Tanjung Malim: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today officiated the Solar Arch of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), marking a milestone as the first open-air hall built based on a solar system in Malaysia. Also present at the ceremony was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim. Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, UPSI pro-chancellor Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, and UPSI vice-chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Md Amin stated in his speech that Sultan Nazrin’s concept inspired UPSI researchers, along with the Synergy Generated Company and UPSI Holdings Sdn Bhd, to construct the Solar Arch, which spans over 12,500 square feet. The zero capex project has successfully cut carbon emissions by 2,800 tonnes annually and saved construction costs amounting to RM5 million.

Md Amin further highlighted the financial benefits of the Solar Arch, noting savings in electricity bills of RM2 million per year and ceremonial tent rental costs of RM500,000 annually. Additionally, the arch is capable of generating RM350,000 annually through program rentals. He emphasized that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for UPSI’s pursuit of the Low Carbon City Award and UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

The project aligns with the aspirations outlined in Sultan Nazrin’s book, “Globalisation, Perak’s Rise, Relative Decline and Regeneration,” and symbolizes a sustainable commitment towards green initiatives in Perak Darul Ridzuan.

In conjunction with the event, Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara witnessed the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between UPSI, Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) in areas including research, education, law, and care economics training. Their Highnesses also participated in UPSI’s 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration, concluding with a visit to the food stalls at the event.