Ma Kalshomah Ismail

Date: 6 May 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4      Studying Sustainable Development at IIUM has been an enriching experience, allowing me to grasp the profound impact that students can have in fostering a sustainable campus. Through fieldwork and on-campus observation, I have gained deeper insights into IIUM’s commitment to sustainability, from initiatives such as food waste composting and energy conservation to broader environmental programs. This journey has reinforced my understanding that sustainability is not solely an institutional responsibility, it also requires dedicated individuals to drive meaningful change.      Campus sustainability, as explored in our discussions, extends beyond environmental aspects to include economic and social dimensions. Efforts such as waste management, groundwater conservation, and solar energy utilization reflect IIUM’s determination to reduce its ecological foot...

Date: 29 April 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4      Studying Sustainable Development has been a transformative experience that has deepened my understanding of the crucial roles institutions, policies, and individuals play in achieving long-term sustainability. The lecture content highlights how institutions from global organizations like the UN to national and local governing bodies shape sustainable development through governance, policy frameworks, and collaborative efforts. Learning about SDG 16 and 17 has reinforced the importance of strong institutions that uphold justice, transparency, and partnerships to accelerate progress toward sustainability goals. Malaysia’s structured approach, as outlined in the slides, illustrates how sustainable development is integrated into national frameworks like the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, demonstrating how policies and initiatives are mapped to SDGs through multi-stakeholder...

Date: 22 April 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4      As an IIUM student studying Sustainable Development, this course has profoundly expanded my understanding of the interconnected challenges facing our world. Learning about the three pillars which are environmental, social, and economic highlighted how imbalances in one area can destabilize the others.       The discussions on inequalities in access to education, healthcare, clean water, and food were particularly eye-opening, as they revealed the systemic injustices that perpetuate unsustainability. The stark comparison between global poverty and resource allocation, such as the disparity between an African’s daily income and a European cow’s subsidy, underscored the urgency of equitable solutions.        The Islamic perspective on sustainable development resonated deeply with me, emphasizing stewardship (Khalifah), ju...

Date: 15 April 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4       Studying Sustainable Development as an IIUM student has been a transformative journey that has reshaped my understanding of education, responsibility, and my role in society. This subject has not only expanded my knowledge on environmental conservation, economic equity, and social justice but has also instilled in me a profound sense of moral duty. Through discussions, reflections, and research, I have come to see sustainable development as more than just policies or global initiatives, it is a way of life that demands ethical leadership, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of future generations.       The integration of Islamic values in this subject has deepened my perspective on sustainability. The concept of khalifah (stewardship) reminds me that I hold a responsibility in safeguarding the Earth, making mindful choices that contribu...

Date: 8 April 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4            Week 5 was very meaningful to me because it brought the concept of sustainability closer to home through the local, holistic philosophy of Sejahtera. I felt that this concept reflected the true soul of IIUM, where sustainability is not just physical but also spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and ethical.      I learned that Sejahtera means not just peace and prosperity, but also inner well-being and balance. It includes values like compassion, justice, humility, and trust, all of which contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and community. Unlike the Western model that often separates the spiritual from the physical, Sejahtera integrates everything into a 360-degree model of human well-being.      I reflected on how education without a soul is dangerous. Knowledge must be guided by wisdom, ethics, and compassion. ...

Date: 25 March 2025 Course: SCSH1201-Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices Section: 4      Week 4 focused on the global effort towards sustainability, especially through international agreements and conventions. Before this, I had limited knowledge of how governments and international organizations collaborate to address global challenges. I learned that these conferences provided structured action plans like Agenda 21 and introduced key principles such as “common but differentiated responsibility”, especially important for developing countries like Malaysia.      What stood out to me was the commitment and negotiation process among developed and developing nations. I realized that while global agreements are essential, their success depends on local action and awareness, starting from institutions like IIUM and individuals like myself.      I also understood that civil society plays a vital role. As a student, I am part o...