From April 7 to 13, Professor Yu Zhongbo, a Chinese expert from Hohai University (HHU) and President of UNESCO IHP, led a delegation to Malaysia for academic exchanges at the invitation of a UNESCO category 2 centre and relevant Malaysian government departments.
On April 7, Professor Yu delivered a keynote speech titled "Challenges and Way Forward in Hydrological Science on Tibetan Plateau" at the ASIA WATER-ICWES 2026. Focusing on water security in the context of climate change and drawing on typical cases from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the speech systematically analyzed the mechanisms through which global changes impact water resource systems. It proposed enhancing cross-regional collaboration and knowledge sharing to provide scientific and technological support for achieving water security and sustainable development goals.
On April 9, Yu Zhongbo attended the UNESCO Forum on Hydrology and Water Resources for Sustainability and participated in a special seminar. He shared China's experience in water resources management and the development of water education systems, highlighting practical approaches to talent cultivation and capacity building. He emphasized the importance of coordinated development between water science research and education, and called for enhanced international cooperation and youth talent development to collectively improve regional water governance capabilities.
On April 13, Professor Yu visited the River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Center (REDAC) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. He delivered an invited keynote speech titled "Water Culture, Climate Adaptation, and Urban Storm Extremes" as part of the short-term course "MSMA-based Integrated Urban Stormwater Management—Concepts, Design, and Practice". Focusing on water culture, climate adaptation, and urban extreme storm events, the speech systematically explored new pathways for urban water management from a coupled natural-social perspective.
During this period, Yu Zhongbo also participated in UNESCO-related academic exchange activities, engaging in in-depth discussions with international experts on topics such as river culture and sustainable water resources development. He also exchanged views on advancing regional cooperation and academic exchanges under the UNESCO-IHP framework in the future.
These academic activities in Malaysia have further strengthened exchanges and cooperation between HHU and universities and international organizations in Southeast Asia in the field of water science. They have enhanced China's influence in international hydrological research and water education, and created new opportunities for deepening international scientific and technological cooperation within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.
