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Perumalu Kandan
Retired from Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Malaysia in early July 2017 as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. I love gardening, meditation and acquiring knowledge.
Location Malaysia
Activity
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Very informative, sir. Today l learnt about the important of phosphorus in agriculture. Thank you.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
In my country the dryland salinity is not much of a problem. In tropical country, due to deforestation, land clearing for developments and unhealthy agricultural practices leads to loss of valuable top soil.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
There are many but l would like to mention paraquat. In my country, the Government has banned the production of all pesticides and herbicides containing the hazardous paraquat and calcium cyanide compound, used in the country's plantations for over 40 years. It's quite popular in developing nations and closely connected to rubber plantations.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Another external cost in agricultural economics is the loss of soil health (fertility) due to the over usage of chemicals for fertility, diseases control and hormones for growth that creates the unhealthy environment for the soil microbes and earthworms, etc. There is a general loss of indigenousness/organic soil that to maintain the soil 'strength' further...
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There are different strategies that would help subsistence farmers to scale up production and become entrepreneurs. My thoughts are:
a. Community cooperation perhaps with the help of NGO(s) could provide the scale that can provide the bargaining power with authorities to look into the welfare of the farmers.
b. Move to recognition of products to certain... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thanks for the information. l am hoping for much more safer pesticides that are more environmentally friendlier and less detrimental to health.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Very informative. l do agree that nutrients are essential for healthy crops with high yield but the growing environmental concerns require due consideration too.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Water is everything for survival. With the onslaught of climate change and population growth and the scarcity of water, it might reach a critical level. The wisdom lies in using water without wasting and optimizing the consumption.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Very informative. Thanks.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
There are three practical methods that l can adopt, a) growing own food, preferably organic farming, urban farming, etc; b) reducing wastage and sharing surplus food instead of sending to dumping grounds; c) living a healthier life by reducing meat consumption which can increase the cost of production and buying local products and eating seasonal local fruits.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Covid-19 has a major impact of food production and marketing. The lockdown period has an adverse impact on the farmers routines, loss of productivity and accordingly lower productions. On the other hand the sales of food produce are also affected as the purchasing power of the people are lower due to unemployment, loss of businesses, etc. Hence, the scarcity...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you. l am learning a lot now.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you. A good explanation and the additional reading is interesting too.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Similar to any other developing nation, my country started very well in agriculture. However, the heavy use of chemical is killing the agricultural industry in the long run. The current generation are very much looking into industrialization and manufacturing as a career path. Ironically, some food products are cheaper to import rather than grow locally. In...
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Thank you for having me (Perumalu Kandan). l am sure there are a lot to learn and l am gearing up to do just that.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
This is a great course and l enjoyed myself learning new knowledge during this time of COVID-19. I would like to take this opportunity to thanks the teachers, fellow learners and those who are working behind the screen to make this MOOC available to the online participants. A big thanks to FutureLearn too for providing the online platform for the global...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I have learnt that sustainability is journey and that Green HR has an importance role to play. There are many players in this sustainability journey and it is necessary for businesses to be agile and ready to change. It requires transparency, authenticity, real and should avoid rhetoric and greenwashing. It is utmost importance to ‘walk the talk’ and ‘talk...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l learned a lot from this MOOC course. Yes, l do agree that in the current time green HR offers a new perspective on the role of HR and sustainability.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
It is a good approach that the the CEO of Amazing Fashion made a public announcement that they would review the effectiveness of the organisation’s CSR and HR practices and offshore auditing processes. This is essential to gain the public and other stakeholders' confidence and trust. Amazing Fashion should ensure that the transparency (the level of sharing)...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I worked in the public sector and sustainability is much talked about but in practice far from satisfactory during implementation. Nevertheless, the progress can be felt although very slow. l do detect occasional 'greenwashing' and 'political talks'. l guess it will be much easier in the private sectors.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Greenwashing is a marketing tool. However it is also an outright attempt to be deceptive. In both cases in the long run, the business may suffer as customers may switch to other competitors who are more authentic and honest.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I do agree that sustainability practices should demonstrate “walk the talks”, that they were a sustainable business. It is not enough to have an agenda that inspires and motivates. There should be proper reporting of the progress and reached out to the interested groups spelling out who does what, and that can be transparently monitored and assessed. Business...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The culture of transparency is moral and ethical issues. Hence Amazon Fashion can progress when organisation’s people are transparent. The suggestions are:
a. Be transparent about the pricing.
b. Be transparent about guarantees.
c. Be transparent about business mistakes and successes.
d. Be transparent about unsatisfied customers. Nail the complainers... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I was reading the article by Neil Patel as recommended. He said “A culture of transparency takes shape when leaders intentionally manifest their own personal transparency, and encourage it in the attitudes and behaviors of their team members”. Hence, when organization’s people are transparent, then the organization is ready to follow and progress. It is good...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
"The key point in sustainability and being a sustainable leader is the durability of what you're doing. That is the main difference between real sustainability and what is called 'greenwashing'."
As our first post of the new year, we want to share an interview with @thomascanguilhem from EcoTree International!
Thomas and EcoTree won in the Sustainable Leader... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
In our context, innovation is an ability that assists organisations to reach the sustainability goals. Innovations should be focus towards a particular direction and towards achieving specific goals. This shall include various alternatives and the best ideally adopted to achieve the sustainable goals. This can vary with time due to advancement of technologies...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The profound different is not all green business can be a sustainable business. Sustainable business has a more holistic concept.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l really enjoyed the week 2 on Human Sustainability". Thank you. Let's move to week 3.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
This week l learn that HR plays an important role in creating a sustainable business and how businesses can align their reward systems to achieve employee commitment to sustainable goals. It is also importance to collaborate with suppliers. l learned about the different audiences and the importance of give and take. The big challenge is to change and...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Some typical Suppliers Code of Conduct includes the following and should be in line with sustainability:
Health and safety
Business ethics and governance
Human rights
Environment
Community
Green HR -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I would follow the advice from Fiona Stephenson, SBN’s Communications Manager.
1. Identify – then share – your purpose
2. Keep it simple
3. Engage in social media
4. Know your audience.
5. Be authentic and transparent
6. Make sure your glass is half full (always positive and optimistic).
In any business there is always risks associated with promoting... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l would say that Linkedin is a valuable tool at our finger tips. It can be used for networking and this will further enhance the aspiration of the business.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
In my developing a green reward strategy employees shall include:
a) Extrinsic rewards which are essential to employees.
b) Intrinsic rewards which are non-physical, intangible rewards and are internal to the individual. The self-management process (to a significant degree—to use their intelligence and experience to accomplish important organizational... -
l am especially attracted by the article on "Drivers and barriers analysis for green manufacturing practices in Malaysian SMEs: A Preliminary Findings". The researchers has given a list of drivers and barriers for Green Manufacturing Practices and many are applicable to the fashion industries. Both large and small fashion brands have their own unique...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Green ideas and concepts are beginning to gather momentum within the HR and complementing existing sustainability-based initiatives. The processes, policies, products and tools are actually helping to ensure compliance and improve productivity too.
Hence, HRM is well positioned to embrace the green agenda. Adopting sustainable practices help companies save... -
The overcome the challenges that Amazing Fashion may face when dealing with their suppliers requires Change Management.
The Amazing Fashion should be very convincing bring about the changes within that is towards sustainable approaches and should be well publicised. The suppliers could be briefed of the changes taking place and motivate them to make the... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
In traditional supply chain, the materials and information flow is linear with limited collaboration and visibility. Each supply chain player has limited information regarding, say the carbon footprint and impacts of the other players. Hence, each player may be concerned about his own footprint and may try to reduce this, irrespective of the impact on upstream...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
2. In an effort to thrive in the business world it is becoming very necessary to address green issues. After reading the articles above and other information it is becoming very obvious that future depends in moving towards green approaches.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
HR has an important role in sustainable businesses. Thank you and very excited to learn.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you. Great. l will have a short break and let's move to Week 2.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l agree with our fellow participant that the concept of Triple Top Line (TTL) and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) was intriguing this week. Overall it has been a great week of learning new knowledge and would like to thanks the teachers and the participants alike.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l think both the government and the business are responsible in facilitating sustainable business practices. However, the degree of involvement might vary according to the type of business, locality and the political and economical status of the country.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The fashion industry is complex with many ‘players’ involved. As I see it sustainability varies with different organisation. The Amazing Fashion should be vigilant and agile to take the relevant steps in their sustainability journey in keeping abreast with the changes in the market, the taste of the clients, changing internal and external environments and the...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
S-ROI on Leather Products
a. Use Alternative to detrimental Chemicals (In leather processing use products which are not harmful)
b. PPP for workers (Ensure the safety and health are not compromised by adhering to recognised international standards)
c. Effluent Management (ensure that dischargers are properly treated and not detrimental to the...
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I think Amazing Fashion is in stage 4. As l see it the sustainable policy and the corporate strategy are in position including sustainable HRM. However, sustainability is a process and continues improvement is essential for continuous growth.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
There are generally an awareness of TTL in the business world. Many international business ventures are looking at it as an important conceptual tool to deliberate and give due consideration. Companies which are close to my heart are Nike, Patagonia and IKEA.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The triple bottom line (TBL) is the idea that companies prepare three separate bottom line measurements. If you allow me to have priority among the 3P it is economic growth or profit that is very necessary to grow. The business model should bring in the profit needed to look into people and planet (yes in this order). However, in order to thrive in the current...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Overall l would say they have the four pillars of sustainability in place although the social sustainability and economic sustainability are given more weightage. l am very happy that they are able to provide employment opportunity to many in the third world.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l think all the four pillars of sustainability are essential and should be included into their core business activities. This is essential for the survival and sustainable growth in the current time where the consumers are very well aware of their rights and expectation. Having said this, obviously the emphasis shall varies for the four pillars given to the...
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The current generation of peoples are very much connected and such "change your shoes" campaign has deep impact in consumer behaviours. Obviously such change will benefit the broader society. This will also ensure innovative and inspiring ideas to create better products which are ethical and inclusive as global citizens.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The key factors for resistance to change towards a more sustainable business practices which l have observed in my country especially in the small and medium industries (SMI) includes:
1. Profit motive at all cost (greed).
2. Lack of knowledge and awareness on the benefits of sustainable practices.
3. Insufficient capital to make the switch towards a... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Typical example of fashion industry includes Patagonia. It's based in | California, USA. A Certified B Corp, Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton & recycled materials, gives back and environmental sustainability initiatives including secondhand shop.
Patagonia, one of the earliest defenders of environmental ethics in the industry, was also one of the first to... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
This is a wonderful course and it is a great opportunity to learn from the experts and fellow participants. Take care and stay safe.
Thanks to all. -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l learned a lot from this course. A big thanks to the teachers and others who are involved in preparing this MOOC course. It's also an opportunity to learn from the fellow participants of this course. They are awesome. Thanks to FutureLearn too for creating this opportunity to learn.
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If l have my way, than education should be driven towards creating a more holistic approach with intention not to create experts/specialists but wiser people who knew the art of co-existing in harmony in a just world contributing towards a better world.
Personally, l do conduct courses on meditation, spirituality, value-based lifestyle and l include... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you for sharing the resources. l will study and learn more.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
There are many suggestions and resources shared during this course. The course is very well structured and it took us through a journey of exploring the various possibilities in sustainability. Apparently, what is very glaring is, we all can do our part in creating a better world.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
With the advancement of ICT, education and information can reach in many areas. However, ensuring the right information reaching the targeted audience is a big challenge. The Global South should be empowered further with education. The Global North should ensure the drive towards sustainability is interwoven in the very fabric of the society. So, passionate...
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Problem: Plastic usage and the littering of plastics in my neighbourhood.
Causes: Cheap to manufacture, easily available and convenient. It is rather hard to avoid as it is everywhere and getting an alternative is apparently slightly costly. It’s chemical based and takes a long time to decompose and pollution is widespread and hazardous.Actions: ...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Sustainability is the talk of the town and the “future model” however, there are barriers to go green. Among the barriers are the Initial cost together with the need to revamp of the business model (not necessarily total revamp) might take some time and, in any business, time is money. In addition, technology, right resources and man-power could be a...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I think the most distinguishable difference that is profound is the idea of supporting the refugees and new migrant communities and particularly women to reflect the Australian spirit whilst maintaining the quality of the products which are sustainable and ethical. In addition, strategically planned marketing to reach the customers with the relevant...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you. Very impressive and l am ready to learn.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Hello, l am Perumalu Kandan and from Malaysia. Lately, l am reading a lot about sustainability. l am retired but active in NGO's activities. Hopefully, l would be able to learn new ideas on Green HR and apply in my organisation. Thank you for having me.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Fast forward into the future l am optimistic that the better world is waiting. The world will take some “beating” due to the current carelessness in handling the planet earth in a sustainable way. However, there will then be a quantum leap in the psychic of mankind to understand the mistake and will lead to improvement. It will be gradual but surely a better...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l would say Sian Henley is living a successful lifestyle. She does what she is passionate and also practice what she teaches others. She is a great teacher. Her multilevel approach to address the sustainability issue and life is very impressive and emulating wherever possible.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Isabel Marin has the right attributes to work with BME (Black/Minority Ethnic) communities. She has empathy and caring nature to listen to the stories of the children. It is extremely important to instill self-esteem and social skills among the children as part of their development.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
UN SDGs 4 & 10 are relevant. Lately, l has been thinking about everybody living in harmony with peace and happiness. To me this can be considered as progress. However, currently wealth generating, technologies and materialistic lifestyle is considered as progress. A more inclusive society is needed where there is respect, regard, without discrimination and...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Yes, l would like to hear from Jack, Zarina, Hala, Fortune, Momina, Nelson, Isabel and Sian with their Sustainability Stories and their action within their own ‘sphere of influence’.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Jack Reed is very passionate about sustainability and has the right attitude and determination. There are so much that can be done and Jack is the right candidate from the current generation who are willing to come into action. Congratulation and greetings in advance to complete the Phd.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Zarina Ahmad is doing a great job with the ethnic minority and very inspiring. We need more people like her and the world will be a better place. Congratulation and all the best with the Phd.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I am looking forward to learn more. Great course with great resources.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Wow! there are sufficient resources for reading over the weekend. Very inspiring. Thanks.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
I don't have any experience as educator. However, l think an educator should be able to impart knowledge in a creative way supporting development of skills, encourage to try new learnings which can enhance relevant experience and personal development. It will certainly be a success story if individuals are motivated to act and bring the changes which we aspire...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you for sharing the resources.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
My individual responsibility is by having an attitude of trusteeship towards everything - body, mind, wealth and relationships, including matter or Nature. Instead of being a careless owners of the things that make up our lives, i am encouraged to look after everything in the interest of the whole. They are all God-given "goods" that have to be taken care of...
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As an individual I can reduce my carbon footprint by practice of a) recycle where possible, b) reduce my food waste, c) buying locally and ethically produced foods where possible, d) consume locally grown fruits and, e) carry my own basket/bag for all shopping. These are all things I am currently doing and will continue to do more consciously. I am also...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
This is a good exercise for my chosen topic on plastic. The sphere of influence is naturally the area where l am capable of addressing as a senior citizen in my community.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l do agree with Professor Dave that I should talk about climate change more frequently. The rational is that one has to think before talking. The more knowledge, there is clarity and depths in speaking. The subsequent is to "walk our talks" and become an example for others to emulate.
l believe it is natural to resist change, however if done with... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
This is an honest sharing from a man who spend the whole of his working life on climate change at various capacity. Thanks Professor Dave Reay.
The current decade is apparently very crucial where climate change is concern. We all have a responsibility from individual to international although there is a differentiated responsibility. As an individual we... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
My interest in Climate Crisis starts from my observation. l enjoy outdoor activities a lot. But over the years the river water are no longer the crystal clear that l am used to and the coolness from the tropical forest that l am used to enjoy are receding and suddenly l can feel it is getting hotter. The bush fires, haze and extreme floods are becoming...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Looking forward to learning more this week.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you. It's a great course with so much of resources.
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First thing first. l would spend more time understanding the proposal given in this MOOC. Certainly, l would be spending time reading the additional materials/resources suggested. Subsequently, l would like to share the System Approach to my friends and community. l understand that the lack of knowledge and commitments have to addressed with proper...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Wow! Thank you. The coming weekend will be an ideal time to read and understand these resources.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The idea of systems and connections as ways to map out in sustainability issue is an important tool which helps us in understanding the behaviour and how it interacts with each other. On the one hand it enables us to understand the sustainable issue quite vividly (not necessarily fully) and on the other hand with the experiences of intersectionality - how...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
To my understanding such an exercise would be effective if done in a group with more ideas from various perspectives, understanding and experiences. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful exercise in mapping the causes and the consequences although l must agree that it is not complete. This is an excellent way to learn and understand the issues which my working...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
My web deals with plastics. The causes and effects are very obvious. In the System Web apparently l am also a contributor to the problem. Hence, it requires a more holistic approach to eradicate non-degradable plastics in my community.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
It's the same old story of rich and poor, have and have not. The rich refuse to share and comfortable and the poor have to face all the discomforts and difficulties. This was the concern in COP26 too. Yes, sustainability is closely connected with inequality, poverty, social justice and intersectionality. There is a lack of political will to address these...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
In my country and especially in Indian ethnic community, having large families and extended families are very common. Another factor to consider is the multi-ethnic groups including Chinese, Siamese, Malays, etc. Hence, growing up in such an environment l have the opportunity understand various cultures and faiths.
The Asian value system is very deep with... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The concept of system is fundamentally the functioning of many entities in an organisation. Sustainability is complex and needs an understand of systems to address behaviour and interaction with each other's and create the synergy needed to move forward. This requires thinking and acting as a whole rather than in parts individually.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Yes, l am ready.
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Values are vital in talking about sustainability. There are many factors that has to be considered in a multi-ethnic community (in my country) when talking about personal values for sustainability. However, universal values are almost the same in almost all setups.
The shared values are powerful tools for collective actions. There are other constraints to... -
Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thank you for sharing the recourses. The interview with Professor Robbie Nicol is very insightful.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
The materials shared above are very useful. l will allocate time to read them. Thanks.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
It has been a very enriching journey in reflecting on personal values. It just enables you to explore the 'real you' without the various labels. However, there are so much more that can be learn from reading and hearing the experiences of others. Personal values and experiences are effective combination towards sustainability. You become a little wiser in...
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The obvious starting point to consider change is to understand the whole picture. In this contexts, the SDGs framework is excellent in moving towards a flourishing, just and sustainable future world. However, there is a dire need for political will to move towards sustainability (referring to COP26). Nevertheless, our capacity to change is proportional to our...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
There are 3 areas that l would to give it a try a) Recycling b) organic farming, and c) creating awareness by conducting lectures, workshops and seminar. Most of my materials are from https://eco.brahmakumaris.org/
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Thinking about ocean and marine life, what comes to my mind is the amount of garbage and plastics products that are being dump into the ocean. Climate change is also a reason for frequent flooding and erosion along the coastal areas. We hope that all the SDGs could work in synergy to create a better world for living. Thanks, Dr Sian Henley and many scientists...
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
Ms Isabel Marin is an angel. It is a great work she is doing and the world need more people similar to her who are willing to make a different in the life of the marginalised communities and the minority ethnics.
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Perumalu Kandan made a comment
l do agree that SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities are necessary for sustainability story 3. However, equally important is SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institution.
