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WEEK 10

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Class Reflection - Week 10: Measurement, Indices, and Indicators for Sustainable Development This week’s lecture deepened my understanding of the importance of measurement in sustainable development (SD). While sustainable development is often discussed in terms of goals and policies, this lesson highlighted the critical need for systematic and scientific measurement tools, specifically indices and indicators, to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and ensure accountability. Key Learning Points We explored various alternative measures of economic and social well-being, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Ecological Footprint, Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), and the Happy Planet Index (HPI). These tools go beyond traditional GDP-focused metrics, reflecting a broader and more humane understanding of prosperity — one that values health, education, environmental sustainability, and social equity. What particularly stood out to me was the Malaysian Shariah Index, a unique model ...
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WEEK 9

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Individual Reflection Report  Week 9 – Fieldwork on IIUM as a Sustainable Campus Introduction Week 9 of the SCSH1201 course provided an engaging and practical learning experience through fieldwork, focusing on IIUM’s initiatives as a sustainable campus. This week highlighted how institutions, especially universities, play a vital role in promoting sustainability, not only through policies but through student participation and on-campus practices. The session encouraged me to reflect on how I, as a student, can become an agent of change, integrating SDG goals with Islamic principles to serve both the environment and society. Reflection on Campus Sustainability Our fieldwork and observations showed that IIUM is not just a green campus but one striving for holistic sustainability. Sustainability was reflected in many on-campus programs, such as solar energy initiatives, food waste composting, e-bike sharing, and the myTREEvolution project, which supports tree-planting efforts. The ...
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WEEK 8

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Individual Reflection Report  Week 8 – The Role of Institutions in Sustainable Introduction The Week 8 lecture on the Roles of Institutions in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offered insightful understanding into how national, regional, and global institutions collaborate to achieve the 2030 Agenda, especially focusing on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This reflection explores how institutions—from global UN bodies to our own national systems—play crucial roles in guiding sustainable development, and how Islamic principles can enhance these efforts to ensure just, peaceful, and accountable societies. Reflection on the Role of Institutions in Sustainable Development One of the major takeaways from this lesson is the realization that sustainable development is not possible without strong, transparent, and inclusive institutions. These institutions form the backbone of development policies, data monitoring, ...
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WEEK 7

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Individual Reflection Report: Week 7 – Challenges to Sustainable Development   Introduction Week 7’s lecture critically explored the multifaceted challenges facing the global pursuit of sustainable development. Through an integrated lens of social, economic, and environmental dimensions, the session revealed the structural and systemic barriers that hinder equity, resilience, and long-term sustainability. By examining real-world data, inequity narratives, and Islamic principles, the class emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset, policy, and values at all levels of society—including the individual, institutional, and global. Key Learning Points The lecture identified several general and specific challenges to sustainability, including: Inequities in access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, food, and clean water. Climate change and energy , resource depletion , and environmental degradation . Economic maldevelopment , overcons...
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WEEK 6

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Individual Reflection: The Role of Universities in Sustainable Development Through an Islamic Perspective Introduction This week’s lecture on “Roles of Universities in Sustainable Development” was a profound reminder of the multifaceted responsibilities of higher education institutions in today’s complex and rapidly evolving world. It challenged the conventional understanding of universities as mere academic producers and instead presented them as dynamic agents of ethical leadership, community engagement, and societal transformation. Key Learning Points The presentation introduced a transformative framework by Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, emphasizing that true Islamic education is holistic—integrating intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions. In his view, education should not only transfer knowledge but also build character, conscience, and accountability to Allah (SWT). These ideas align with Islamic principles and the Falsafah Pendidikan Kebang...
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WEEK 5

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Class Reflection: Sejahtera as a Local Concept of Sustainable Development In Week 5, we explored the concept of  Sejahtera , a unique local value deeply rooted in the Malaysian context and closely aligned with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Islamic teachings.  Sejahtera  transcends material well-being; it emphasizes holistic harmony across physical, emotional, spiritual, and societal domains. According to Kamus Dewan, it means "peaceful, prosperous, and safe," and it aligns well with the SDG’s overarching goals of ending poverty, ensuring well-being, promoting peace, and protecting the environment. One of the key takeaways was how  Sejahtera  encourages balance in all aspects of life— intellectual, spiritual, emotional, cultural, societal, and ecological . This is echoed in the  Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan (FPK) , which aims to produce balanced and harmonious individuals who contribute to the betterment of family, society, and nation. S...
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WEEK 4

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Class Reflection – Week 4: International Framework of Sustainable Development, SDGs & Islamic Values This week’s class provided a comprehensive overview of the international efforts and frameworks that have shaped the global sustainable development agenda. From the 1972 Stockholm Conference to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, and the eventual formation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016, I learned that sustainability is a long-standing global concern, not just a modern trend. It was enlightening to see how international cooperation, through frameworks like the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has evolved to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. What was most meaningful for me was the introduction of the Sejahtera concept as a local and Islamic lens for interpreting sustainability. Unlike the purely economic or policy-driven nature of global agreements, Sejahtera encompasses spiritual, ...
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