Prof Dr Md Zabid Abd Rashid, Director of Centre for Graduate Studies and Prof Dr Tushar Kanti Mukherjee, Dean of Faculty of Science and Foundation Studies share their views. OUM is all geared for 2005 with a new programme - Masters of Environmental Science on Integrated Water Resource Management. This is a unique programme, first of its kind in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Courses offered for the masters programme emphasises on the issue of water management which has become a growing concern for the global community. As stated in the world water council organisation, Southeast Asia’s vision for water in the new century is to attain sustainability of water resources in its efforts to ensure sufficient water quantity to meet the needs of the people of Southeast Asia. The issue of water management has increasingly become a crucial concern among the world population especially in developing and third world countries. With the growth of population, society’s demands for quality and acceptable water supply has increased. Pollution of water resources as a result of the lack of wastewater disposal, sanitation and proper solid waste management has intensified the problem and reduced water supply. The degradation of land and water resources has shown the need for a more efficient and effective management of water resources. Prof Dr Md Zabid said that the Masters of Environmental Science (Integrated Water Resource Management) programme was initiated by recommendations from the Regional Humid Tropics Hydrology and Water Resources Centre for Southeast Asia, as well as the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Malaysia. He added that by offering the programme through open and distance learning, those interested and working in related fields will have the opportunity to take on this programme.

Prof Dr. Mukherjee said that the two professional bodies viewed OUM as the most appropriate institution to carry out this programme. Working collaboratively with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Kolej Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn (KUITTHO) as well as other related academic and professional bodies, OUM hopes to ensure students receive the best in terms of facilities, resources and teaching experts. Prof Dr Mukherjee said that “OUM will be responsible to integrate and co-ordinate the programme while laboratory work will be conducted at the respective IPTA’s throughout the country”. He added that measures to create a virtual laboratory for science students were being finalised. This programme will be offered by OUM in the coming May semester for a duration of two years. Those with a Bachelor’s degree in science and engineering may apply with special preference to those working in the relevant fields. Teachers will be pooled from academicians, experts and professional from various academic institutions and professional organisations. OUM hopes the Masters of Environmental Science on Integrated Water Resource Management will produce graduates with the skills and know-how to deal with water, a very precious element.