Sustainability has become an important concept in economic growth and development in the world. To instill the notion of environmental impact, UMW Toyota Motor has been empowering youths with problem-solving skills and knowledge on environmental sustainability through its Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Programme since its first inception in 2001. Marking the end of this year’s programme, the closing ceremony was held at Concord Hotel, Shah Alam which saw 144 participants eager to share their findings and efforts in combating environmental issues today.
For this year’s programme, the champion school took home RM10,000 of prize money while the second and third place winner brought back RM7,000 and RM5,000 respectively. In addition to that, the winners for best presentation, best exhibition and best website also received RM1,000 each. A token of RM500 each was also given out to two of the most supportive teachers during the programme.
The TEY programme which began in February, included 16 schools, each championing their own cause on sustainable environment within their surrounding communities. The 8-month programme saw students harnessing their research and analytical skills. The TEY programme started with trainings and workshops where students were sent for a course on implementing the 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology, an approach that is practiced by all employees of UMW Toyota Motor. Thereafter, students were given the challenge to identify their cause, draft a strategy plan, blog about their efforts and present it to a board of judges.
Expressing his utmost gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the team that made the TEY programme a huge success, Datuk Ismet Suki believes that consistency is the key in making an impact to both the society and the environment.
Winners were picked based on the following evaluation criteria:
- A strategy proposal that clearly outlines the problems and the suggested plan to cope with the issues
- The accuracy of the implementation of steps taken by the team
- Originality and relevance of the project in meeting the TEY programme’s objective
- Website updates including creativity, content & design
To date, more than 200 schools have participated in the Toyota Eco Youth programme and more than 2,200 students and teachers have benefitted from it.
Present during the closing ceremony was Tn. Hj Mohd Anuar Abdul Hamid, Senior Principal Assistant Director, Co-Curriculum and Arts Division, Ministry of Education.
For more information on the winners, visit toyota.com.my.
