By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tho Siew Wei, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrul Kadri Ayop & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Lisa Supian
Tanjong Malim, 6 December 2024 – A pioneering initiative on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has successfully concluded, equipping students and educators with critical knowledge to improve indoor environments and contribute to policy development.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tho Siew Wei (UPSI) teamed up with Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrul Kadri (UPSI), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Lisa (UPSI), and Mdm. Sabina Benjamin (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Muallim), the program aimed to raise awareness about the importance of IAQ for a healthy life, particularly in the school environment.
Sharing Talk at UPSI
The program began on December 4, 2024, with a sharing session at the Smart Classroom of the Department of Physics, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenjing Deng (IAQ Expert from SES-EdUHK) hosted by the Department of Physics, UPSI.
Attended by lecturers, staff, and undergraduate students, the session explored the factors influencing indoor air quality, particularly in school classrooms, and emphasised its impact on well-being. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenjing Deng and Prof. Keith Wing Kei Ho, Department of Science and Environmental Studies, the Education University of Hong Kong (SES-EdUHK) have been conducting studies related to emerging airborne bacteria and endocrine disruption chemicals (EDCs) such as flame retardants and plasticizers.
Their research indicated that non-dietary exposure may be a route for children’s exposure to these potentially harmful compounds and bacteria. Therefore, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern for school children.
IAQ Program in Schools
The IAQ initiative continued with hands-on workshops on December 5 and 6, 2024, involving 348 students from three schools (both primary and secondary), 11 teachers, and 2 officers from the District Education Office of Malaysia.
These workshops were organized in collaboration with the Muallim District Education Office and were officiated by the school leaders of SJK(C) Chung Sin (Mr. Tan Chye Leng), SMK Methodist (Mdm. Devi a/p Maniam), and SMJK Katholik (Mr. Cheah Eng Thiam) in Tanjong Malim, Perak.
They were supported by the respective school coordinators: Mdm. Fong Thai Kuan, Mr. Chandra Mohan a/l Krishnan, and Mdm. Noraniza Idris.
Participants engaged in interactive hands-on activities such as surveys, awareness talks, videos, and scientific measurements of air quality parameters. Students utilised specialised probes provided by The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) to measure particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC).
These exercises allowed students to gain hands-on experience and understand the scientific principles behind air quality monitoring.
Collaboration and MoU Signing
A significant milestone of the IAQ program was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EdUHK, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenjing Deng, and the Muallim District Education Office, represented by Pn. Hamizah Abdul Hamid. The MoU formalised the collaborative effort to promote IAQ education and research.
This IAQ program in Malaysia forms part of a broader international project involving countries like Hong Kong SAR, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, supported by the consultation and grant from EdUHK. The program highlights the importance of cross-country collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.
Hope for Future Collaboration
“This initiative not only enhances students’ understanding of indoor air quality but also fosters greater scientific curiosity and social responsibility,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tho Siew Wei.
“We look forward to further collaborations between UPSI and EdUHK in diverse fields.”
The success of this program marks a significant step towards creating healthier indoor environments and encouraging evidence-based policymaking, setting an example for future interdisciplinary and international partnerships.