Eco Campus Sustainable Action Nexus (ESCAN) Initiative Launching Ceremony

ESCAN: A First-of-Its-Kind Network

ESCAN represents the first network of its kind, uniting Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) worldwide under a common mission: to embed sustainability into every aspect of academic life. The program is designed to empower students, educators, and institutions to lead the fight against climate change and environmental degradation through a holistic and action-oriented approach to sustainability.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

ESCAN is built on four foundational pillars:

• Greening Education for a Sustainable Future: Integrating sustainability into curricula and research to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges.
• Green Talent for a Sustainable Future: Nurturing the next generation of green professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, preparing them for careers in a sustainable economy.
• Green Living for a Sustainable Future: Promoting eco-friendly practices and personal well-being within campus communities.
• Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: Collaborating with governments, international organizations, and the private sector to bring real-world experience into the educational journey.

By the end of 2025, ESCAN aims to have at least 100 HEIs and TEIs join the network, creating a robust community dedicated to advancing sustainability on a global scale.

Leaders Speak: The Importance of ESCAN

Speaking at the launch event, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, Rector of Syiah Kuala University, emphasized the critical role that ESCAN will play in transforming education: “ESCAN is not merely an initiative; it is a movement that will integrate sustainability into the very fabric of our institutions. For our students, lecturers, and the broader community, ESCAN represents a unique opportunity to lead by example and drive positive change in the world.”

Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of Green Growth Asia Foundation, highlighted the vision and potential impact of ESCAN: “ESCAN is a visionary initiative—the first of its kind—and we are proud to co-found it with Syiah Kuala University. By fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, ESCAN will prepare our students for the green jobs, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles of the future. Our goal is to build a network of institutions that will drive the sustainability agenda forward, ensuring that our graduates are not only ready to meet the demands of the future but also to shape it.”

Dr. Balamurugan Ratha Krishnan, Chief Executive of Green Growth Asia Foundation, also shared his insights on the significance of ESCAN: “ESCAN is about more than just education; it’s about creating a new paradigm for how we approach sustainability. This initiative will not only empower students but also strengthen the capacity of educators and institutions to lead in the sustainability arena. By bringing together the expertise of academia, industry, and government, ESCAN will create a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Dr. Muzailin Affan, M.Sc, Head of Office of International Affairs and Secretariat of ESCAN at Universitas Syiah Kuala, remarked, “ESCAN is a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. It is our collective response to the urgent call for climate action, and it reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth to become the change-makers of tomorrow. By launching ESCAN on World Youth Day, we are sending a powerful message: the future is in the hands of our youth, and with the right tools, guidance, and opportunities, they will lead us towards a sustainable and equitable world.“

Mr. Irfan Adhitya Permadi, Coordinator for APEC and Subregional Cooperation, and Representative of National Secretariat IMT-GT Indonesia, added, “ESCAN is a timely and crucial initiative that aligns perfectly with our regional goals for sustainable development. It is through education and collaborative action that we can truly drive change. ESCAN offers a platform for our institutions to work together, share knowledge, and develop solutions that will benefit not only our region but the world at large.”

Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina, M.Sc, Chairman of the IMT-GT Working Group on Environment, also spoke on the significance of ESCAN: “The launch of ESCAN represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward sustainability. By engaging students, educators, and institutions in this network, we are fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that is essential for the future of our cities and communities. ESCAN will serve as a model for how education can be harnessed to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

Honored Guests and Attendees

The launch ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of guests, including:

• Prof. Dr. Taufiq Saidi, M.Eng, IPU, Vice Rector for Planning, Collaboration, and Business, Universitas Syiah Kuala
• Hon. Datuk Dr. Shahrin bin Sahib, FASC., PTech, Hon. MIIEM, Chairman, IMT-GT UNINET
• Mr. Irfan Adhitya Permadi, Coordinator for APEC and Subregional Cooperation, Representative of National Secretariat IMT-GT Indonesia
• Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina, M.Sc, Chairman, IMT-GT Working Group on Environment
• Sjahrir Harahap, Chairman, IMT-GT Joint Business Council Indonesia
• Prof. Dr. Agung Dhamar Syakti, DEA, Rector, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji

Representatives from the following institutions also attended:

• Universiti Kuala Lumpur
• Sunway University
• Nottingham University
• Thaksin University
• Private Education of Thailand
• Universitas Jambi
• Universitas Sumatera Utara
• Universitas Malikussaleh
• Head of Provincial Education Department
• Head of Provincial Environment and Forestry Department
• Deans and Vice Deans, Universitas Syiah Kuala

Collaboration for Global Impact

ESCAN will actively engage with national and local governments, international organizations, and the private sector to enhance the educational experience for students and provide them with practical skills and insights. The initiative will also focus on the professional development of lecturers and senior management, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead their institutions in the journey toward sustainability.

For more information, please contact:
T : +(60)122242015 | E : communications@greengrowthasia.org | W : greengrowthasia.org