collaboration with Management and Science University (MSU).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) was signed early September 2021, with three major areas of focus – sustainable development goals (SDGs), entrepreneurship, and education as well as training.

The city of Shah Alam, population is estimated at 686,966 (2020), is located within the Petaling district as well as part of the Klang District in the state of Selangor.

A major city in the Klang Valley, with land area totaling a little over 303 square kilometres, Shah Alam is bordered by the cities of Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya and the districts of Kuala Selangor and Kuala Langat.

The MSU participation entails a strategic partnership into the Green Technology Master Plan 2017-2030, the Selangor State Green Technology Blueprint, the Sustainable Smart Shah Alam (SSAM) 2035 Blueprint, the New Urban Agenda (NUA), and the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF).

LCCF by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) 2011 concerns buildings, urban infrastructure, urban transport, and urban environment; whilst its Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge encompasses energy, water, waste, mobility, and greenery.

Twenty-three buildings in Shah Alam collectively recorded 2.43 percent less electricity consumed by end 2018 as compared with 2015 baseline figures; whilst shopping centres Plaza Alam Sentral and PKNS Complex in the heart of the city remained in the top two spots for annual electricity consumption.

Free service by the Smart Selangor Bus, which passes by the MSU campus grounds twice hourly daily, has also contributed to reduced carbon emission through reduced traffic congestion.

In April this year, Management and Science University (MSU) received its first Green Pass; a Diamond-2 rating from Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) for the University’s main campus buildings’ operation in Shah Alam Section 13.

On the LCCF Framework and Assessment system, green spaces with trees are expected to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 2,600kg carbon dioxide per acre. A reduction of over 300,000kg of CO2 is anticipated through 127 acres of green spaces throughout Shah Alam.

With the MBSA-MSU MoU, complementary support is in the pipeline for MBSA’s Green City Project as well as MSU’s National River Trail Project.

Management and Science University had launched the MSU Environmental Sustainability Project (MESP) in 2019, with flagship programmes including MSU MyCoral and MSU MyMountain.

MSU Malaysia entered the inaugural Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings that same year, and was placed in the World Top 301+ overall for eleven out of the seventeen SDGs; among which were for impact on good health and well-being, quality education, and climate action.

Signing the MoU at the virtual ceremony were MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid and Shah Alam Mayor Dato’ Haji Zamani Ahmad bin Mansor. Also in attendance were MSU Vice President of Industry Linkages.