(First row, centre) Wee (left) and SMG circulation affiliate marketing manager Ng Lengjie with UNITAR International University students at the final phase of the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme workshop in SS6, Petaling Jaya. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
LAST year, a study on the German data platform Statista reported that Malaysia was one of the largest importers of plastic waste, receiving shipments of more than 405,000 metric tonnes from across the globe.
Globally, the country is ranked eighth in plastic waste mismanagement, with the common practice of handling its waste being disposed in landfills or domestic burning.
With the various environmental and health risks associated with these methods, the need for new, sustainable solutions is imperative.
In response to this escalating issue, Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) has organised the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme, engaging university students to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address plastic waste issues through a circular economy approach.
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 in September, the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme was held across multiple universities in Klang Valley.
“At SMG, we see the urgent need for practical solutions to tackle plastic waste. Through the programme, we’re not just raising awareness – we’re empowering the next generation with the skills to create real, sustainable change,” said SMG Brand Studio senior general manager Elicia Wee.“By partnering with forward-thinking organisations and engaging young talents, we aim to drive actionable solutions that support Malaysia’s journey towards a circular economy.”
The final phase of the programme took place yesterday at UNITAR International University in Petaling Jaya, where 42 university students participated.
UNITAR vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said the programme will raise awareness of critical environmental issues and foster a commitment to environmental stewardship.
“By exposing university students to the magnitude of these challenges, they will develop a sense of responsibility, urgency and motivation to take action to address these issues,” he said.
“This will enable them to integrate sustainable practices into their everyday lives and extend the programme’s impact beyond the university to drive meaningful change in their communities.”
The programme was also held at Sunway University, UCSI University, Taylor’s University and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation.
Cultivating circular approaches
Centred around the theme, “Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Solutions”, the Star Next-Gen Eco Innovators programme encourages participants to address pressing environmental issues by exploring circular economy concepts for plastic packaging.
The one-and-a-half-day workshop introduces innovative thinking methods and industry insights, empowering participants to develop sustainable solutions, through collective innovative thinking, in the form of actionable business proposals.
They are also exposed to lateral thinking techniques such as the SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adjust, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse) model, enabling them to curate imaginative and futuristic solutions.
UNITAR Bachelor of Education student Dhanusree Veera Sekar said the programme will familiarise her with how plastic pollution and waste management impact real-life situations.
“Despite its widespread use, plastic has become more detrimental in terms of its impact on the environment,” said the aspiring educator.
“This motivated me to enrol in the programme and learn more about innovative strategies to combat plastic waste and take the first steps in driving change to preserve the environment.”
UNITAR Foundation in Information Technology student Umar Hakimi shared that he was also interested in the effects of plastic waste on the environment and how his generation can skew the trajectory towards a more sustainable future.
“The resources the planet has provided us are not infinite – there are no unlimited resources. Plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and these resources will run out eventually.
“So, we have to find creative solutions to slow down the depletion of resources and the negative impact on the environment,” said the 18-year-old.
The top two teams from each university will progress to compete against each other in the inter-university finale at Menara Star on Nov 29.
At the finale, the university students’ proposals will be assessed by industry leaders on criteria such as creativity, feasibility and potential impact.
Through the programme, SMG and Coca-Cola Malaysia hope to inspire a new generation of sustainability leaders and drive the adoption of circular economy practices in Malaysia.
