As a child, Professor Dr. Zaini did not have any ambitions to become a scientist. “I was interested in arts at school, and I used to paint and won art competitions. I became a chemical engineer by accident. Scholarships were given out for subjects like medicine and engineering, so I chose chemical engineering,” he says.
During his student years, residing near numerous rivers endowed the water expert with an early awareness of water quality issues, a commitment that has since become the central purpose of his life. His childhood surroundings is what inspired him to branch out into environmental engineering after graduating in chemical engineering.
After obtaining a degree in chemical engineering, he transitioned to environmental engineering, earning a Master of Science (Environmental Engineering) at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, where he received an award for the best project in his MSc dissertation.
Professor Dr. Zaini’s scholastic achievements and thought leadership in water matters led to his recognition locally and internationally.
