University of Nottingham Malaysia Collaborates with Noble Gateway to Promote Ecological Sustainability

On 1 December 2024, Professor Ting Kang Nee from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), participated in the  “Creating a Joyful Civilisation Ecological Village” event organised by Noble Gateway at their center in Hulu Langat. The event aimed to raise awareness on the importance of the ecological village concept, emphasising sustainability, waste and pollution reduction, and the benefits to mental and physical well-being. 

During the visit, UNM representatives toured Noble Gateway’s ecological farm and learned about their sustainable practices. The farm features Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs cultivated using zero pesticide and herbicide practices. A key highlight shared with UNM was their success in soil rehabilitation through composting and the addition of cultured bacteria (organic matter). These efforts have enhanced soil biodiversity and nutrient availability, improving root systems and fostering better crop growth. 

Following a screening of her interview with PocketTimes on the impact of microplastics on human health, Professor Kang Nee presented insights from her current work on microplastics research. She highlighted the origins microplastics in Malaysia, explaining that these pollutants come from sources such as food packaging, tire runoff, and synthetic clothing during washing. Microplastics are also found in the atmosphere and body of waters including rivers and oceans, raising concerns about their deposition in humans and animals and the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure.  

Professor Kang Nee also showcased her team’s work, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) grant led by Dr Sivathass. The project focuses on SEAFILM, a seaweed-based natural filtration medium for household washing machines. SEAFILM is an eco-friendly, reusable filter designed to reduce microfibre pollution by capturing tiny plastic particles shed during laundry. These microfibres  are a major source of water pollution, harming marine life and ecosystems.  

The event marked the first collaborative activity between UNM and Noble Gateway.It fostered meaningful connections between UNM and other like-minded organisations committed to sustainability and STEM research. The discussions and engagements during the event paved the way for potential future projects, including sustainable initiatives, community outreach, and education programmes aimed at protecting and preserving the environment.  

Founding Members of the UNM’s Environmental Contaminants and Human Health Research group: 

• Dr Sivathass Bannir Selvam, School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences 
• Professor Christopher Gibbins, School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences 
• Professor Ting Kang Nee, School of Pharmacy 

Notes: 
The ecological village (ecovillage) concept is a traditional or intentional community aiming to become more socially, culturally, economically and environmentally sustainable. 

Noble Gateway is an organisation aiming to build a self-sustaining community through the ecological village concept. Noble Gateway is the first of its kind to practice the ecovillage concept in Malaysia.  

The SEAFILM project is supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, and UNDP, through the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC), focusing on promoting eco-friendly methods to use and protect ocean resources in all ten ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.