PLASTIC waste is suffocating our planet – and Malaysia is at the forefront of this crisis.
The World Wildlife Fund reported in 2022 that the country ranks as the eighth-most-polluted country globally, a status exacerbated by severe environmental issues associated with plastic waste issues.
The United Nations (UN) Environment Programme highlights the severity of the problem, revealing that one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide and five trillion plastic bags are used each year.
Researchers warn that by 2040, plastic could account for 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
These staggering statistics are a wake-up call. As the third most prevalent waste material on the planet, plastic pollution is not just an eyesore – it is a critical threat to both the environment and public health.
In a bid to tackle this escalating issue, Malaysia has introduced the mandatory extended producer responsibility project as one of the major strategies highlighted in the Malaysian Plastics Conservation Framework 2021-2030, to revolutionise waste management and foster innovative and sustainable solutions.
Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators
To engage the next generation in this critical endeavour, Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) is organising the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme to reach out to university students to come up with inventive and sustainable solutions.
Their involvement will help to drive awareness and advocacy among undergraduates, tapping into their creative minds and innovative thinking whilst fostering future leaders and innovators.
The inaugural edition of the programme kicked off with the official launch ceremony held at Sunway University in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Under the theme “Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Solutions”, the programme challenges university students and undergraduates to creatively ideate solutions to address real-world business challenges.
“‘We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children’. This age-old proverb reminds us of our responsibility to leave a better world for future generations,” said SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt.
“As we face escalating challenges of climate change, pollution and resource depletion, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are no longer a luxury – they are essential to the survival of businesses, communities and ecosystems alike.
“The programme’s theme challenges university students to rethink how we use, manage and repurpose plastic materials.
“This programme is a call to action for all of you, the next generation of eco-innovators. You have the power to reshape industries, redefine sustainability and reimagine what is possible.
“Through your passion, innovation and dedication, we can move closer to realising a world without waste,” Chan pointed out.
Towards a greener future: (First row seated; from left) SMG client brand marketing senior general manager Sharon Lee, Coca-Cola communications senior manager for Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia Fauziah Syafarina Nasution, SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang, Coca-Cola Asean and South Pacific senior director of public affairs, communications and sustainability (PACS) operations west Triyono Prijosoesilo, Chan, Prof Elizabeth, SMG executive editor Tung Eng Hwa and Sunway University provost Prof Abhi Veerakumarasivam at the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme launch at Sunway University, Petaling Jaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Coca-Cola Malaysia has also committed to supporting the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme.
Based on its sustainability report, the company stated: “We recognise our responsibility to help solve complex plastic waste challenges facing our planet and society.
“Our ambitious strategy to drive change through a circular economy for our packaging is called ‘World Without Waste’.
“This strategy is a global sustainable packaging platform focused on these fundamental goals: making 100% of our packaging recyclable globally by 2025 – and using at least 50% recycled material in our packaging by 2030 (Design); collecting and recycling a bottle or can for each one we sell by 2030 (Collect); and bringing people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment (Partner).”
Sunway University Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee emphasised the importance of industry collaborations, as programmes like this are essential to equip the next generation of leaders and innovators with the skills and knowledge to champion sustainable efforts in the future.
“This programme reflects the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 17, which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development. Ultimately, it means that we must work together to create a greater impact,” she said.
“At Sunway University, sustainability isn’t just a concept – it’s something we live by. It’s vital to not only teach university students about sustainable initiatives but also lead by example so that they can adopt these values, share them with others, and become change agents in their communities and beyond.”
Young voices leading the charge
The Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme will be held at universities across Klang Valley, including Sunway University, UCSI University, Taylor’s University and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation.
It will span one-and-a-half days, centred around educational workshops, designed to merge plastic waste and sustainability issues with practical thinking and innovative problem-solving.
Split into groups of five, the university students will be guided by facilitators and trainers who will employ lateral thinking techniques such as the SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse) model to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities.
This approach will help them envision a more circular economy and rethink how plastic materials are used, managed and repurposed.
Sunway University’s BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies undergraduate Lim Chu Rong shared his excitement about participating in the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme, as he has long been passionate about environmental initiatives, having been involved in numerous eco-projects during his school years.
“When I realised that the programme was related to the environment, I was eager to take part as I have been learning more about ESG principles since starting university,” he said.
“Considering that Malaysia is a major producer and consumer of plastics, this programme will not only help to broaden my horizons, but also deepen my understanding of ESG.”
Another undergraduate, Carol Chang, who is pursuing the Bachelor (Hons) in Finance programme, echoed Lim’s thoughts, stating that the programme is an ideal learning ground for undergraduates to gain insights into sustainable practices for future generations.
“My generation hasn’t really been exposed to these principles, so this is a really good opportunity for me to step into the world of ESG. Not only will I learn more about ESG and sustainability, I will also discover how to integrate these principles and practices into my daily life,” said the 20-year-old.
The university students’ plastic waste management proposals will be evaluated on their innovation, real-world application and feasibility of implementation with long-term positive impact.
The top two teams from each participating university will advance to the final summit which will take place on Nov 29, where they will present their ideas to industry leaders.
All top teams will receive cash prizes and trophies in recognition of their achievements with the grand prize winner taking home RM10,000, the first runner-up will receive RM7,000 and second runner-up RM3,000.
Through this initiative, SMG and Coca-Cola Malaysia are not only encouraging the next generation of eco-innovators but are also addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
