A Historic Alliance for Earth and Humanity: Peking University and Sunway University Join Forces

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a defining moment for international cooperation, two academic powerhouses have stepped forward to confront the defining crisis of our era. The Peking University Institute for Global Health and Development (GHD) and Malaysia's Sunway University have officially forged a strategic, five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dedicated to the critical advancement of planetary health. 

Unveiled against the backdrop of the International Planetary Health High-Level Forum in Beijing, this landmark agreement bridges two influential institutions under a shared, urgent realization: the health of humanity and the health of our planet are inextricably bound. 

Bridging Borders to Defend Planetary Survival

The partnership establishes a dynamic framework for cross-disciplinary synergy, uniting top-tier expertise to tackle complex environmental and medical challenges. 

Joint Research and Policy Impact: Both institutions will spearhead collaborative research projects, co-authored publications, and targeted policy briefs focusing on climate and health, health systems resilience, and environmental governance. 

Academic Mobility: The framework opens doors for robust exchange programs, welcoming faculty, researchers, and students into visiting scholar and internship opportunities.  

Next-Generation Leadership: Structured capacity-building and joint curriculum development will actively train early-career researchers and future leaders to navigate the intricate landscape of Planetary Health. 

High-Level Dialogues: Regular conferences, seminars, and policy dialogues will be convened to actively translate academic findings into actionable, real-world policy. 

Honoring Leadership and Shared Vision

A cornerstone of this partnership is the appointment of Professor Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood—Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health—as Senior Fellow of Global Health at Peking University's GHD. This prestigious appointment highlights exceptional Malaysian leadership recognized by one of China's premier academic institutions. 

Leadership from both sides emphasized the gravity and promise of the alliance:

Professor Gordon G. Liu (Dean of the Peking University Institute for Global Health and Development) noted that the partnership unites institutions sharing a fundamental conviction that human and planetary health cannot be separated, aiming to build capacity that serves the wider region. 

Professor Sibrandes Poppema (President and Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University) stressed that the MOU strengthens cross-border and cross-disciplinary collaboration, deepening research and knowledge exchange to tackle interconnected global challenges. 

The formal signing ceremony was executed by Professor Gordon G. Liu, Professor Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, and Professor Sibrandes Poppema before an audience of leading scientists and policymakers from across China. 

Foundations of Excellence

This alliance stands on the collective strength of world-class academic institutions:

Peking University: Established in 1898 as China's first national comprehensive university, it remains a powerhouse of cutting-edge science, international exchange, and comprehensive education spanning six major faculties.  

Peking University Institute for Global Health and Development (GHD): Founded in 2020 under the vision of "One World, One Health," GHD merges expertise in health economics, public health, environmental science, and digital technology to drive sustainable development and global health governance. 

Sunway University: A leading 5th-generation Malaysian private institution recognized as ASEAN's top private university by AppliedHE and Times Higher Education, known for driving societal impact through sustainable development. 

Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH): Acting as a dedicated "think-and-do tank," SCPH focuses its advocacy and research on healthy cities, health-centred decarbonisation, and an educational revolution.  

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.