Professor Dr. Joy Jacqueline Pereira

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health 2024

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Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

Translating Science into Action

Dr. Joy’s unique strength lies in her ability to navigate the complex interface between science and policy.

As the Chairperson of the Malaysian Network for Research on Climate, Environment, and Development (MyCLIMATE), she has dedicated herself to making scientific data on climate change accessible and actionable for both the public and policymakers. Her work focuses on critical areas such as disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, ensuring that the evidence of climate change is not just understood but acted upon.

Her research serves as a cornerstone for advocating adaptation strategies and influencing policy-making. Dr. Joy’s leadership is recognized through her roles on various panels and councils, both locally and internationally. Her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that drives action has made her an invaluable asset in the fight against climate change.

Delivering the summary of the inaugural ASEAN Disaster Resilience Forum, convened by the ASEAN Disaster Resilience Platform, a revitalised institutional arrangement for the region.

Impact and Global Leadership

Dr. Joy’s contributions have not gone unnoticed on the global stage.

For over a decade, she has been an active member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contributing to numerous working groups and reports. Her dedication to shaping the climate change discourse led to her historic election in 2023 as the first female Asian co-chair of the IPCC Working Group III on Mitigation of Climate Change. In this role, Dr. Joy has provided a comprehensive perspective on mitigation and adaptation efforts, influencing global assessments and policy.

Dr. Joy has also been a key figure in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR’s) Asia-Pacific Science and Technology Advisory Group (AP-STAG). This group supports science-based decision-making to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a global initiative aimed at understanding vulnerabilities, investing in resilience, and preparing for disasters in the face of climate change.

Led the project team that delivered the inaugural National Policy on Climate Change and the National Disaster Risk Register for Malaysia.

Pioneering Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives

One of Dr. Joy’s most notable contributions is her work in disaster risk reduction.

As the Director of the Asian Network on Climate Science and Technology (ANCST) at UKM, she has led several transformative projects. Among them is the Kuala Lumpur Multi-Hazard Platform (KL-MHP), a groundbreaking forecasting system designed to provide early warnings and enhance preparedness
and response mechanisms in urban areas. This system, in use by the City Hall of Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) since 2021, integrates data on weather, geological, and atmospheric hazards, offering a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management.

Dr. Joy also spearheaded the development of the MyBahaya Platform, which aims to foster social entrepreneurship among early-career geologists. This platform empowers geologists to monitor and report on geohazards, such as landslides, and engage with communities to build resilience against climate-induced disasters. By nurturing the next generation of geologists, Dr. Joy is ensuring that the field of disaster risk reduction continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges.

Conducting an IPCC outreach to researchers in Japan to kick-start th Seventh Assessment Cycle in Tokyo, Japan.

A Champion for a Sustainable Future

Dr. Joy Jacqueline Pereira’s career is a shining example of how scientific research can be translated into meaningful action.

Through her leadership in scientific research, policy advocacy, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement, she has become a pivotal figure in the global climate change discourse. Her work not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by climate change but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Dr. Joy’s dedication to understanding and combating the impacts of climate change has made her a trailblazer in her field. Her efforts have not only influenced national policy but have also made a significant impact on the global stage, ensuring that the fight against climate change continues to gain momentum.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Academic Excellence

For nearly 30 years, she has been a principal research fellow at UKM’s Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI-UKM), where she has supervised the research of over 40 graduate students and postdoctoral candidates.

Her mentorship has helped shape the careers of many scientists who are now contributing to climate change research and policy on a global scale.

Dr. Joy’s academic achievements are reflected in the numerous awards she has received, including the Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) Excellence Award. Her work has been published in top-tier journals, and she continues to serve as an editor for several international scientific publications.

With the Her Excellency the High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia and Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen of the Academy of Sciences at the launch of the IDRC Project on Promotion of Social Entrepreneurship in Disaster Risk Reduction to Build Community Resilience in 2019.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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