STUDYING VAST BODIES of WATER

AFFAN NASARUDDIN 31 Co-Founder, Water Warriors Universiti Malaya

Geology graduate Affan Nasaruddin could not have imagined that water would be the medium through which he could contribute to his community. When he launched Water Warriors UM at his alma mater in 2012, the co-founder struggled to drive it forward. He networked extensively with international committees and experts on lakes to shape its direction and maximise his understanding and the outreach programme’s efforts.

“The bodies of water we worked on campus have received recognition as living labs,” says Affan. “This means we can use the campus as a lab to conduct research and educational activities by studying its urban rivers and ponds and documenting the floral and fauna that live in these habitats, such as aquatic insects, waterfowl and wetland plants.

“There is significant academic research on this subject but not much on-the-ground evidence. We conducted translational research and treated waste water using constructed wetlands, or plants that act as natural filters,” he adds. “Our philosophy is to experiment in this living lab first and then share successful methods or ideas with wider communities. And we want to walk the talk too, and put into practice positive behaviours here at UM before we appeal for others to do the same.