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sponsors. After the opening ceremony, the highlighting the industry's sustainability
participants of ASEP 2018 were welcomed challenges, including deforestation, and
to a lunch reception, where against the underscoring the urgent need for collective
backdrop of traditional Malaysian cuisines, action to safeguard the rainforest's
they exchanged insights and fostered ecological integrity. The evening concluded
cross-cultural dialogue, setting the stage with group discussions among the students
for a day of enlightenment and to deliberate on the question of how
collaboration. The itinerary continued with humanity can return the gift of the
a captivating visit to Putrajaya Wetlands rainforest as the topic of the ASEP 2018
Park, a visionary conservation project final day presentation.
conceived by Malaysia's former Prime On the second day of ASEP 2018
Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed, to (August 3rd), the participants engaged in a
champion wetland conservation on a global series of immersive experiences aimed at
scale. As the largest man-made freshwater deepening their understanding of
wetlands in the tropics, this ecological Malaysia's natural treasures and fostering a
marvel serves as a natural filtration system sense of stewardship towards the
for water flowing into Putrajaya Lake, while environment. Kicking off the day's itinerary
providing sanctuary to migratory bird was a tree planting activity at the Firefly
species, including the majestic flamingos. Rehabilitation Area in Tanjung Belustas,
Amidst the tranquil wetland setting, the Kuala Selangor. This initiative, rooted in a
participants bore witness to nature's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
intricate beauty, reaffirming the profound between the AEON company and the
connection between humanity and the Selangor State government, was a
natural world, encapsulating the essence of testament to collaborative conservation
the rainforest's enduring legacy as a efforts to restore degraded habitats crucial
precious gift. The day culminated in a for the survival of fireflies, which are vital
reflective tour of Putrajaya, Malaysia's pollinators and indicators of ecosystem
administrative capital, where participants health. By planting 200 trees of Metroxylon
admired the city's innovative urban sagu, Nypa fruticans, and Sonneratia
planning, seamlessly integrating Islamic caseolaris species, participants actively
architectural motifs with modern contributed to the rehabilitation of
engineering. Notably, the participants also mangrove ecosystems, recognizing the
paid a visit to the iconic Putra Mosque rainforest's invaluable gift of biodiversity
underscored Malaysia's cultural heritage and ecological services. Following the
and commitment to sustainable morning's conservation endeavour, the
development, resonating with the theme of ASPE 2018 participants enjoyed a well-
environmental stewardship and the deserved lunch break, during which they
imperative to safeguard nature's bounty for were introduced to the diverse flavours of
future generations. After dinner, the Malaysian cuisine.
participants of ASEP 2018 reconvened at
Dorsett Hotel for a thought-provoking
lecture on palm oil industry sustainability,
led by esteemed academic, Professor Dr
Nik Meriam Nik Sulaiman of Universiti
Malaya Chemical Engineering Department.
The night’s agenda delved into Malaysia's
pivotal role as a global palm oil exporter,
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