As part of IWA’s mission to empower Young Water Professionals to contribute to sustainable water management, a new IWA Young Water Professionals (IWA YWP) chapter was officially established in Malaysia in 2023. This IWA YWP chapter will be the country’s go-to network boosting connections for YWPs and a platform to support equal opportunities and quality career development. As a voluntary network, the Malaysia chapter is open to all water professionals aged 35 or below who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about water-related issues. Here, the IWA MWA YWP Malaysia Chapter presents some key points about the chapter.

Q: What was the motivation for setting up an IWA YWP Chapter in Malaysia?

The establishment of a dedicated Young Water Professional (YWP) group in Malaysia is necessary to address the specific needs and aspirations of young professionals in the water sector. While the Malaysia Water Association (MWA) serves as the IWA Governing Member for water professionals in the country, it is crucial to recognise the distinct requirements and contributions of the younger generation.

The joint IWA-MWA YWP Chapter in Malaysia will provide a platform specifically tailored to the unique requirements of young professionals, addressing their needs, and facilitating their growth in the water sector. These needs include mentorship, networking opportunities with peers, and a platform to voice their concerns and ideas. By having a dedicated group, we can create an environment that encourages leadership development at an early career stage. This could significantly expedite the growth of young professionals and equip them with the skills necessary to become future leaders in the water sector.

We believe that our YWP group can also bridge the gap between different generations of water professionals. It can serve as a conduit for knowledge transfer, ensuring that the wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals are effectively passed on to the younger generation. We hope to build a strong community of young professionals who share similar goals and aspirations. This sense of community can foster collaboration, support personal and professional development, and ultimately, drive the overall growth of the water sector in Malaysia.

Q: How will the chapter contribute to the empowerment of YWPs to contribute to the national water agenda of Malaysia?

Through engagement and recognition, the Chapter will actively engage young professionals in discussions on global water issues, enabling them to contribute their unique perspectives. Furthermore, it will recognise and highlight the achievements of young professionals, thereby providing them with visibility and encouragement. By fostering a supportive and innovative community of young water professionals, the Malaysian chapter aims to contribute significantly to the national water sustainability goals and global efforts to address water-related challenges. The organisation’s dedication to learning, collaboration, and advocacy makes it a vital player in shaping the future of water management in Malaysia and promoting a more sustainable and resilient water future for all.

Q: What are your aims and objectives for your chapter, and what activities do you plan to do?

Our goals are to provide a dynamic platform for young professionals in the water sector to connect, learn, and contribute to the sustainable water & wastewater industry. Empower young professionals to become future leaders in the water sector, fostering innovation, sustainability, and effective water & wastewater management practices in Malaysia. One of the key goals is to create a networking and collaboration platfrom. Facilitating connections and collaboration among young water professionals in Malaysia, including engineers, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. This can be achieved through regular meetings, conferences, workshops, and online platforms.

Chair – Sayyid Syafiq Syed Mohamed

Sayyid Syafiq Syed Mohamed started working at Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad (AIRB) in 2017. He has excelled in various water-related fields. Notably, he led the world’s first halal wastewater and recycling plant project. Currently, he is responsible for Business Development, effectively securing multiple municipal and industrial contracts for AIRB. His expertise covers wastewater, reclamation, water treatment, and innovative solutions for reducing water losses. He holds a Bachelor`s degree in Chemical Engineering from MARA University of Technology, Malaysia and is a recognised Professional Technologist by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT). Through YWP Malaysia, he aspires to engage youth in enhancing the water sector nationwide.

Vice Chair – Geoffery Ranggu Anak Thomas

Ir. Ts. Geoffery Ranggu Anak Thomas is a civil engineer specialising in water supply management. He holds a Corporate Master in Business Administration from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Currently, as the Miri Area Manager at LAKU Management Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned entity of the State Government, he oversees water supply operations in Miri, Sarawak. Geoffery is a recognised Professional Engineer by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and a Professional Technologist certified by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).

Secretary – Nursyaza Naurah Mohd Hidzir

Syaza Naurah currently works for Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ASMA) attached under the business development unit, where she plays an essential role in the growth and success of the water quality management business. Previously she worked as a Project Engineer handling operation & maintenance for nationwide sewerage services. She obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering and Bioprocess from MARA University of Technology, Malaysia. She is passionate about water quality monitoring and water policy and regulation. With the establishment of  YWP Malaysia, she hopes to leverage her experience in empowering youth to be actively involved in ensuring better water management in the country.

Treasurer – Tengku Mohd Hafizudin bin Ku Yusoff

Tengku has a substantial and diverse engineering career. As a Senior Lead at Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, he managed a team for Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction projects. Earlier, as a Senior Lead in Operations, he oversaw water and wastewater reclamation plants. As a Project Engineer, he handled plant operations and participated in system design. His journey began as a Mechatronics Engineer, and he later worked in equipment engineering. His career initiated as an Assistant System Engineer, where he improved processes and contributed to production line enhancements. His dedication and skills drive efficiency and innovation in complex industrial settings.

For further information about what the IWA YWP community does, please email Dr Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer, at ywp@iwahq.org. For membership queries contact: members@iwahq.org.