Page 215 - VC Message

Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

Universiti Malaya and Frozen Welcoming Speech by

Horizons : 25 Years of Antarctic the Vice-Chancellor

Exploration, Tropical Linkages and

Climate Action

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, dear students, ladies and gentlemen,

1. It is with great pleasure and profound honour that I welcome you all to this very
special occasion – UNIVERSITI MALAYA AND FROZEN HORIZONS: 25 Years of
Antarctic Exploration, Tropical Linkages and Climate Action. Today, we celebrate
not only a remarkable milestone in scientific discovery and collaboration, but also
a renewed call to action in addressing the defining challenge of our time – climate
change.
2. As we gather here, we are reminded that the frozen horizons of Antarctica are
not distant and detached from our tropical homeland. What happens at the poles
reverberates across the globe, influencing weather, sea levels, ecosystems, and
the very stability of human life. The Antarctic is a mirror that reflects both the
fragility of our planet and the urgency of our collective duty.
3. Climate action is not an option; it is a necessity. It is critical for our survival,
prosperity, and the inheritance we leave to future generations. Universiti Malaya, 207
as Malaysia’s oldest and premier university, embraces this responsibility
wholeheartedly. Through research, education, partnerships, and on-the-ground
interventions, UM is committed to being part of the solution – advancing
knowledge and driving transformative action in response to the climate crisis.
4. For a quarter of a century, UM has been at the forefront of Antarctic research,
linking the frozen continent with tropical ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Our
scientists, explorers, and students have contributed to a deeper understanding
of how changes in one part of the world affect others – from melting ice sheets to
coral reef health, from shifting biodiversity to human livelihoods.
5. As Malaysia’s premier university, UM is uniquely placed to speak for the Global
South in climate science. Our perspective from the tropics, combined with
decades of Antarctic research, allows us to connect global phenomena with local
realities. In doing so, we strengthen Malaysia’s role as a contributor to global
solutions, and as a bridge between developed and developing worlds in climate
action.
6. This work is not done in isolation. It is part of a global network of shared
responsibility and scientific cooperation, where UM stands proudly as a flagbearer
of Malaysia’s role in the global climate conversation.
7. On a personal note, I have seen with my own eyes how climate change leaves its
scars. During my dives into Malaysia’s waters, I witnessed the heartbreak of coral
bleaching – vibrant marine ecosystems turning pale and lifeless under the stress
of warming seas. Yet, I also saw hope. Where interventions were made, where
awareness was raised and action sustained, corals showed signs of recovery,
colour, and life.
8. This experience serves as a powerful reminder: nature is resilient, but only if we
give it a chance. It underscores the importance of perseverance, continuous
efforts, and the awareness that every action – no matter how small – contributes
to the healing of our planet.