Sunway University Signs Agreement with the Wellcome Trust
Sunway University has officially signed a strategic agreement with the Wellcome Trust during the Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 (#GTP2026). Held at Sunway University from 12 to 15 October, the event marks the first time this global gathering on climate dynamics and systems action has taken place in Asia.
The agreement was formalised between Sunway University leadership, represented by President Prof. Sibrandes Poppema and Sunway Centre for Planetary Health Executive Director Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, and senior leaders from the UK-based Wellcome Trust, including Director of Climate and Health Dr Alan Dangour and Head of Communications for Climate and Health, Garth Davies.
To commemorate the occasion, Sunway University presented the Wellcome Trust with a handcrafted token of appreciation, specially designed and created by students from the University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
Shared Intent & Areas of Cooperation
The partnership provides a framework for joint effort between the two organisations to address the expanding impacts of environmental degradation on human health in South and Southeast Asia. The collaboration is aligned around key goals in climate and health action, including:
Regional Research & Evidence Gathering: Supporting research initiatives focused on how climate shocks—such as extreme heat waves, transboundary haze, and severe flooding—impact disease burdens and healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable communities.
Science-to-Policy Pathways: Facilitating the translation of planetary health science into actionable regional policy to help communities build systemic resilience before critical environmental thresholds are crossed.
Knowledge Exchange & Engagement: Leveraging public engagement, interdisciplinary science, and cross-sector partnerships across ASEAN to foster sustainable adaptation strategies.
By uniting Sunway University’s regional research footprint with the Wellcome Trust’s global health leadership, this partnership marks a pivotal step toward bridging scientific inquiry and real-world resilience. As the Global Tipping Points Conference continues through 15 October, the alliance sets a clear precedent for how cross-border, multi-sector action can protect vulnerable communities across South and Southeast Asia from the accelerating risks of climate change.
