September – October 2025 | IPRO Sport Centre, Kampar and Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) & Pantai Teluk Ketapang | 510 participants
Reported by Samuel Ling How Zhuon, James Ling Lee Sheng, Michelle Lau Ling Ling
Key takeaways
- Bridging Awareness and Action: This 2-phase activity effectively transitioned participants from understanding sustainability concepts to applying them in real-world conservation, demonstrating a holistic learning-to-action model.
- Enhanced Environmental Literacy: Through hands-on activities, participants developed critical thinking about the connection between consumption, comprehensive waste management system, and environmental health — strengthening their ability to make informed, responsible environmental decisions.
- Leadership and Advocacy Development: Through peer-to-peer interaction as well as public engagement in phase 1 and reinforced teamwork in phase 2, participants honed their communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, preparing them to serve as youth advocates for sustainability.
Main highlights
Waves of Change 2025 is a two-phase environmental initiative led by Malaysian Fellows of the ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN). The program was designed to inspire environmental stewardship through education, creativity, and hands-on community engagement. It aims to raise awareness of marine conservation, combat plastic pollution, and promote sustainable consumption practices while encouraging long-term environmental participation among students and local communities.
Phase 1: Eco-Innovation Showcase & DIY Experience, held at the IPRO Sport Centre in Kampar, served as the educational and awareness-building stage. Co-organized with the Lions Club of Gelugor Central and supported by UTP SMASH and the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), this phase featured interactive sustainability booths, eco-themed DIY workshops, and a creative Waste-to-Art exhibition. Participants learned about recycling, upcycling, and how small changes in daily habits—such as reducing single-use plastics—can contribute to environmental preservation.
Building upon this foundation, Phase 2: Eco-Action took place at the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) and Pantai Teluk Ketapang. Co-organized with the Lions Club of Gelugor Central and the Electrical & Electronics Engineering Student Society (E3S2), and supported by SRC UTP and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia), this phase transformed learning into tangible environmental action. Participants joined an educational tour led by TCIC experts, took part in seedling preparation and beach clean-up activities, and learned practical conservation methods. The program also included a sharing session by the Lions Club, team-building activities, and a reflection session that encouraged participants to consider their personal impact on the environment and identify ways to contribute positively in the future.
Together, the two phases formed a meaningful journey of learning, action, and reflection, empowering youth to become responsible environmental advocates and community changemakers.
Highlights from Phase 1: Eco-Innovation Showcase & DIY Experience
- Date: 5-6 September 2025
- Venue: IPRO Sport Centre, Kampar
- Organizer: Sustainability Sass-Masters
- Co-organizers: Lion’s Club of Gelugor Central
- Participants: UTP students, including foundation, first-year, second-year and third-year students, along with NGO representatives
- No. of participants: 480 participants
Highlights from Phase 2: Eco-Action
- Date: 4 October 2025
- Venue: Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) and Pantai Teluk Ketapang
- Organizer: Sustainability Sass-Masters
- Co-organizers: Lion’s Club of Gelugor Central and Electrical & Electronics Engineering Student Society
- Participants: Student Representative Council of UTP, Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia
- No. of participants: 30 participants
*Note: The number of participants in Phase 1 was significantly higher due to the event being held alongside the UTP Smash Tournament 2025, which attracted players, families, and visitors. In contrast, Phase 2 was intentionally limited to 30 participants to align with the capacity constraints of the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC), ensuring a focused and effective conservation experience.
Activities implemented
Phase 1: Eco-Innovation Showcase & DIY Experience
a. Eco-Innovation Showcase & DIY Experience
The Eco-Innovation Showcase & DIY Experience kicked off at the UTP Smash Badminton Tournament 2025 held at the IPRO Sport Centre in Kampar, Perak. Organized by Sustainability Sass-Masters in collaboration with UTP Smash, the event turned the tournament into a vibrant space for environmental learning and creativity.
Participants from the UTP Smash committees, players, and the public joined the Eco DIY Workshop, where they transformed recycled materials and plastic waste into colorful board decorations and art pieces. The activity encouraged everyone to rethink how waste can be reused in practical and creative ways, while sparking meaningful conversations about reducing single-use plastics.
The hands-on experience inspired participants to see sustainability as something fun and achievable, proving that small creative actions can make a big difference.
Board Decoration by UTP Smash Committee Members and Participants
b. Waste-to-Art Exhibition
A 12-hour showcase of artworks made entirely from discarded materials. The exhibition showed how imagination can give new life to everyday waste—turning plastic bottles, paper scraps, and other materials into powerful statements about sustainability.
c. Sharing Sessions & Pledge Drives
The event also featured inspiring sharing sessions from guest speakers, which are:
- Ms. Michelle Lau Ling Ling spoke about the value of volunteerism and small daily actions for the planet.
- Mr. Samuel Ling How Zhuon discussed plastic waste challenges and ASEAN’s sustainability efforts.
- Ms. Wee Darcy from the Rotaract Club of UTP highlighted marine conservation and the importance of protecting ocean life.
Participants were then invited to write personal pledges—simple commitments to live more sustainably—creating a heartfelt display of collective environmental promises.
Phase 2: Eco-Action
a. Opening Ceremony
The day began with welcoming remarks from Project Director Ms. Michelle Lau Ling Ling, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all partners and highlighted the crucial role of youth in driving sustainability. She was followed by Ms. Khoo Geok Ling from the Lions Club of Gelugor Central, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting the environment. Mr. Arif Danial from the Electrical & Electronics Engineering Student Society (E3S2) of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS then shared his society’s commitment to supporting green initiatives. The ceremony concluded with an insightful briefing by Mr. Faiz, an expert from the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC), who introduced participants to local turtle conservation efforts and explained the serious effects of plastic pollution on marine life.
Mr Arif Danial
b. Educational Tour
Guided by Mr. Faiz, participants embarked on an educational tour of the TCIC to learn about Malaysia’s native turtle species. They explored turtle life cycles, nesting habits, and the challenges these animals face due to habitat loss and pollution. The session provided a first-hand understanding of marine conservation and encouraged participants to reflect on how their daily choices can help protect marine biodiversity.
c. Seedling Preparation
Under the guidance of TCIC staff, participants joined a seedling preparation activity to support ongoing coastal rehabilitation efforts. They learned how coastal vegetation helps prevent erosion, stabilizes shorelines, and provides essential habitats for marine organisms. The activity offered a simple yet powerful example of how local action contributes to ecosystem health.
d. Beach Cleanup
Participants continued their environmental mission with a beach cleanup at Pantai Teluk Ketapang, collecting 11 bags of plastic waste and other litter along the shoreline. The cleanup not only improved the beach environment but also reinforced awareness of marine pollution and strengthened teamwork among participants.
e. Engagement Activities
Participants also took part in team-building games and interactive activities designed to foster communication, collaboration, and friendship. These light-hearted moments helped strengthen bonds among participants while reinforcing their shared commitment to environmental protection.
f. Sharing & Reflection Session
Representatives from the Lions Club of Gelugor Central led a sharing session on community service and sustainability. They shared stories from their own conservation initiatives and encouraged participants to remain active in volunteerism, highlighting how collective action can create lasting positive change for both people and the planet.
As the day came to an end, participants gathered for a guided reflection session. They were invited to meditate and think deeply about how their individual actions impact the environment. Many shared personal insights and future commitments, making this session a moment of mindfulness and renewed dedication to sustainable living.
g. Closing Ceremony
The event concluded with a token of appreciation ceremony, where representatives from the Lions Club of Gelugor Central, E3S2, and the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre were recognized for their invaluable support. The gesture symbolized gratitude and collaboration, marking the successful completion of Waves of Change 2025 – EcoAction, a meaningful journey that empowered youth to protect the environment through learning, teamwork, and action.
Outcome
Waves of Change 2025 brought together over 500 passionate participants on a journey from awareness to action. Through creative workshops, waste-to-art showcases, and beach clean-ups, the initiative transformed sustainability from an abstract idea into something tangible and inspiring.
In Phase 1, participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable consumption and waste management through hands-on activities such as eco-DIY workshops, interactive booths, and a waste-to-art exhibition. These experiences strengthened environmental awareness within the UTP community and inspired students and visitors to adopt more responsible habits in their daily lives. The showcase also fostered confidence and communication skills among student volunteers, who learned how to advocate for sustainability effectively through peer engagement.
In Phase 2, participants translated their learning into concrete action through coastal conservation activities at the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) and Pantai Teluk Ketapang. They gained firsthand experience in seedling preparation, beach cleaning, and marine biodiversity education, deepening their understanding of environmental protection and the impacts of plastic pollution on marine life. These activities encouraged reflection, teamwork, and long-term commitment to sustainable living.
By blending education, creativity, and hands-on experience, Waves of Change 2025 didn’t just raise awareness—it ignited a movement. Participants left with new skills, stronger teamwork, and a deeper sense of responsibility to protect their environment, proving that small actions, when taken together, can create powerful waves of change.
Feedback
Participants and partners alike praised Waves of Change 2025 for turning sustainability into an inspiring, hands-on experience. Many shared that the DIY workshops and conservation activities made environmental issues feel more real and personal. The visit to the Pangkor Turtle Conservation and Information Centre was especially impactful, leaving participants with a deeper respect for marine life. Partners also commended the students’ teamwork and dedication—proof that youth collaboration can truly drive meaningful environmental change.
Based on the survey responses in Phase 1, most visitors shared that they found the booths impactful and informative, helping them understand environmental issues in a more practical way. Many respondents also expressed interest in joining future conservation activities, showing that the showcase successfully encouraged greater awareness and participation in sustainability efforts.
