Prof. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a Minor in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University in the United States. She then earned a Master of Science in Clean Technology and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.

Since 1999, Prof. Zainura has been a member of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where she began her career as a research officer. She is now a faculty member in the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT).

Currently, Prof. Zainura serves as the Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA) at UTM. In this role, she has taken the lead in promoting water governance, enhancing climate resilience, and implementing sustainable management practices. As a professor, she inspires future leaders by mentoring students and professionals while advancing knowledge in sustainable engineering.

In addition to her academic contributions, Professor Zainura plays a key role in national policy development. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). She holds several influential positions, including membership on the Water Sector Transformation 2040 (Air 2040) Committee and serving as Chair of the Environment Working Group for Science Outlook 2025. Recently, she was appointed as a Commissioner for the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), where she helps shape Malaysia’s water governance and policies.

At the state level, Professor Zainura was instrumental in establishing the Johor Sustainability Centre (JSC), marking a significant milestone in promoting sustainability initiatives throughout the region. This centre serves as a platform for research, education, and collaboration in sustainable development in Johor, aligning with her broader efforts to integrate environmental practices among various stakeholders.

Professor Zainura’s expertise has reached international levels, particularly in Southeast Asia. She was selected as an ASEAN-U.S. Science and Technology Fellow from 2016 to 2017, a program supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the ASEAN Foundation. During her fellowship, she focused on applying scientific solutions to policy challenges, especially in the areas of climate adaptation and water sustainability.

From 2018 to 2020, she served as the principal investigator for a Newton-Ungku Omar Fund project titled “Improving Community Health in Malaysia using Sustainable Decentralised Wastewater Treatment.” This project, a collaboration with Newcastle University funded by the British Council, demonstrated her commitment to developing sustainable environmental engineering solutions for public health. It explored decentralized wastewater treatment technologies that aim to benefit Malaysian communities.

After completing the grant, Professor Zainura joined a major international research initiative, the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) on Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub. As a co-investigator on this nearly £20 million project, she has collaborated with leading global institutions to promote sustainable water governance and climate resilience.

Her leadership also extends to other high-impact projects, such as the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for Malaysia and Vietnam, which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Additionally, she is involved in the National Sewerage Action Plan (Pelan Tindakan Pembetungan Negara), a RM1.5 million initiative under Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Sector Transformation (PETRA). These projects have provided critical insights into wastewater management and environmental governance in Malaysia.

Prof. Zainura has published over 150 scientific articles and secured RM5 million in research funding while developing several intellectual properties. Her work encompasses academia, industry, and government, establishing her as a prominent leader in Malaysia’s sustainable development and environmental policy transformation.

In addition to her research and policy efforts, Prof. Zainura is dedicated to education and grassroots outreach. She actively promotes climate literacy and environmental awareness within communities, frequently delivering public talks and workshops to inspire young people and local stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Furthermore, she has co-developed climate change modules for schools in Johor, which aim to enhance early awareness and adaptation strategies among youth.

Prof. Zainura Zainon Noor’s career is a remarkable combination of scientific innovation, policy leadership, and a passion for education. Whether leading pioneering research in wastewater treatment or advising national policymakers, she approaches each role with sincerity, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Her influence spans research, policy, and education, inspiring colleagues, students, and communities alike. She exemplifies how one leader can drive positive change from the laboratory to the highest levels of governance.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor, FASc
Director, Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA)
Professor, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Source: UTM NewsHub