Inked: (From left) Sunway University pro-vice-chancellor (research and sustainability) Prof Mahendhiran Nair, Prof Jemilah, Andre and Isabel Hoffmann.
Sunway University and Fondation Hoffmann are embarking on a transformative collaboration to address the pressing planetary health challenges facing South-East Asia.
The project, which aims to pioneer new solutions for the region’s interconnected environmental and public health crises, was marked by the signing of a CHF3.4mil (approximately RM17mil) grant agreement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Present at the signing were Fondation Hoffmann president André Hoffmann and Sunway Centre for Planetary Health executive director Prof Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood.
The Fondation Hoffmann grant represents a significant milestone for the Global South, as this is the first such grant awarded to an institution in this region, building on its support to renowned institutions around the world.
Through a strategic partnership with Sunway University, ranked the top private university in Asean in the AppliedHE Public and Private University Ranking: Asean 2025, the collaboration focuses on advancing research, advocacy, and capacity development in training journalists and media influencers, addressing governance gaps, and business transformation, a press release dated Jan 20, read.
Hoffmann said the foundation is proud to support prestigious educational institutions around the world in groundbreaking research and collaborative initiatives.
“Partnering with Sunway University, a dynamic institution from the Global South, is a significant milestone. This collaboration embodies our firm commitment to championing transformative work in planetary health to address critical, globally driven challenges, especially within the Asean region,” he said.
Describing the grant as “a game changer”, Prof Jemilah said the partnership aims to build regional capacity, foster innovative solutions and inspire action among businesses, policymakers and communities across South-East Asia.
“We take great pride in being the first university in the region recognised for leading the way in planetary health and are deeply honoured to be entrusted with this grant partnership,” she said.
