The Coca-Cola Company Asean and South Pacific director of sustainable packaging policy and partnerships Shea Flynn presenting a talk on the circular economy of plastic packaging during the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme workshop at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 14. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
AS Malaysia continues to grapple with plastic waste pollution, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent.
The increasing environmental impact of single-use plastics is threatening the planet, highlighting the necessity for a shift towards a circular economy – where waste is minimised and resources are reused and recycled.
Understanding the urgency of engaging the next generation in this endeavour, Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) seeks to empower university students to be proactive in addressing business challenges related to plastic waste via the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme.
By advocating the development of sustainable business practices, the programme fosters fresh ideas by encouraging undergraduates to think outside the box and craft alternative solutions, contributing to a cleaner and 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.
(Second row; standing from left) SMG client brand marketing senior team lead Jeanie Chiew, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs, communications and sustainability senior manager Wan Ahmad Syazwan Mohamed, The Coca-Cola Company Asean and South Pacific director of sustainable packaging policy and partnerships Shea Flynn, APU School of Media, Arts and Design head Debbie Liew, SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang, SMG client brand marketing senior general manager Sharon Lee, SMG client brand marketing general manager Sara Chacko and SMG Brand Studio senior general manager Elicia Wee with APU students at the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme workshop at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 14. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star.
Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators
Launched in September, the fourth phase of the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme took place yesterday at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
With 37 university students participating, APU School of Media, Arts and Design head Debbie Liew said that programmes like this emphasise the importance of turning ideas into reality.
“Most of the time, university students are taught theory from textbooks, but programmes like this allow them to engage with real-world scenarios and see the potential impact of their ideas – beyond just assignments and grades,” she said.
“They will realise that even simple ideas can make a significant difference in the world.”
The programme was also held at Sunway University, UCSI University and Taylor’s University, with the final phase set to be held at UNITAR International University in Petaling Jaya.
Fostering fresh ideas
The Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme challenges university students to develop sustainable solutions for plastic waste by leveraging collective innovative thinking to present ideas as actionable business proposals.
Embracing the theme “Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Solutions”, it aims to mitigate plastic pollution and enhance plastic waste management with creative, future-oriented approaches.
The programme will be held via a one-and-a-half-day workshop centred around the circular economy of plastic waste – with a focus on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging.
Participants are exposed to lateral thinking techniques such as the SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adjust, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse) model and briefed on real-world business challenges related to plastic waste, encouraging them to explore alternative avenues to plastic waste management.
APU Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science with a specialism in Digital Forensics student Victor Loo Shu Hinn highlighted the importance of tackling plastic waste issues due to the visible pollution it causes.
“When you walk on the streets, you see a lot of plastic waste everywhere, which gives a bad impression of our country,” said the 20-year-old.
He believes the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme will allow students to exchange creative ideas and learn innovative skills related to the circular economy.
“If we don’t address plastic waste, it will lead to bigger problems like increased carbon footprints and waste emissions. My generation has to start now before it’s too late,” Loo added.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising student Irene Yeong Yee Ling echoed Loo’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in shaping a sustainable future.
“ESG practices can help address the plastic waste problem. By taking action, we can reduce its impact and create a better life for future generations to look forward to. It’s not just about caring for ourselves now, but also for those who come after us,” she said.
The university students are split into groups of five with the top two teams from each university progressing to the inter-university finale at Menara Star on Nov 29.
During the finale, their business proposals will be evaluated by industry experts based on various criteria such as relevance, creativity, originality, feasibility and potential impact.
Through this initiative, SMG and Coca-Cola Malaysia empower university students to take the lead in environmental stewardship, inspiring innovative solutions to plastic waste while encouraging their peers and communities to adopt sustainable practices for a healthier planet.
