At the Centre for Sustainable Societies, we lead high-impact research across environmental, economic, and social sustainability. We innovate for real-world solutions, secure competitive grants, publish in top journals, and offer expert consultancy—turning our knowledge into action for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Purpose
To be a world-class research centre dedicated to advancing sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mission
To conduct high-impact interdisciplinary research and development across the environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability, advancing the well-being of humanity and the Earth.
The Centre for Sustainable Societies (CSS) is dedicated to advancing sustainability through impactful, interdisciplinary research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our work spans key domains including advanced materials and manufacturing, renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainable finance, green business practices, and responsible tourism.
By integrating science, innovation, and community engagement, we aim to develop solutions that drive systemic change—for the well-being of people and the long-term health of our planet.
The Centre for Sustainable Societies is driven by a diverse team of researchers, academics, and thought leaders united by a shared commitment to exploring Asia’s evolving landscape.
Professor Dr Yap Pow Seng
Director for the Center and Cluster Lead for Environmental Protection
Associate Professor Dr Choo Hui Leng
Cluster Lead for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing for Sustainable Engineering
Professor Ir Dr Jonathan Goh Hui Hwang
Cluster Lead for Renewable Energy
Dr Muhammad Ali
Cluster Lead for Financial Sustainability
Associate Professor Dr Lin Woon Leong
Cluster Lead for Green Business Practices
Associate Professor Dr Harmahinder Singh Iqbal Singh
Cluster Lead for Sustainable Governance
This research cluster drives innovation in materials science and manufacturing to address global sustainability challenges. We focus on developing environmentally friendly materials, resource-efficient production methods, and circular economy practices.
By integrating materials science, mechanical design, smart manufacturing, and advanced technologies, AMMSE aims to enhance product performance, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient engineering solutions for a sustainable future.
Value Proposition
Innovating sustainable materials and smart manufacturing to enable low-carbon, high-performance engineering solutions for a greener future.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
This research cluster is dedicated to facilitating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future through interdisciplinary research and innovation. We concentrate in advanced renewable technologies, encompassing solar, wind, bioenergy, and smart grid solutions. We tackle critical issues such as energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable infrastructure development through collaborative projects.
We promote national and worldwide sustainability programs by integrating practical research, policy involvement, and community outreach. We aim to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy solutions for lasting environmental and economic resilience through strong industry-academia partnerships.
Value Proposition
Facilitating the clean energy transition through innovative research, industry collaboration, and impactful community engagement.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
This research cluster is dedicated to advancing scientific and technological solutions that safeguard the Earth’s ecosystems. Our work spans a wide range of environmental technologies, including the treatment and management of water, air, and solid waste pollution.
We also explore emerging and interdisciplinary research areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy strategies, biomass valorisation, and microplastic pollution. Through innovation and collaboration, we strive to create cleaner environments, drive responsible resource management, and support a sustainable future for all.
Value Proposition
Delivering innovative environmental solutions to combat pollution, restore ecosystems, and build climate-resilient, sustainable communities.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
This research cluster is committed to reshaping financial systems to drive long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Rooted in ethical finance, our work spans critical areas such as green and Islamic finance, ESG integration, impact investing, and financial inclusion. We bridge academic research with policy development and industry practice, advancing innovations in climate finance, digital financial literacy, and sustainable investing.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the cluster promotes equitable access to capital, resilience in financial systems, and inclusive economic growth. As a collaborative hub for interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and thought leadership, we aim to position finance as a powerful tool for driving systemic change—transforming capital flows into catalysts for social equity and environmental progress.
Value Proposition
Transforming finance into a force for good—advancing ethical investing, inclusive growth, and climate resilience through research and innovation.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
This research cluster brings together interdisciplinary experts to drive innovation in ethical and environmentally responsible business strategies. We focus on integrating sustainable practices into corporate ecosystems through research on environmental governance, green technologies, and inclusive economic models.
By bridging academia, industry, and policy, the cluster empowers businesses to embed sustainability into every level of operation—from supply chains to marketing—fostering growth that is both profitable and purposeful.
Value Proposition
Driving ethical, future-ready business practices through ESG-aligned research, innovation, and sustainable economic strategies.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
This research cluster aims to investigate the critical, complex, and reciprocal relationships between governance structures, principles of justice, and the achievement of truly sustainable development goals (SDGs). By integrating expertise from law, political science, philosophy, and public policy, we aim to generate actionable knowledge and innovative policy recommendations that promote equitable, inclusive, and resilient societies.
The pursuit of sustainable societies cannot be separated from issues of justice and governance. Failures in governance (e.g. corruption, weak rule of law, and lack of transparency) and systemic injustices (e.g. inequality, marginalisation, and denial of rights) are major impediments to sustainability. Effective and equitable resource management fundamentally depends on legitimate institutions, inclusive decision-making, and the fair distribution of burdens and benefits.
The cluster will offer research opportunities focused on evidence-based legal and policy frameworks, as well as capacity-building initiatives that equip governments, industries, and communities to implement effective, accountable, and sustainable practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Value Proposition
Advancing evidence-based legal and policy frameworks while empowering governments, industries, and communities to implement effective, accountable, and sustainable practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UNSDGs Committed
Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.
With strong industry partnerships, we strive to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future, paving the way for a better tomorrow. Explore our initiatives and join us in making a positive difference.
Impact: This project develops and optimises heat source modelling and grain size prediction algorithms for simulating Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) of thick-walled structures. The outcomes enhance the accuracy of thermal distribution and microstructure prediction, offering greater control in additive manufacturing processes.
Funding: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (2021–2024) | FRGS/1/2021/TK0/TAYLOR/02/8
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Impact: This project leverages both statistical (RSM) and computational (ANN) methods to develop optimal formulations of nanocomposite membranes using GO and MWCNTs for textile wastewater treatment, aiming to improve membrane performance through synergistic material integration.
Funding: SEGi Internal Research Fund (Feb 2022 – Aug 2023)
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Impact: This research investigates thermoresponsive PVDF membranes embedded with PNIPAAm-functionalised MWCNTs for kitchen wastewater treatment. The study aims to reduce membrane fouling and assess the reusability of treated water based on national standards.
Funding: Taylor’s Internal Research Grant Scheme – Impact Lab Grant | (TIRGS-ILG/2/2024/SOE/001)
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Impact: This project explores how natural antioxidants derived from palm oil residues influence solubility and oxidative stability in biolubricants made from waste cooking oil, contributing to the development of sustainable, low-cost lubricant alternatives.
Funding: FRGS Grant | (FRGS/1/2023/TK05/TAYLOR/03/1)
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Impact: This project contributes to material science through the synthesis and evaluation of Al-Li-based functionally graded metal matrix composites (FGMMCs), supporting advances across aerospace, mechanical, and materials engineering.
Funding: Taylor’s University & QIS Engineering College (2 years) | PARTNERSHIP/QIS/2025/FIT/002
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Impact: This study investigates the thermal behaviour of Sn-Bi solder alloys to enhance energy-efficient electronics packaging—aligning with Malaysia’s National Industrial Masterplan 2030 and supporting innovations in the semiconductor sector.
Funding: Taylor’s University (2 years) | TIRGS-ILG/1/2024/SOE/004
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Impact: This project explores how user behaviour and bandwidth demands affect 5G heterogeneous network performance, using machine learning for predictive modelling. The outcomes aim to optimise network resources, reduce energy consumption, and improve digital inclusivity—benefiting telecom operators, policymakers, and society at large.
Funding: FRGS Grant (Aug 2024 – Jul 2026)
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Impact: This project develops a cost-effective, modular power supply for Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), integrating GUI controls and automation to enhance machining accuracy and productivity. It supports smart manufacturing, improves surface quality, and aligns with Industry 4.0 principles across high-precision industries.
Funding: Impact Lab Grant (Jun 2024 – Dec 2025)
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Impact: This project designs a novel FPGA-based PWM control for Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverters (SCMLI) to reduce harmonic distortion, improve energy efficiency, and lower production costs. Applications include electric vehicles, renewable energy, and smart grids—contributing to global sustainability goals.
Funding: Matching Grant (International) (May 2025 – Apr 2027)
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Impact: This project investigates the development of a solar-powered evaporator to treat wastewater from Murata Electronics (Malaysia), using renewable energy to minimise environmental impact. The solution promotes sustainable industrial practices and supports eco-friendly wastewater management.
Funding: Murata Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Jun 2024 – Jun 2026)
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Impact: This project examines how different traits of organic matter affect priming effects within soil microbiomes, with the goal of enhancing nutrient cycling and soil fertility. By understanding these interactions, the research supports more sustainable agricultural practices, improves crop yield efficiency, and reduces the reliance on chemical fertilisers—ultimately contributing to environmentally responsible
Funding: Taylor's University (Nov 2024 – May 2026) | TIRGS-ILG/2/2024/SOE/004
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Stay tuned as we continue to share exciting developments on the project.
Impact: This project explores innovative climate finance models tailored to Malaysian SMEs in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. By identifying effective funding mechanisms and green investment strategies, the research supports climate-resilient growth, improves access to sustainable financing, and empowers SMEs to adopt low-carbon practices.
Funding: FRGS Grant (Oct 2023 – Sep 2025)
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Impact: This project raises awareness of cyberbullying through workshops and symposiums designed to educate communities on digital safety, responsible online behaviour, and the social and psychological impact of cyberbullying. The initiative also aims to strengthen public understanding of preventive measures and foster safer digital environments.
Funding: Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (RM52,708.80)
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Impact: This study examines the growing issue of child sexual grooming in Greater Kuala Lumpur and seeks to propose an enhanced regulatory framework to strengthen child protection measures. The research aims to support policymakers and legal stakeholders in addressing emerging risks in both digital and physical environments through more effective governance and legislative approaches.
Funding: Taylor's Internal Grant Scheme 2024 (RM6,700)
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Have questions or want to learn more about our research? Whether you're a prospective collaborator, researcher, student, or industry partner, we welcome your enquiries. Get in touch with us to explore opportunities, request information, or start a conversation.
