I am educational professional from Ministry of Education Malaysia with a strong interest in disaster risk reduction, resilience planning, and preparedness for vulnerable communities, particularly within the education sector. Over the past five months, I had the opportunity to be based in Japan, where I undertook intensive learning and exposure in disaster management drawing from Japan’s long-standing experience in managing floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards.
During this period, I learned how disaster risk management in Japan is deeply rooted in a whole-of-society approach, integrating policy, technology, community participation, and education. I was exposed to practical frameworks for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and the role of schools as critical community assets during disasters. A key takeaway was the emphasis on preparedness over response, supported by continuous drills, clear standard operating procedures, and strong coordination between government agencies, schools, and local communities.
These learnings culminated in my capstone project, which focused on translating best practices from Japan into the Malaysian context. The project centers on flood disaster preparedness handbook for flood-prone schools, combining risk-informed planning, school-based preparedness measures, and the use of spatial data and hazard mapping. The capstone aims to strengthen school flood resilience by providing practical guidance that can support policymakers, school administrators, and practitioners in reducing disaster risks, protecting students and educators, and ensuring continuity of education during flood events.
For further information, collaboration, or discussion related to this work, I can be contacted at:
Email: mohd.fakhrul@moe.gov.my/fakhrulazizie@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +60129502968