China-Malaysia Online Academic Dialogue Successfully Concludes: Turenscape and UTM Explore Sponge Planet and Ecological Water Governance Innovations
Recently, an online academic exchange between China and Malaysia focusing on ecological landscape innovation, sustainable urban design, and integrated water environment management was successfully held. Organized by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with participation from Turenscape, the dialogue brought together nearly 100 scholars, students, government representatives, and industry professionals from China, Malaysia, and beyond to exchange ideas on emerging ecological design theories, research achievements, and practical experiences.
The event was moderated by LAr. Dr. Rohayah Che Amat from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Dayang Norulfairuz binti Abang Zaidel, Head of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE), MJIIT, UTM, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming scholars, students, and industry representatives from both countries and setting an open, rigorous, and inspiring atmosphere for the cross-border academic dialogue.
During the conference, Xi Chen, Chief Planning & Design Engineer of Turenscape Studio 5, delivered a keynote presentation. Drawing upon Turenscape’s extensive ecological design practices and landscape research achievements from Peking University, Chen addressed the growing global water challenges caused by climate change and introduced the concept of Land-Based Water Driven Holistic Solutions. He further shared Turenscape’s vision of creating a “Sponge Planet” through nature-based approaches, demonstrating innovative pathways for ecological restoration, resilient urban water systems, and sustainable development.
Following this, Vivian (Hongwei) Tian, Assistant to Hongjin “Tony” Yu, CEO of Turenscape, gave a special presentation introducing the professional journey, academic exploration, and evolving ecological landscape philosophy of Dr. Kongjian Yu. Through her presentation, she highlighted the development of his theoretical framework from “Negative Planning” to Sponge City and Sponge Planet concepts, as well as the global influence of China’s ecological landscape practices.
Following the keynote presentations, participants engaged in extensive discussions on topics including landscape design frameworks, systematic ecological design approaches, applications of artificial intelligence (AI) simulation technologies in landscape practice, and long-term operation and management of ecological parks. The dialogue strengthened the connection between academic research and professional practice while creating opportunities for future international collaboration, joint research initiatives, and educational exchange.
Nearly 100 participants attended the event, representing universities, government agencies, professional organizations, and the design industry:
Academic Institutions:
Participants included faculty members and students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), particularly the Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Design program at MJIIT, as well as representatives from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and other landscape architecture-related programs.
Government and Research Institutions:
Representatives joined from organizations including PLANMalaysia, Perbadanan Putrajaya, the Department of Town and Country Planning Malaysia, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), and Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang.
Industry Professionals:
The event welcomed professionals from landscape architecture firms, design studios, and engineering consultancies, including CKA Landscape Architecture, Hijau Biru, EKM Landscape Architects, ANZ Landscape S/B, Rainforest Concept, and other industry representatives.
Professional Organizations:
Representatives from the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) and Pertubuhan Arkitek Landskap Sarawak also participated in the academic exchange.
The successful conclusion of this China-Malaysia online academic dialogue established a valuable platform for continued collaboration between UTM and Turenscape. It further strengthened academic and professional exchange in ecological landscape design, sustainable urban development, water environment governance, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Looking ahead, both sides will continue to promote joint research, academic exchange, and the global dissemination of innovative ecological approaches, contributing to the advancement of Sponge City and Sponge Planet concepts worldwide.
