Dr. Khamarrul Azahari Razak

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health 2016

Institution

Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

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The Power of Knowledge: How Prepared Are We For Disaster – The Malaysia Context

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.

Helping Malaysia Stay One Step Ahead of Natural Disasters

Dr. Kamarrul Azahari Razak, a 35-year-old geoscience specialist, currently holds the distinguished positions of Laboratory Director and Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Focused on disaster research within the Malaysian context, his groundbreaking research titled “The Power of Knowledge: How Prepared Are We For Disaster – The Malaysia Context” delves into interdisciplinary methodologies aimed at enriching the nation's disaster management strategies.

It takes everyone to avoid a disaster

To enhance disaster resilience, Dr. Kamarrul aims to foster a strategic partnership involving academia, governmental bodies, and industry stakeholders to collectively address and mitigate potential risks in the region. The core objective of his research is to develop a proactive approach that will empower Malaysia to effectively manage and minimise the impact of disasters, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and infrastructure.

Through his diligent efforts, Dr. Kamarrul seeks to unearth crucial insights that could enable better prediction of future disasters and enhance preparedness measures within the Malaysian community. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, he envisions a future where his findings can serve as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and proactive disaster response strategies.

Currently engaged in an overseas attachment spanning up to three months, Dr. Kamarrul strives to strengthen his research, expand his professional network, and assimilate cutting-edge knowledge and methodologies that can be seamlessly integrated upon his return to Malaysia.

This international exposure will not only elevate his research endeavours but also to facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration among Malaysian researchers within his field.

Collaboration for a Safer Future

True to his mantra ‘learning is by doing’, Dr. Kamarul and his team from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur spearheaded a monumental initiative by co-designing and implementing the Community-based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Program in Kundang, Rawang. Held on 21st April 2019, this program was a collaboration involving MERCY Malaysia, the Selangor Disaster Management Unit (SDMU), the Selangor State Secretary Office, the Gombak District Office, NoFlood.com, and was generously supported by the MahSing Foundation.

The successful execution of the CBDRM Kundang initiative was marked by the invaluable contributions from his team of Multi-Hazard and Disaster Risk Laboratory at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (UTM Geohazards). Their steadfast commitment to advancing disaster management practices exemplifies the spirit of public-private-academic-civil society partnership, a vital connection for bolstering the resilience of communities against various hazards.

In conclusion, Dr. Kamarrul Azahari Razak's research underscores the pivotal role of interdisciplinary cooperation in fortifying disaster resilience within Malaysia. His dedication to advancing knowledge and embracing innovative strategies embodies a commitment to a safer and more resilient future for all.

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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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