NATURE’S PRICE FOR PROGRESS
ORGANISER
Communities For Tomorrow (C4T) is a platform to develop future proof communities using science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in various areas. STEAM provides a unique access to develop communities in and around Malaysia subsequently Southeast Asia. The need to focus on STEAM as a subject matter allows us to improve and accelerate Malaysia’s advancement in areas such as Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence, Environment and Climate. To achieve this objective, C4T works hand in hand with various stakeholders to ensure collective impact through the projects planned and executed. By doing so, we hope to use STEAM as means for advancing the communities at risk and by virtue of that, we hope to create better economic opportunities for the younger generation (13-40 years old).
CORE ISSUE
Nature’s Price For Progress?
According to Erik Solheim, Over the past 20 years, gross domestic product (GDP) has risen 50 per cent in most parts of the world. Millions have been lifted out of poverty, and we live better and longer lives than ever before. Much of this can be attributed to spectacular human ingenuity, innovation and technology in almost every part of the world.
The bad news, however, is that it has come at a cost we haven’t accounted for: the contribution of nature. Simply put, the value of our natural environment is not factored into the number-crunching when we calculate economic performance. Our economic model has depended and indeed thrived on the ‘gift of nature’ – and we see it as a gift that keeps on giving, and will keep on giving. This is a grave mistake, and it needs to change.
ISSUES
- Issues with misuse or inappropriate use of land.
- Creating midstream and downstream water catchment areas that will complement the plan to create urban biodiversity while optimising cost. Flood prevention.
- Sustainable development just a jargon in Malaysia?
- Issues with haze.
Being faced by the challenges to meet objectives regarding the quality of life and social development, parts of the country are attempting to transform themselves into green spaces. They are the result of knowledge-comprehnsive and creative strategies aiming at reinforcing the socio-economic, ecological and competitive performance of the environment, our spaces and its people.
FOCUS AREA
Against this backdrop, we would like you to share your thoughts on the following points:
- What are the pressing needs that need to be looked at immediately when it comes to environmental matters in Malaysia?
- What are your areas of focus when it comes to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals?
- What are you currently working on and how is it important for Malaysia?
PANELIST:
Mr Rashdan Rashid
Rashdan Rashid is the President of Persatuan Lestari Alam Malaysia (MyNature) and Persatuan Kebajikan Golongan Asnaf dan Gelandangan Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (KASGE) where he initiated on behalf of Ministry of Federal Territories and Kuala Lumpur City Hall a Special Project for The Homeless (Hijrah Warrior), a community inspired accelerator which is focused in developing low carbon communities and circular economies.
His Hijrah Warrior community programs are designed to support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and in particular SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) Other than Homeless, Rashdan Rashid has contributed a lot in many community initiatives promoting numbers of Government blueprint and policy.
He’s very passionate helping the marginal community especially the low cost residential community to improve their standard of living. Education, Health, Environment, Well Being and Welfare are his priorities when engaging with the target group.