MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #Sustainablefuture

  • Toyota Eco Youth 2026 Kicks Off with Hands-On Learning and Nationwide Participation

    UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2026 programme, beginning with a two-day workshop held from 30 to 31 March, followed by its official opening at Wyndham Acmar, Klang. Earlier this year, the programme received an encouraging response nationwide, with 327 submissions from secondary schools across Malaysia. This strong participation highlights the growing interest among students in tackling environmental challenges within their communities.

    Now celebrating its 25th edition, Toyota Eco Youth has grown into a well-established national initiative aimed at nurturing environmental awareness while encouraging students aged 13 to 16 to develop practical solutions to real-world issues. Participants are guided to identify local environmental problems and address them using Toyota’s structured problem-solving approach. According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, the programme goes beyond theoretical learning by equipping students with essential skills, confidence, and mentorship. It provides them with the opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful projects that can create meaningful change within their communities.

    From the total submissions, 30 schools have been selected to move forward into the workshop and project implementation phase. Each school will receive a RM3,000 grant, contributing to a total of RM90,000 in funding to support their initiatives. This hands-on approach reflects TEY’s focus on experiential learning, allowing students to test and refine their ideas in real-life settings.

    In addition, TEY 2026 offers RM80,000 in prize money, bringing the total programme allocation to RM170,000. The top three winners will receive RM30,000, RM20,000, and RM10,000 respectively. Throughout the workshop, students and their teacher-advisors are provided with guidance and mentorship to strengthen their project plans, set clear implementation strategies, and monitor progress effectively. This phase emphasises collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

    Following evaluations and progress reviews, the top 15 schools will advance to the final stage at the TEY 2026 Convention and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 November 2026, where they will compete for the main awards. Toyota Eco Youth continues to play an important role in inspiring young Malaysians to become proactive environmental leaders by offering structured support, hands-on experience, and recognition for their efforts in driving sustainable change.

  • Young Creatives Envision Malaysia’s Future at the Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Finals

    Young Creatives Envision Malaysia’s Future at the Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Finals

    The spirit of creativity and imagination shone brightly at the Nestlé Koko Kraf Club 2025 National Grand Finale, where young Malaysians shared their visions of a brighter tomorrow under the inspiring theme “Future For My Country.” A collaboration between Nestlé Malaysia and the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the Koko Kraf Club has blossomed into a nationwide platform that nurtures self-expression, teamwork, and creative thinking among primary school students through fun, hands-on collage activities.

    Now in its second year, the programme saw remarkable growth, with 12,507 students from 149 districts and 925 schools taking part — a significant increase from its 3,633 participants during its pilot year in 2024. The National Grand Finale brought together 15 finalist teams representing every region of Malaysia — Central, North, South, East Coast, and East Malaysia/Borneo — showcasing their creativity through vibrant collages made from recyclable materials such as cereal boxes, yarn, fabric, and old magazines. Each artwork captured the students’ hopes for Malaysia’s future, from greener cities to advances in science and technology.

    Finalist teams from primary schools across Malaysia competing in the Koko Kraf Club Grand Finale 2025, using bright colours and recyclable materials such as cereal boxes and old magazines to create imaginative collages that expressed their hopes for Malaysia’s future.

    Emerging as national champions were Ulya Mardhiyyah Bt Ahmad Mustaffa, Tuan Siti NurFatihah Bt Tuan Azham Zamiri, and Hana Uzma Binti Noramin from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kompleks Mengabang Telipot, Terengganu. Their winning collage depicted an underwater city coexisting with lush greenery, symbolising harmony between innovation and nature. The inclusion of books and the planet represented the belief that knowledge is the key to a sustainable future. The young winners shared their excitement, expressing that the competition taught them the value of teamwork, creativity, and listening to one another’s ideas.

    Deputy Minister of Education, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, praised the initiative, emphasising that artistic activities play an important role in students’ holistic development. He noted that platforms like the Koko Kraf Club encourage creativity and self-discovery, helping nurture Malaysia’s future artistic talents while strengthening cultural and creative identity.

    [Back row, centre from left] CEO of Nestlé Malaysia Juan Aranols, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, and Tuan Ithnin bin Mahadi, Director of the Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education, with the 15 finalist teams of the Koko Kraf Club 2025, representing their respective states in the Grand Finale with their creative collages.

    Nestlé Malaysia CEO, Mr. Juan Aranols, highlighted the company’s commitment to children’s growth beyond nutrition, saying that through Koko Krunch and the partnership with the Ministry of Education, Nestlé aims to inspire creativity and imagination in young minds. Similarly, Mr. Philip Joe, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Breakfast Cereals Malaysia, commended the overwhelming enthusiasm from students nationwide, noting that participation had tripled since last year and congratulated all finalists for their inspiring creations.

    The teacher of the winning team, Fazita Binti Mohammad, expressed immense pride in her students, describing the experience as meaningful and transformative. She shared that the programme not only honed the children’s artistic talents but also instilled positive values and confidence to express their dreams for the nation.

    [Back row, centre from left] CEO of Nestlé Malaysia Juan Aranols, YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education, and Tuan Ithnin bin Mahadi, Director of the Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education, with the top five winning teams of the Koko Kraf Club Grand Finale 2025 and their teachers.

    This year’s Koko Kraf Club journey began at the district level with two categories — Category A (7–9 years) and Category B (10–12 years). Winners from Category B advanced through regional competitions before the top 15 teams earned their place at the national stage. The competition’s progressive themes — “Future For Me,” “Future For My Family,” and “Future For My Country” — guided participants to imagine their personal, familial, and national aspirations, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among Malaysia’s young generation.

    Beyond the competition, the Grand Finale featured a public Arts & Craft Area, where parents, teachers, and children participated in creative activities such as Perler bead crafting and bracelet making. The lively atmosphere transformed the event into a day of shared creativity, joy, and community spirit — perfectly embodying the Koko Kraf Club’s mission to inspire imagination and togetherness among Malaysia’s youth.

  • Huawei Malaysia Partners with OpenRe to Power Malaysia’s Future with Battery Energy Storage Solutions

    Huawei Malaysia Partners with OpenRe to Power Malaysia’s Future with Battery Energy Storage Solutions

    Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) and Open Re Sdn Bhd (OpenRE) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solutions in Malaysia. The partnership aims to address the nation’s increasing energy demand and support its renewable energy goals by providing sustainable and intelligent energy management systems for businesses and industries.

    The collaboration focuses on delivering advanced BESS solutions to help manage Maximum Demand (MD) scenarios, which occur during peak electricity consumption periods when power usage and costs are at their highest. Through this partnership, Huawei Malaysia and OpenRE intend to establish a sustainable, AI-driven BESS ecosystem that enables commercial and industrial users to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and contribute to the nation’s decarbonisation agenda and sustainable growth.

    Chief Executive Officer of OpenRE, Dr. Lin Horng Sheng, described the partnership as a major step forward in Malaysia’s pursuit of intelligent energy management. He emphasised that combining Huawei’s world-class BESS hardware with OpenRE’s proprietary AI Energy Demand Response (AIE-DR) technology will enable industries to achieve greater efficiency, manage peak demand more effectively, and progress towards carbon-neutral operations. He added that the collaboration is a vital step in building a sustainable energy ecosystem that empowers local industries to thrive during the clean energy transition.

    Vice President of Huawei Malaysia, Digital Power Business, Chong Chern Peng, said that Malaysia’s energy transition depends on the seamless integration of digital technologies and clean power systems. He highlighted that through this partnership, Huawei and OpenRE aim to strengthen the country’s energy-storage value chain and expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy management solutions for a wide range of industries.

    As the technology enabler, Huawei Malaysia will leverage its global expertise and innovation in product manufacturing, technical knowledge, and market supply, delivering its advanced Smart PV and BESS technologies. OpenRE will complement these efforts with its Energy Management System (EMS) AI software, providing technical and business support to end-users to ensure efficient and intelligent energy utilisation.

    Under the terms of the MoU, both companies will collaborate to build a sustainable ecosystem that captures new market opportunities while delivering end-to-end energy management solutions tailored for key industrial sectors. This cooperation is aligned with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which identifies energy storage as a critical enabler in achieving the country’s carbon-neutral target by 2050. The Huawei Malaysia-OpenRE partnership reinforces this vision by empowering industries with energy storage solutions that improve grid flexibility, reliability, and renewable energy integration.

    The signing ceremony took place during the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, held from 15 to 17 October. The MoU was signed by Dr. Teoh Boon Yew, General Manager (Business Development) of OpenRE, and Chong Chern Peng, Vice President of Huawei Malaysia, Digital Power Business. The event was witnessed by Malaysian Green Tech & Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) Board Members YBhg. Dato’ Leong Kin Mun and YBrs. Tuan Haji Ismail bin Mohd Amin, along with Dr. Chong Lee Wai, Chief Technology Officer of OpenRE, and Zhang Xiaoming, Director of Smart PV and ESS, Digital Power Business, Huawei Malaysia.

  • Midea Strengthens APAC Presence with “Power of One” Initiative in Malaysia

    Midea Strengthens APAC Presence with “Power of One” Initiative in Malaysia

    Midea, a leading global technology company and one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, recently hosted its first-ever Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference in Bali. The event brought together 450 of its partners from across the region to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and growth under the theme “Power of One.” This landmark gathering showcased 150 products across five experiential innovation zones, underscoring Midea’s commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable way of living while reinforcing its local presence in markets such as Malaysia.

    According to Mr. Zeal Jiang, President of Midea Asia Pacific Region, the “Power of One” philosophy reflects three key pillars—technology leadership, local-for-local capabilities, and strong partnerships. Through continued investment in research and development, smart technologies, and regional production and service networks, Midea aims to build unstoppable momentum toward its ambition of becoming the world’s No.1 smart home appliance company. The company is targeting USD 1.5 billion in sales revenue across the Asia-Pacific region by 2028.

    During the conference, Midea showcased its latest innovations through five themed zones, each representing the brand’s vision for a connected and sustainable lifestyle. The Smart Master zone highlighted AI-powered home technologies, including smart cooling and real-time air purification systems that can be managed via the Midea SmartHome App. The AI Ecomaster zone demonstrated energy-saving solutions powered by artificial intelligence, capable of reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent. The Space Master zone featured space-efficient home appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer-dryers designed to maximize capacity without increasing footprint. Midea also presented its advanced residential air conditioners built with Prime Guard™ corrosion resistance for superior durability in humid climates, and its Midea Building Technologies (MBT) solutions, including the VC MAX VRF and Magboost Apex chiller systems designed for large-scale, energy-efficient applications.

    Midea’s innovation-driven growth is powered by a decade-long commitment to technological advancement. Over the past five years, the company has invested USD 10 billion in research and development, supported by a team of more than 23,000 professionals worldwide. With over 100,000 patents, 470 major technology awards, and contributions to 1,900 global technology standards, Midea continues to push the boundaries of smart home and industrial innovation. In the coming three years, the company plans to invest more than CNY 50 billion (USD 6.96 billion) into artificial intelligence, new energy, advanced robotics, and embodied intelligence. Among its recent milestones are the unveiling of the household humanoid robot MIRA at the 2025 World AI Conference and the establishment of a CNY 1.5 billion (USD 208.1 million) intelligence technology platform in Shanghai’s Qingpu district.

    Midea’s Asia-Pacific strategy focuses on local integration through manufacturing and service excellence. Operating 63 global production bases, including nine across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, Midea emphasizes regional self-reliance and sustainability. Its Thailand factory was recognized as a World Economic Forum Lighthouse Factory for Supply Chain Resilience—the first in Southeast Asia’s air-conditioning industry—achieving 40 percent energy savings per unit and a 68.3 percent reduction in carbon emissions. To enhance customer satisfaction, Midea has launched the Midea Club Application across APAC, streamlining product delivery, installation, training, and warranty management for service engineers. The company also hosts more than 200 training and service events annually, aiming to train 30,000 engineers in the next three years.

    In Malaysia, Midea continues to reinforce its commitment through quarterly technical training sessions to strengthen local expertise and uphold service excellence. These initiatives align with the company’s broader goal of combining global innovation with local relevance, ensuring that its technologies deliver tangible benefits to Malaysian homes and communities.

    Midea’s leadership also extends to environmental and social impact. Recognized by S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2025, Midea’s ESG initiatives span from coral restoration projects in Bali—where over 1,000 corals were planted in collaboration with the Mangrove Indonesia Lestari Foundation—to flood relief, youth development, and elderly care programs in Malaysia. In partnership with the Persatuan Badminton Negeri Kelantan, Midea actively supports youth empowerment through sports and community engagement.

    “Our ambition at Midea is to achieve world-leading innovation with local relevance. That means ensuring our appliances not only set new standards globally, but also deliver benefits to Malaysian families and communities,” said Mr. Mark Tam, Managing Director of Midea Malaysia.

    Strengthening its brand presence globally, Midea continues to engage audiences through major sports partnerships, including its upcoming role as Main Partner Sleeve Sponsor of FC Barcelona, alongside ongoing collaborations with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Manchester City Football Club. Through its “Power of One” vision, Midea is uniting the Asia-Pacific region under a shared goal of innovation, sustainability, and growth—empowering both its partners and communities to build a smarter and more connected future together.

  • BMC Family 360° Kembali dengan Lebih Meriah, Nabila Razali Antara Penghibur Utama

    Pesta keluarga mampan terbesar di Kajang, BMC Family 360° bertemakan “A Step to the Future” bakal berlangsung meriah di BMC Mall, Bandar Mahkota Cheras bermula 19 hingga 21 September 2025 dari jam 10 pagi hingga 10 malam. Acara berskala besar ini dianjurkan oleh AI Global dengan kerjasama Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKj), BMC Mall, iBidan serta CelcomDigi dan dijangka menjadi tumpuan ribuan pengunjung.

    BMC Family 360° menampilkan pendekatan berlandaskan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UN SDG) dengan objektif memperkukuh nilai kekeluargaan, membina komuniti mampan dan menggalakkan gaya hidup pintar. Acara ini disusun dengan pelbagai aktiviti interaktif, pameran, pertunjukan dan hiburan yang sesuai untuk semua peringkat umur, menjadikannya sebuah karnival keluarga yang menyeluruh.

    Turut menjadi perhatian adalah kehadiran penyanyi popular Nabila Razali yang dilantik sebagai jurucakap rasmi acara ini. Nabila atau lebih mesra disapa Bella mengakui dirinya semakin giat membuat persiapan bukan sahaja untuk persembahan, tetapi juga untuk menyampaikan mesej berkaitan kepentingan SDG kepada masyarakat. Menurutnya, penglibatan ini membuka peluang besar untuk dirinya memperkenalkan gaya hidup mampan dalam kehidupan seharian seperti menjaga kesihatan, menitikberatkan pendidikan, menggunakan air dan elektrik secara berhemah serta memastikan persekitaran yang baik untuk keluarga.

    Nabila menegaskan bahawa usaha menerapkan amalan berasaskan SDG tidaklah serumit yang disangka. Katanya, apa yang penting adalah kemahuan untuk memulakannya kerana setiap langkah kecil mampu memberi impak besar kepada masa depan. Beliau juga meluahkan rasa bangga kerana diberi peluang untuk menjadi suara generasi muda yang menyampaikan mesej penting ini, sambil menyifatkan pengalaman ini sebagai sesuatu yang berharga dan bermanfaat bukan sahaja untuk dirinya tetapi juga untuk masyarakat sejagat.

    BMC Family 360° menjanjikan pelbagai pengalaman menarik sepanjang tiga hari berlangsung. Upacara perasmian akan diadakan pada 19 September 2025 jam 3 petang dengan kehadiran tetamu khas dan Nabila sebagai jurucakap rasmi acara. Malam berikutnya, 20 September jam 8 malam, penonton akan dihiburkan dengan Persembahan Malam SDG yang menggabungkan muzik, budaya dan mesej kemampanan dengan penampilan istimewa Nabila Razali. Selain itu, pengunjung juga akan dapat menyaksikan pameran oleh Angkatan Tentera Malaysia serta pameran dan showcase daripada agensi kerajaan, swasta dan NGO selaras dengan 17 SDG.

    Acara ini turut menyediakan ruang riadah untuk seisi keluarga dengan adanya mini zoo, pertandingan melukis dan mewarna, segmen e-sukan serta ruang permainan interaktif. Tidak ketinggalan juga pameran inovasi dan jualan melibatkan bidang pendidikan, teknologi, kesihatan, makanan dan gaya hidup lestari.

    Dengan sasaran lebih 10,000 pengunjung dari sekitar Kajang, Cheras dan Lembah Klang, BMC Family 360° diyakini akan menjadi platform terbaik untuk keluarga meluangkan masa berkualiti bersama-sama. Ia bukan sahaja menjanjikan hiburan, malah menggabungkan ilmu pengetahuan, kesedaran kemampanan dan kebersamaan dalam suasana penuh keceriaan.

    Mari sama-sama melangkah ke masa depan yang lebih mampan dengan memeriahkan BMC Family 360°, sebuah acara keluarga yang bakal memberi inspirasi kepada semua.

  • Bateriku & Econili Unite to Power Malaysia’s Circular Economy Through Lithium Battery Recycling

    Bateriku & Econili Unite to Power Malaysia’s Circular Economy Through Lithium Battery Recycling

    Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s leading connected roadside assistance and car battery ecosystem provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Econili Battery New Energy Sdn. Bhd., a licensed and technologically advanced lithium battery and e-waste recycler. This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing battery waste management solutions and supporting the nation’s broader green economy agenda.

    The partnership aims to integrate Econili’s cutting-edge recycling capabilities into Bateriku’s expanding ecosystem. Through this integration, the two companies will work together to ensure the responsible collection, treatment, and processing of used lithium batteries and electronic waste generated through Bateriku’s operations. With sustainability and circular economy goals in focus, the collaboration is expected to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s net-zero targets.

    As Bateriku continues to serve a growing customer base over 1.5 million users through its network of more than 220 Pitstops and 1,000 certified mobile technicians the volume of spent lithium and lead-acid batteries it manages has increased significantly. The partnership ensures these batteries are no longer destined for landfills or hazardous waste disposal routes. Instead, they will be recycled for material recovery, refurbished for second-life use in energy storage systems, or responsibly disposed of in full compliance with environmental regulations.

    Group CEO of Bateriku.com, Azarol Faizi, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Recycling is the final piece in our ecosystem. After serving more than two million customers and deploying over 50,000 batteries a month, this partnership is our commitment to a greener Malaysia through our Briged Hijau initiative. We hope to become a dominant force in this space.”

    Econili, headquartered in Ipoh, operates a fully licensed facility that handles hazardous electronic waste under strict environmental guidelines. The facility is capable of processing lithium batteries (SW103), metal dross (SW104), and printed circuit boards (SW110). Founder and CEO of Econili, Jayden Goh, remarked, “At Econili, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. With Bateriku’s extensive nationwide presence, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to create a lasting impact. We envision this partnership thriving for the next 10 to 15 years and beyond.”

    The collaboration includes coordinated logistics for battery and e-waste collection, transparent data sharing on recycling outcomes, and regular progress reviews. Both parties have also committed to exploring future innovations in second-life battery applications, localized material recovery, and public education on recycling awareness.

    Though the current MoU is a non-binding expression of mutual intent, it lays the groundwork for a long-term, commercially formalized partnership. Set to remain in effect for two years, the agreement supports national goals under the Green Technology Master Plan, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, responsible consumption, and industry innovation.

    Founded in March 2014, Bateriku.com began as an on-demand car battery replacement provider and has since evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem for vehicle owners. The company now connects drivers to roadside assistance, workshops, auto parts, and related services through a technology- and data-driven platform. Bateriku.com operates over 200 Pitstops nationwide and has recently expanded into the Indonesian market with its first outlet in West Jakarta.

    Employing over 545 individuals, Bateriku has empowered more than 1,000 gig-based mobile technicians (BHeros), developed 76 entrepreneurs (BPreneurs), and partnered with around 2,000 car workshops and tow-truck operators (BBuddies). The company also offers centralized technical training via Akademi Bateriku, endorsed by Malaysia’s Department of Skills and the National Dual Training System.

    Bateriku’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is demonstrated through its battery repurposing efforts, responsible disposal practices, inclusive hiring, and promotion of entrepreneurship through the sharing economy. By leveraging IoT and mobility analytics, the company contributes to Smart City goals by offering predictive breakdown support and real-time vehicle diagnostics.

    Together, Bateriku and Econili are paving the way for a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy ecosystem one recycled battery at a time.

  • How Auto ConneXion is Driving Social Change in Malaysia

    How Auto ConneXion is Driving Social Change in Malaysia

    Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) has been honored with Ford Motor Company’s ‘Salute to Dealers’ 2025 award. This prestigious global recognition highlights Auto ConneXion’s decade-long dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their initiatives focus on improving education, healthcare, food security, and environmental sustainability. As one of only six recipients worldwide, Auto ConneXion is setting a benchmark for impactful community service.

    A key project is their Clean Water Initiative in Gerik, Perak, in collaboration with MyFundAction. This project ensures clean and safe water access for underserved communities by implementing advanced water systems. Over 70 Orang Asli families have benefited from this initiative, thanks to Auto ConneXion volunteers’ dedication and hard work.

    Food security is another priority, tackled through their partnership with The Lost Food Project. With a donation of USD45,000 (around RM200,000), Auto ConneXion has helped provide 855,000 meals to those in need. Volunteers actively participate in food sorting and distribution, ensuring no edible food goes to waste.

    Healthcare accessibility has been strengthened with the launch of the Ford Mobile Clinic. In collaboration with Yayasan Sime Darby and Ford Philanthropy, this initiative delivers medical services to remote areas. Equipped with vital medical tools, the clinic is set to benefit over 2,200 individuals in 2025.

    Auto ConneXion’s efforts have been praised by community leaders, including Isma Fildza Hazry of MyFundAction. He lauded their commitment, saying, “Their support has significantly improved the lives of marginalized communities.”

    Auto ConneXion and Ford Philanthropy continue to champion social causes, ensuring their initiatives leave a lasting impact. Their commitment to community welfare and sustainability is a shining example of corporate responsibility in action.