Celebrated Asian songstress, Elaine Kang singing a song written and composed by Steve Oh, titled Love the Rainforest. Accompanying her is Steve Oh on lead guitar (front row, far left) and students from UCSI University’s School of Music (foreground)

The book on sale during the launch

Kuala Lumpur, 9 October 2009 - UCSI University, together with Y.B. Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia launched the novel by international author, Steve Oh entitled Tiger, King of the Golden Jungle. UCSI University undertook to launch the novel to demonstrate its commitment towards sustainable development and environmental conservation. The novel, which is an inspiring tale of love, conservation of the natural environment, and other current themes mirrors the University’s continuous efforts to educate the public about environmental issues and to create awareness. Also present at the event was Mr. William Tong, CEO of book publisher, Info Didik Sdn. Bhd.,and President of the Malaysian Nature Society, Tan Sri Salleh Mohd. Nor.According to Y.B. Datuk Douglas, there is a greater realisation among nations that development can be achieved without compromising the natural beauty, richness and integrity of the environment. “The strategy that need to be adopted is one that helps us achieve the right balance between development and conservation,” he says. The Minister also lauded Steve Oh’s novel. “”Love the rainforest” as the author advocates, is indeed a notion that we should all embrace and something Malaysians already do passionately.” In his speech, the Minister also revealed that Malaysia is among the world’s twelve mega biodiversities, with 15,000 species of flowering plants, 1,500 species of terrestrial vertebrates and about 150,000 species of invertebrates.UCSI University’s Chancellor, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad stated the urgent need for private organisations to rally together, and to join efforts towards sustainable development. “Private organizations, government bodies and individuals need to save our forests for the sake of the future generations,” he says. The Chancellor also said that as custodian of one of the world’s largest and oldest mega-diversities, everyone needs to play a role in conserving the invaluable forest resource which has evolved over millions of years.

UCSI University educates all of its students on environmental conservation and sustainable development by embedding greening initiatives into its curriculum. Students are always guided by their lecturers to find solutions that would conserve energy and natural resources in their everyday assignments.The official launch ended on a musical note, with Elaine Kang rendering a song Love the Rainforest which was written and composed by Steve Oh himself. She was accompanied by UCSI University’s School of Music students. Guests were treated to dinner “under the stars” and were treated to a night of great food and music, rendered by Aqasha, School of Music students and Steve Oh’s band.Other related articles:

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