Historically, the first thought of sewage treatment dates back to the end of 18th Century when septic tanks were introduced in the West. By the nineteenth century sewage treatment methods developed rapidly to meet the needs of basic sanitation. Today, modern and sophisticated treatment technologies are continuously developed for the purpose of protection of environmental quality in a cost efficient manner. The key driver for this trend is the increasing need for a more sustainable long term solution in terms of both the economics and the environment.

The Challenges of Research in Malaysia: Prioritisation of Research and Bringing Research to the Market

Research and Development (R&D) has long been a key activity in any developing or developed nation. R&D activities are not only generators of new knowledge; they are also an essential factor in the growth in the economy. The government of Malaysia has long recognised this fact, and has worked had to foster and nurture collaborations between researchers and the members of the industry, thereby allowing individuals to come together in new or larger research groups as well as to initiate and practice interdisciplinary research, as well as to work together with the members of the industry to promote research that addresses specific market needs.

Growing Together(Future Forum 2020) - A Foresight Project for Natural Fiber

The key reasons for the decline of these fibers could be attributed to lack of proactiveness and neglect of innovation. The producing countries often considered each other as competitors and were not able to find areas where consensus could be developed and collective action made possible.