BUOYED by the success of its inaugural “Powering The Future” school engagement series, leading utility company Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has decided to expand the campaign to more schools nationwide this year as it aims to educate more youths on the importance of adopting electricity-saving habits.
Designed to raise awareness among the young on energy consumption, the programme was first held last year in 10 schools in the Klang Valley involving 890 students. This year, it will be held in 60 schools across six states.
TNB chief retail officer Kamal Arifin A. Rahman said the initiative, held in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG), was also tailored to promote sustainable practices and emphasise the importance of energy safety.
“We at TNB decided to continue with the series as feedback from teachers and students last year had been good,” he said at the launch of the programme at SK King George V in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
(Seated, from left) TNB customer communication and stakeholder liaison head Lee Lim Bee Yoke, Star Media Group client brand marketing senior general manager Sharon Lee, TNB Negri Sembilan retail head Abd Manan Abd Rahman, SK King George V headmaster Zakri Abdul Aziz and TNB chief retail officer Kamal Arifin A. Rahman with SK King George V senior assistant of administration Norzubaidah Ahmad, senior assistant of student affairs Mahani Mohd Baseri and senior assistant of cocurricular activities Hamisah Marop at the official ‘Powering The Future’ school engagement series launch held at SK King George V in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
“Apart from encouraging the young to adopt energy efficient habits and lifestyle, the programme among others highlights the critical need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and hydro energy with the gradual depletion of non-renewable energy sources such as coal and gas.
“The information provided closely aligns with their syllabus, but is delivered through gamified activities that are engaging.”
Improving energy literacy
This year’s “Powering The Future” series kicked off in Selangor last month and will continue in Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Perak and Penang.
Kamal said TNB co-developed the idea with SMG and a non-governmental organisation called Make A Difference (MAD) to fulfil its responsibility to educate and raise awareness levels about energy literacy among youth of different ages and backgrounds.
The day-long programme will enable students to grasp energy-saving related issues as well as foster energy-efficient habits and behaviours. It begins with interactive games and activities that are tailored to suit the students’ grade level of understanding.
This will be conducted through fun learning workshops and educational sessions, centred around the main principles of Awareness, Application, Advocate and Adapt.
Secondary school students, for example, will be challenged to establish the most energy-saving household through five-star electrical appliances and energy efficiency tips.
“Young people can be powerful agents of change and influential advocates among family members and friends when they adopt energy-efficient habits in daily life.
“By educating themselves and others about energy issues, they can become informed advocates for sustainable energy practices.”
Secondary school students from SMK Desa Cempaka carrying out hands-on activities that require teamwork.
Noting that education is key to a sustainable future, Kamal added that the series was part of an overall programme about energy conservation and the importance to educate youth about resources, which should be used wisely, and the possible consequences if this wasn’t done.
“They need to know where these resources are coming from and that conserving them must continue to remain a part of their daily habits and lifestyle in the future,” he said.
The initiative, Kamal explained, is held to realise efforts on energy efficiency, promote sustainable energy practices and the importance of energy safety.
TNB, he said, has engaged with more schools this time around to have direct interactions with the young, empowering them to become active participants in sustainability efforts within their communities.
“This programme helps shape attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable practices. Students learn not only the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of sustainability, but also the ‘how’, empowering them to make informed choices and adopt eco-friendly habits,” he said.
Kamal said TNB’s programme was all about encouraging regular actions that help manage people’s energy consumption better and subsequently reduce their monthly electricity bills. This, he said, will in turn minimise their environmental impact.
“The energy-efficient habits we wish to instil in the young are simple to apply in their daily lives. Turning off lights, computers, the TV and other electrical equipment when not in use, for example, can significantly reduce energy consumption,” he said.
Pupils from SK Sepri fully engaged in the ‘Powering The Future’ school engagement series.
Indicators of progress
Kamal said TNB would actively monitor and evaluate the programme to identify areas of improvement and to foster continuous learning.
“After the programme ends at each school, we will ask teachers to observe their students’ behaviour over time such as at school or how they practised the energy-saving tips at home,” he said, adding that this included simple tasks such as switching off the lights and air conditioner when leaving the classrooms.
He added that some students, after obtaining their parents’ consent, are asked to share their monthly bills before and after the programme. This is to assess if they have managed to reduce their bills through energy-optimising measures they have learnt.
“Step-by-step, little-by-little, we can make a difference,” he said.
The initiative is also part of the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP) launched by the government in 2023, which aims to raise public awareness about energy literacy and the importance of implementing a successful energy transition to renewable energy for the nation.
“MELP plays a vital role in empowering young people to contribute to a sustainable future amid global energy transition and environmental challenges.
Its impact extends beyond traditional education, emphasising our commitment to the community and collaboration with other organisations by advocating for sustainable energy use, promoting the adoption of renewable energy resources and mitigating rising carbon emissions,” he said.
Sparking more young minds
Students from SMK Bukit Mewah had the opportunity to learn more about energy consumption and safety.
TNB plans to expand the programme beyond schools as it believes that awareness education is an on-going and evolving process.
“Currently our focus is on urban areas where middle-income parents reside. In the future, we intend to extend the programme to other demographic groups and regions to ensure that everyone has access to valuable information about energy literacy and sustainability practices,” Kamal shared.
TNB also plans to target technical schools, skills training centres and other institutions of higher learning so that the message gets across to more young people.
Apart from schools, TNB has introduced programmes at tertiary levels since 2022.
At present, it is engaging students at UiTM and polytechnics to raise their awareness on energy literacy.
SK King George V headmaster Zakri Abdul Aziz thanked TNB and SMG for selecting the school, which was a high-performance establishment, as one of the venues for the programme.
“This is indeed a noble effort to educate and create awareness among pupils on energy conservation, efficiency and safety.
“It is my hope that we will continue to have more of such programmes in the future for they will have a positive impact on everyone and would aid in safeguarding the environment,” he said.
Participating schools for the Negri Sembilan edition include SK Desa Cempaka, SK Kota, SK Sepri, SK Si Rusa, SMK Bukit Mewah, SMK Desa Cempaka, SMK Intan Perdana, SK King George V, SMK Sri Jempol and SMK Tanah Merah.
