SCSH 1201 Written Reflective Journal

This week’s lesson focused on Field Works – On Campus Observation , where we explored the concept of IIUM as a Sustainable Campus and how students act as agents of change . We learned what makes a campus “green,” including responsible environmental management, efficient use of resources, and strong community engagement. We also studied the Six Common Indicators of Campus Sustainability , such as waste management, water and energy conservation, transportation, biodiversity, and social well-being to help us understand how sustainability is practiced in IIUM. Several real examples were discussed in class, including the IIUM Mahabbah Food Bank , which supports students by providing essential food supplies. This shows that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about social and economic support. Another meaningful example was IIUM’s initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the university arranged special bus services for Borneo students to return home safely. Th...

Today, we learned about the important roles that institutions play in achieving sustainable development, especially through SDG 16 and SDG 17. Institutions are responsible for ensuring peace, justice, and strong governance. This includes promoting fairness, transparency, accountability, and reducing corruption so that society can function in a stable and trustworthy way. Strong institutions help create a safe environment where development efforts can succeed. We also discussed how partnerships are essential for sustainability. Through SDG 17, institutions, governments, NGOs, and communities work together to share knowledge, resources, and solutions. Collaboration makes it easier to tackle global issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality. In addition, we learned about the UN Sustainable Development Group which brings together more than 30 UN agencies to support countries in planning and carrying out sustainable development policies. They help coordinate international support, ...

In this week, Dr Suhaimi began by reminding us about the assessments we need to complete and the progress expected for our group project. We then explored the various challenges that hinder sustainable development from social, economic, and environmental perspectives. We discussed broad issues such as unequal access to education, healthcare, food, and clean water—showing how fairness and equity are essential in meeting basic human needs. More specific challenges were also highlighted, including climate change, clean energy, sustainable transportation, global poverty, public health, sustainable consumption, and social inclusion. Overcoming these challenges requires strong collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities to ensure long-term solutions. Dr also emphasized major barriers such as political and economic instability, weak implementation, and governance issues. Instability slows progress, while effective governance is necessary to ensure leadership, accountabil...

 In this week, we explored the role of universities in promoting sustainable development , focusing on IIUM and its Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity which serves as the heart of IIUM’s sustainable development efforts on campus.  It plays a crucial role in promoting the Sejahtera philosophy while advancing various sustainability initiatives. This centre demonstrates IIUM’s commitment to ethical governance and aligns with SDG 16 , as the university actively leads in implementing and advocating sustainable practices. Another important lesson highlights the transformative role of education in fostering sustainable development. Through the Sejahtera Centre, IIUM embeds sustainability into its academic programs, co-curricular activities, and campus culture. This comprehensive approach inspires students to critically consider their duties toward society and the environment, turning theoretical knowledge into practical actions via meaningful projects and...

 In this week’s lesson, we explored the idea of Sejahtera as a local approach to sustainable development. Sejahtera highlights the importance of living in balance physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. From different perspectives, it can mean caring for our health, strengthening relationships, practising good values, and developing ourselves holistically. In Malaysia, this concept is further supported through Sejahtera MADANI , which promotes sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion,  as part of national progress. MADANI reminds us that development should not harm people or the environment, and that progress must include moral and ethical values. It connects directly with the Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging a society that is caring, mindful, and responsible. Practicing Sejahtera in daily life is simple but meaningful. It begins with taking care of our wellbeing, managing stress, and maintaining healthy habit...

  In week 4, we explored several key conventions, declaration agreement and framework of sustainable development as well as the concept of sejahtera and its local implementation.  Over the years, the international community has introduced several frameworks to guide countries in protecting the environment, reducing poverty, and improving quality of life. It began with the Brundtland Report in 1987, which introduced the idea that development should not harm the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This idea later influenced global plans like Agenda 21, introduced during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, which encouraged countries to adopt more environmentally friendly and socially responsible policies.  In the years that followed, the world came together again to establish the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of targets designed to reduce poverty, improve education, and enhance health between 2000 and 2015. While the MDGs made great progress, they were eve...