Computer Engineering faculty member Engr. Jason Occidental was one of the speakers in the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum in Sarawak, Malaysia held on September 3-4, 2025. The forum’s theme, “Regional Net Zero and Sustainable Communities, Renewable Energy Development and Interconnections,” focused on regional net-zero initiatives as well as green energy development and solutions.
Engr. Occidental was quoted during the discussion in which he shared the challenges of deploying renewable energy in Mindanao: “It’s not just about whether the technology works, it’s about navigating multiple layers of government, tribal leaders and community stakeholders. That’s why we need a pentahelix model – academia, government, the private sector, media and civil society, working together to co-create solutions.”
The session concluded emphasizing that sustainability must not be reduced to renewable energy technology and carbon targets alone, but must also address fairness, equity and empowerment of vulnerable communities.
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