EMPOWERING INTERNATIONAL YOUTHS: EPEHUB AND TZU CHI CHAMPION SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PRACTICES IN PENANG

BAYAN LEPAS, PULAU PINANG, 16 May 2026 – International apprenticeship, Tilting Futures visited Tzu Chi Malaysia at Taman Sri Nibong, Penang, providing students with valuable exposure towards sustainable community practices, environmental conservation and circular economy initiatives. The programme was organised by EPEHub@CGSS together with Tzu Chi Malaysia at Taman Sri Nibong which aimed at strengthening learning opportunities and enhancing international students’ understanding of sustainability practices beyond the classroom environment. The visit brought together international apprenticeship participants, university representatives, facilitators and volunteers in an educational initiative focused on recycling, upcycling and community-driven environmental stewardship.

The event started by a talk about the importance of sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action by Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Coordinator of EPEHub@CGSS and Deputy Director of the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS). Followed by a talk about the history, vision and mission of Tzu Chi Environment Protection Education Centre (EPE Centre) by Brother Siow, who is the coordinator of EPE Centre, Taman Sri Nibong. Also present was Dr. Mohd. Sukri Shafie, the senior chief research office of Centre for Education & Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Green Technology (CETREE) and Dr. Suzyrman Sibly, the coordinator of Master of Sustainable Development Practice (MSDP), CGSS, USM.

The students are separated to groups and throughout the programme, participants were introduced to the operational activities and sustainability initiatives conducted by volunteers at the Tzu Chi recycling and community centre. The educational visit highlighted how reusable materials and second-hand items can be effectively managed, repurposed, repaired and redistributed to reduce waste generation while supporting community welfare. Students were exposed to the sorting process of various recyclable materials involving paper, plastics, metals, electronic wastes and household materials. Volunteers from Tzu Chi Malaysia at Taman Sri Nibong also demonstrated proper waste segregation methods and explained the importance of cultivating sustainable consumption habits within daily life.

Another key highlight of the programme was the introduction to upcycling activities and the adoption of reusable second-hand items such as books, toys, electrical appliances and household items. Participants learned how items that are still functional can be repaired, reused, donated and resell at lower price instead of being discarded as waste. The initiative showcased how community-based sustainability programmes can help extend the lifespan of usable items while simultaneously reducing landfill waste and encouraging responsible resource consumption and such initiatives not only contribute towards environmental sustainability but also promote compassion, resource sharing and social responsibility within society.

The programme also encouraged students to reflect on consumer behaviour, waste generation patterns and the importance of reducing unnecessary consumption through reuse and recycling practices. The educational visit provides an eye-opening and inspiring experience especially in understanding how simple community actions can contribute significantly towards environmental conservation and sustainable living.

The programme also allowed future leaders from different countries and backgrounds to learn about sustainable practices in Malaysia, particularly Penang and bring the knowledge back to their respective countries to be an agent of change and promoting sustainable practices back in their respective countries. The collaborative programme further reflected the growing importance of partnerships between universities and community organisations in promoting sustainability education, environmental awareness and social engagement among students and youths. The successful implementation of the international apprentice visit demonstrates the importance of environmental education in cultivating future leaders from all over the world towards building a more sustainable society for future generations.

SDGs: 12, 13 & 17

Original Text / Photo: Hong Kheng Jhun / Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo