Partnership for a better world
> ExxonMobil and MPMA team up to empower the young to improve environment
THE human race has a responsibility to care for the environment. However, many are still “unaware” or ignorant on the steps to take. For ExxonMobil subsidiaries in Malaysia and the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA), they chose to collaborate to create awareness among students, the world’s future leaders, to better the environment through “play”.
For three days, the 2018 Eco-Park Innovation Challenge Camp was held at iPlay Park in Damansara Damai. The national-level programme reached out to a total of 361 primary, secondary and university students, and 22 teachers across 17 schools.
Camp organisers, ExxonMobil and MPMA representatives skewed activities towards raising awareness on the importance of good waste management and the practice of “reduce, reuse and recycle” (3Rs). Participants had the opportunity to conceptualise and develop functional eco-innovations out of recyclable materials, which will be placed and used by visitors at the park.
“It is essential that we help develop good environmental best practices from a young age to create stronger environmental consciousness among the public. By giving students the information and tools to help them think more innovatively, they will be able to see the impact that our everyday habits have on the environment, and recognise the importance of good waste management habits,” said ExxonMobil Subsidiaries general manager of public and government affairs, Malaysia, Sukiman Mohamed.
“ExxonMobil places great emphasis on environmental care throughout our business practices and continuously works to mitigate environmental risks to improve and ensure the preservation and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in the areas where we operate,” he added.
During the first two days, participants listened, learned and engaged through presentations and workshops, preparing for their ecoinnovation projects. The final day saw participants presenting their projects to a panel of judges.
Projects were judged based on the use of plastics and other recyclable materials, functionality, feasibility and movability.
“The programme encourages students to think out of the box by placing them in an urban park and challenging them to rethink the way we manage our waste. In this manner, we are bringing students out of a classroom environment to experience the green natural environment. Some of the innovations from the students clearly demonstrate that recyclables can be reused in many creative and sustainable ways, thus helping with waste management,” said MPMA president Datuk Lim Kok Boon.
Emerging victorious was the team from SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh which took home prizes valued at RM1,800. First runner-up Victoria Institution won RM1,500 worth of prizes, while Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungkai received RM1,200 worth of prizes as second runner-up.