Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences academic Dr Nik Athirah Yusoff has become the latest member of our faculty to win an award for her work towards a better planet, after she received an Environmental Stewards Award and a “Biji-Biji Micro Grant” from the Young South-East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).
This programme, supported by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, provides a platform empowering demerging leaders to make an impact within their communities. Held in collaboration with Biji-biji Initiative and Me.reka, the groundbreaking event brought participants from NGOs, project groups and social enterprises.
Dr Nik Athirah won the award after leading her “BxU” group to raise awareness of hoarding disorder—targeting two different aspects of waste management and mental health. The award was given after a four-month-long mentorship programme, arming participants with essential skills to proficiently execute their civic engagement campaigns
“Hoarding Disorder itself is a rarely addressed issue in Malaysia. It can significantly affect a person’s life and create a nuisance in the community if it reaches a severe level. It can’t only be resolved through mental health; it needs to involve the aspect of waste management as well,” she said.
“In fact, there are also certain cases where those who care about pollution, develop climate anxiety and end up hoarding a lot of materials because they don’t want to contribute to polluting the environment.”
Dr Athirah said her team of environmental and mental health advocates came from a wide range of backgrounds, including public relations and law—an illustration of how important these issues are to society.
The grand finale of the YSEALI BOOTCAMP 2022 was attended by luminaries like the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Adam Adli, H.E Brian D. McFeeters, U.S Ambassador to Malaysia, and the CEO of Biji Biji Initiative, Mr Rashivin Pal Singh.
Dr Athirah’s momentous recognition reverberates the immense potential of collective efforts in ushering transformative change. Her resolute commitment to environmental stewardship and groundbreaking initiatives like BxU lay the cornerstone for a more sustainable and enlightened future. Congratulations!
