Albukhary International University (AIU) has taken another bold step toward its sustainability and environmental stewardship goals through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Persatuan REGENERASI dan Kelestarian Alam (REGENERASI). The formal ceremony, held at the AIU Library Meeting Room, marks the beginning of a transformative partnership focused on promoting sustainability education, youth leadership, and community-based environmental action.
This collaboration reinforces AIU’s unwavering dedication to integrating sustainability into education, research, and community service — ensuring that its students not only excel academically but also grow into socially responsible global citizens.
🌿 A Shared Commitment to a Greener Future
The MoU establishes a strong framework for joint educational outreach, environmental awareness programmes, and student engagement through REGENERASI’s impactful campaigns. Among these initiatives is the #MyPalmPride campaign, a nationwide movement advocating for sustainable palm oil practices while highlighting Malaysia’s leadership role in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Through this partnership, AIU students will actively participate as youth ambassadors, helping to spread awareness, lead discussions, and engage communities in sustainable practices that align with the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🏛️ Strengthening AIU’s 3ZERO Vision
In his remarks, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh Bin Jaafar, Vice Chancellor and President of AIU, emphasized that the collaboration directly supports one of the pillars of the university’s 3ZERO Vision — Zero Net Carbon Emission.
He highlighted that sustainability is not just a theme at AIU but a way of life embedded in the institution’s philosophy and operations:
“This partnership with REGENERASI represents more than a symbolic gesture. It is an extension of AIU’s long-term mission to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of our academic and community ecosystem. Together, we are cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will drive change locally and globally.”
💬 Empowering Youth for Environmental Change
Meanwhile, Datin Emilia Rosemawati Binti Uzir, President and Elder Council of REGENERASI, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that collaboration between academia and NGOs plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability literacy and practical learning opportunities for youth.
She said:
“REGENERASI believes that sustainable transformation begins with education. By partnering with AIU, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice — empowering young people to be active participants in regenerative initiatives and responsible stewards of the environment.”
Her statement underscores the shared goal of building youth capacity through research-based learning, community projects, and field-based exposure that inspire action and accountability.
🌍 REGENERASI: Driving Regeneration and Resilience
Persatuan REGENERASI dan Kelestarian Alam (REGENERASI) is a Malaysian non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting environmental regeneration, youth empowerment, and food security. Through various campaigns and educational programmes, the organisation advocates for sustainable lifestyles, biodiversity conservation, and public awareness on climate resilience.
The #MyPalmPride campaign, one of its flagship initiatives, aims to reshape public understanding of Malaysia’s palm oil industry by promoting transparency, ethical practices, and the role of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) in global environmental sustainability.
🎓 Academic Collaboration for Real-World Impact
The MoU also paves the way for research collaborations, sustainability workshops, and student-driven innovation projects. AIU students from multiple faculties — including the School of Education and Human Sciences (SEHS) and the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) — will have the opportunity to engage directly in REGENERASI’s initiatives, applying their academic knowledge to tackle real environmental challenges.
The partnership will encourage the development of green innovations, social enterprise models, and awareness campaigns that align with Malaysia’s commitment to achieving a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.
Present at the ceremony were several key figures from AIU’s academic leadership, including:
- Prof. Dr. Hj. Mohamad Abdullah Bin Hemdi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
- Ts. Sahrulnizam Bin Doni, Director, ICT Centre
- Mr. Abdul Shakur Bin Abdullah, Director, Centre for Corporate Planning and Communication
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek Bin Abdul Karim, Dean, School of Education and Human Sciences (SEHS)
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basheer Riskhan, Director, Albukhary Centre of Excellence in Socio-economic Development and Innovation (ACE-SEDI)
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraya Hanim Binti Mokhtar, Dean, School of Computing and Informatics (SCI)
Their presence reflected strong institutional support for sustainable development initiatives and inter-organisational partnerships that expand AIU’s impact beyond campus borders.
🌱 From Classroom to Community: The Future of Sustainability Education
Through this MoU, AIU and REGENERASI are committed to cultivating future-ready leaders who not only understand sustainability but also practice it in their daily lives. By bridging academic knowledge, industry collaboration, and community service, this partnership ensures that sustainability becomes an ongoing educational journey rather than a one-time campaign.
Both parties plan to co-develop training modules, student projects, and community outreach programmes that strengthen climate awareness, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable resource management.
This initiative also complements AIU’s long-standing belief that universities must serve as catalysts for social transformation, empowering students to act as ambassadors of change in the face of global environmental challenges.
💡 Conclusion: A Milestone for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The AIU–REGENERASI MoU represents a powerful step forward in aligning higher education with Malaysia’s sustainability vision. By fostering knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and youth empowerment, the partnership reinforces a shared commitment to regenerative education, social responsibility, and environmental innovation.
Through continuous engagement and hands-on initiatives, AIU students will not only learn about sustainability — they will live it. This collaboration stands as a testament to how education, when grounded in purpose and partnership, can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the classroom.
