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CHAPTER V

ASEP 2018 - Malaysia

A Gift from Tropical Rainforest

August 2nd – August 5th, 2018

F participants to become advocates for
or the fifth year in a row, the Asian

Students Environment Platform (ASEP) environmental sustainability. Through

reconverged again in 2018 as a celebration exploration, education, and advocacy, the

of nature's most precious gift. In platform seeks to highlight the

collaboration with the AEON Environmental interconnectedness of all life and promote

Foundation and Universiti Malaya actions to conserve and sustainably

Community & Sustainability Centre manage tropical rainforests for the benefit

(UMCares), this year's gathering serves as a of present and future generations. Against

beacon of environmental stewardship and the backdrop of Universiti Malaya,

cross-cultural exchange. Under the renowned for its commitment to

guidance of program coordinators Dr. sustainability and academic excellence,

Fathiah Binti Mohamed Zuki from Universiti participants embark on a journey of

Malaya and Mr. Narumi Yoshikawa from the discovery, seeking to unravel the secrets

AEON Environmental Foundation, 72 held within the vibrant ecosystems of the

students hailing from nine universities rainforest. As they immerse themselves in

across East and Southeast Asian countries the sights, sounds, and wisdom of these

converge to explore the wonders of the biodiverse landscapes, ASEP 2018 aims to

rainforest. The theme of ASEP 2018 was "A foster a deeper appreciation for the

Gift from Tropical Rainforest", which was interconnectedness of all life and inspire

chosen to underscore the immense value collective action to preserve and protect

of tropical rainforests as vital ecosystems our planet's natural heritage.

that provide essential resources, support

biodiversity, and sustain human livelihoods.

These forests serve as repositories of

traditional wisdom and cultural heritage,

representing gifts of immeasurable

significance to humanity. However, they

face unprecedented threats from

deforestation, habitat destruction, and

climate change. ASEP 2018 aims to raise

awareness about the importance of

rainforest conservation and inspire

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