RSK, the esteemed global environmental and engineering firm, has officially announced a collaboration with the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) to lend support to sustainability initiatives in Malaysia. This partnership has a primary objective of closely working with the Sarawak Government to embed sustainability principles into various projects and courses. With a vast network of environmental and engineering professionals spanning across six continents, RSK is uniquely positioned to offer expertise and assistance in this pivotal endeavour.
A flagship initiative under this partnership is the development of a shoe making artisanry course, conceptualised by Dodi Mohammad of Tradisi Busana PR Sendirian Berhad. This course, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the esteemed designer Prof Datuk (Dr) Jimmy Choo OBE, has garnered considerable attention. Envisioning sustainability across all courses, CENTEXS has chosen to implement a sustainability module in this course, with RSK contributing their global sustainability expertise to bolster this effort.
Ian Goodacre, RSK Board Director spearheading the group’s APAC growth strategy, has conveyed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing it as an exciting opportunity for RSK to play a role in advancing CENTEXS and the Sarawak Government’s sustainability objectives. A memorandum of understanding has been formalised, and representatives from RSK, in conjunction with Prof Choo, have engaged with students enrolled in the shoemaking artisan course.
Notably, RSK facilitated a sustainability roundtable with the students to explore ways in which their future careers in fashion and footwear brands can further the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The ultimate vision is to establish a “Made In Sarawak Consortium”, signifying a significant milestone in advocating sustainability and innovation in the artisanry sector.
Dato Haji Syeed Mohd Hussien Bin Wan Abd Rahman, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of CENTEXS, has expressed his satisfaction in collaborating with RSK, underscoring the alignment of their programs and technologies with Sarawak’s vision to emerge as a frontrunner in sustainable development. The collaboration will concentrate on key areas, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity strategy, ESG measurement and reporting, policy research, and sustainability education and training.
Dr Robert Charnock, Director of the RSK-funded Metis Institute for Climate Strategy, has emphasised the pivotal role of CENTEXS in nurturing the workforce required to realise Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. He has also stressed the significance of collaborating with RSK to provide expertise in green skills and training across various economic sectors.
As the partnership progresses, RSK will remain committed to offering support in exploring and demonstrating the commercial viability of innovative green technologies, particularly in the domains of solar, wind, and hydrogen power. With a steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation, RSK and CENTEXS are poised to be trailblazers in effecting positive change in Sarawak’s development landscape.
In conclusion, the collaboration between RSK and CENTEXS represents a momentous stride in promoting sustainability and catalysing positive change in Sarawak. By pooling their expertise and resources, these two entities are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on environmental and sustainability initiatives in the region.