Authored by Professor Zaini Ujang, Hon. DSc, PhD, PE, CEng (UK), FCIWEM (UK), FIChemE (UK), FRSP (Lund), AMP (HBS).

At the age of 60th recently, I have decided to start a new venture in life. In the past, with PhD in environmental engineering from University of Newcastle, England, and certified as a chartered engineer, I have successfully completed two phases of professional life: Phase 1 as a tenured academic for 25 years (1988-2013) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Phase 2 as Secretary General of six ministries in Malaysia (2013-2025).

Phase 1 was completed to satisfy my curiosity in the scientific principles on environmental science and engineering, mainly related to water ecosystem and sustainability. I had opportunities to work closely with leading figures, not only within Malaysia, but global outreach including Sweden and Denmark. In line with global academic norms, we had ventured into sustainability of water management and tried to provide range of innovative solutions for both developed and developing countries. My approach was to work with leading authorities on relevant issues to the needs of developing countries, and tropical climate in particular.

With Mogens Henze from Denmark Technical University, for example, we co-authored many research papers mostly related to the applications of activated sludge models in tropical conditions, and co-edited two books related to environmental biotechnology and wastewater management for developing countries. With Gustaf Olsson from Lund University, we co-supervised at least 10 doctoral students since 2005 on various topics related advanced bioprocess engineering for water and wastewater technologies. And many other research collaborations with leading figures such as Mark van Loosdrecht (Delft), Tom Curtis (Newcastle), Masa Goto (Japan) and Norio Sugiura (Japan).

The lessons learned: Collaborate on pressing scientific issues and working closely with leading academic figures to catch-up with latest scientific methods and its applications.

My full time career in academia officially ended upon the completion of my tenure as Vice-Chancellor (in other countries it is known as President or Rector) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in July 2013.

Phase 2 was more excitement and challenging as a Secretary-General of six ministries (in some countries, the title is Vice-Minister or Permanent Secretary). The roles of Secretary-General is to lead senior officials to translate ideas into policy, from policy into legal instruments, from legal instruments into practices. Indeed with dedication and strong managerial skills, it was a smooth sailing to lead senior officials in big organisations, such as ministries, provided the political climates are positive in encouraging new framework and promote innovation. But often, political systems have been customised to conventional framework and approach in order to minimise political risks. For example, the polluters pay principle is a good idea. However when environmental services such as water and energy pricing, and carbon tax to be introduced and sustainably enhanced using polluters pay principle, the systemic polluters used their political cards to object.

My observation has shown that mere scientific mastery and administrative authority might not be able to bring significant change or transformation in a society, particularly in developing world. Scientific community can provide evidences, promote appropriate solutions and outreach to policy makers. Often, policy makers themselves have other priorities in their political agenda, and placed environmental issues, such as water sustainability and climate change at the bottom of their to-do-list.

Therefore, we should learn from experiences in other regions where environment and climate have been considered among the top priorities in nation building and political agenda. Scandinavia and Japan could be good examples.

In 2018, I have written a book, entitled Eco-Shift: Holistic Transformation towards Environmental Sustainability. It was a reflection on bringing cultural transformation, instead of small changes in policy, practices and lifestyle towards green growth and climate action. Eco-Shift is defined as a transformative change, more than mere regulatory and organisational transformation, towards environmental sustainability. It covers personal domain, targeting behavioural and habitual changes. Organizational domain covers planning, strategy, execution and improvement, often limited to targeting “outputs” in the forms of key performance indicators, ratings, rankings, budgets, time-frame etc. For holistic transformation to occur, it requires significant changes in personal domain, targeting “outcomes” which involve values, attitudes, behaviours and habits. This lecture at KTH on 16 May 2025 was based on a sequel books by Zaini Ujang (2018, 2019 and 2020) to direct present discourse on ecology towards ecological philosophy, or ecosophy, on top of environmental policy. A special focus will be given by comparing ecosophy from a Scandinavian perspective, with respect to Asian perspectives, particularly Japanese.

Many countries within the Paris Agreement 2015 framework have agreed to adopt Net-Zero Emission (NZE) by 2050. However, climate action, as shown in series of annual COPs, has been excessively focus towards state-actors. Efforts to mitigate and adapt climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to its current and future impacts should involve all sectors and actors. These actions are crucial in addressing global challenges in all sectors, including water and energy sectors. This lecture will explore the potential of non-state actors, mainly non-governmental international and national organisations, trade chambers, scholarly institutions, academies, conventional and new media, individuals and influencers.

Issues and outstanding challenges to improve the design and management of safe and reliable supply chains that are accessible and sustainable by creating predictive analytical tools and technologies, with examples on water-energy nexus. The framework of Eco-Shift will be highlighted through holistic transformation in thinking, public policy, cultural change and lifestyle in supply chain and market optimization, human health risks in the goods and services, and access to healthy ecosystem.

The speaker’s wide experience both in developing environmental and climate policy from national to international levels, and actively engaging various climate actors – particularly non-state actors – will open up wider opportunities, thus enhancing this discourse towards sustainable futures. In many ways, the roles of non-state actors could be more impactful and efficient, compared to politically-tied state-actors.

Bio

Zaini Ujang, 60, is a “professor-at-large” serving more than ten universities around the globe as a visiting professor.

He is also the non-executive Chairman, Malaysia Qualification Agency since March 2025. He was appointed as Secretary-General for six ministries in Federal Government of Malaysia within 12 years (2013-2025) on portfolios related to higher education, human resource, climate, energy, environment, water, energy and health. He was chairing many technical committees to formulate national policies, such as higher education blueprints (2015-2025 and 2035), green technology (2016-2025), green sukuk (2016), climate adaptation (2021-2030) etc.

He was a professor in environmental sustainability and President/Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2008-2013), and assigned to head the Malaysian delegation and chief negotiator at COP26 (Glasgow) and COP27 (Sham El-Sheikh). 

Prior to his appointment in leadership roles at various institutions in Malaysia, since 2006, Zaini was Vice-President, International Water Association (based in London, 2004-2006) and had delivered more than 300 invited and keynote lectures including at MIT (June 2019), Imperial College London (almost annually since 2012), Lund (Sweden), Tokyo, Tsukuba and Kyoto universities. He has written more than 300 scientific papers and 52 books.

From April 16 to July 26, 2025, Zaini is undertaking a life challenge by traveling around the globe for 100 days, visiting and delivering lectures at 40 universities, including Imperial College London, MIT and Harvard. 

#100DayWorldLectureTour