Better way forward: Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs, communications and sustainability senior manager Wan Ahmad Syazwan Mohamed presenting a talk on the circular economy during the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme workshop. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
CURRENT practices in plastic consumption and disposal, particularly the mismanagement of single-use plastics, are unsustainable and harm both natural habitats and human health.
The concept of a circular economy presents a promising path forward by promoting sustainability through the recycling and reusing of plastics along their lifecycle.
Recognising the need for fresh approaches, it is time to tap into the next generation of innovators to tackle plastic waste challenges head-on and foster long-term environmental responsibility.
To drive this change, Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) is engaging university students to actively address business challenges related to plastic waste through the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme.
By encouraging undergraduates to develop sustainable business solutions, the initiative aims to foster fresh ideas that reduce pollution and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
As a sponsor, Coca-Cola Malaysia has pledged its support to the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme in finding solutions to complex plastic waste challenges.
Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators
Launched last month, the third leg of the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme was held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya yesterday, with 36 participants.
Taylor’s University Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations lecturer Fadhilah Raihan Lokman explained that social innovation initiatives like this empower university students to realise that even small actions have the potential to drive change.
“My generation grew up learning about the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) but haven’t seen significant changes or impact in terms of plastic waste reduction,” she says.
“Hopefully, by engaging in programmes like this, undergraduates will be able to see what they can do, in their capacity, to make a meaningful difference in the world and realise that even small actions can have a big impact.”
The programme also took place at Sunway University and UCSI University, with the future phases set to be held at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation and UNITAR International University.
(Centre; from left) Taylor’s University Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations lecturer Fadhilah Raihan Lokman, SMG client brand marketing general manager Sara Chacko, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs, communications and sustainability senior manager Wan Ahmad Syazwan Mohamed, SMG Brand Studio general manager Chia Mei Yeng and SMG client brand marketing senior team lead Jeanie Chiew with Taylor's University students at the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme workshop at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus on Oct 5. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star.
Harnessing creativity for environmental impact
Under the theme “Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Solutions”, the programme seeks to inspire university students to devise sustainable and feasible solutions that tackle business challenges concerning plastic waste.
Participants of the programme will engage in a one-and-a-half-day educational workshop focused on the circular economy of plastic waste and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging.
They will be trained to apply lateral thinking techniques, including the SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adjust, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse) model, by experienced trainers and facilitators.
Aspiring entrepreneur Bee Xiang Zi, who is a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Honours) in Team Entrepreneurship student at Taylor’s University, said the programme offers an ideal opportunity to learn about sustainable business practices.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about the issues surrounding plastic waste management and gain insights from industry experts on how to address these challenges,” she said.
“I see the future being all about sustainability – it’s no longer an alternative, but a must-do practice. I hope that I can leverage my entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions for critical issues like plastic waste.”
Taylor’s University Bachelor of Computer Science student Janson Ho Swee Sheng said the programme offers the chance to explore the relatively new concepts of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which are crucial for shaping a better future.
“Through initiatives like this, we can come up with fresh ideas, which people and businesses could adopt in the future,” said the 20-year-old.
“By taking action, we can lead by example. People see, people do – so when they see us working to protect the environment from plastic waste, they’re more likely to follow suit.”
The top two teams from each competing university will advance to the inter-university finale at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya on Nov 29.
At the finale, the university students’ proposals will be assessed by industry leaders based on relevance, implementation and potential impact.
In recognition of their efforts, all top teams will receive cash prizes and trophies, with the grand prize winner being awarded RM10,000, the first runner-up receiving RM7,000 and the second runner-up getting RM3,000.
Through the programme, SMG and Coca-Cola Malaysia aim to nurture a new breed of environmental champions, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become catalysts for sustainable practices, creating a lasting impact that extends beyond the classroom and into their communities.
