USM CGSS X TZU CHI PAGAMO E-SPORTS UNITES TECHNOLOGY, E-SPORTS AND SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION AT THE 6TH PENANG STATE-LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CHAMPIONSHIP
TANJONG TOKONG, PULAU PINANG, 10 August 2026 – An environmental education approach that integrates elements of technology, digital games and e-sports is becoming increasingly relevant in efforts to enhance the younger generation’s awareness and understanding of environmental sustainability. In line with this, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), USM, in collaboration with Tzu Chi Malaysia, organised the USM CGSS x Tzu Chi PaGamO Environmental Education E-sports World Cup 2026, 6th Penang State-Level E-sports Championship, held at The One Academy, Straits Quay, on 8 August 2026.
The championship successfully brought together 346 participants, in addition to 25 accompanying teachers, seven principals, eight distinguished guests and 100 volunteers, demonstrating the support and involvement of various parties in strengthening the environmental education agenda through an approach that is more creative and relevant to the younger generation.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Associate Professor Dr Ng Theam Foo, Deputy Director of CGSS; Mr Rusdan Maidin, representative of the Penang State Education Department (JPN) from the Student and Talent Development Unit; Mr Ong Soon Yeong from the Green Educator Work Group; Ms Kathy Ong, representative of The One Academy; Mr Ryan Lim, representative of Swisspac Resources Sdn. Bhd.; and Mr Keong Chee Khoon, representative of Unitech QS Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
The championship was not merely an opportunity for participants to compete in digital games, but also served as an interactive learning platform that integrated environmental knowledge with critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills. This approach made sustainability issues easier to understand and more relevant to the experiences and interests of today’s generation. The event began with a welcoming speech by Ms Kathy Ong, representative of The One Academy, who welcomed the participants, accompanying teachers, distinguished guests, volunteers and all parties involved in organising the championship.
Also delivering a speech was Ms Ooi Si Hoo, Executive Director of the Tzu Chi Malaysia Branch, who outlined the objectives of the competition and its importance in instilling a sense of environmental responsibility among the younger generation. As a symbolic representation of the importance of natural resources and sustainability, the event also featured the launch of a bamboo-based torchlight lighting gimmick, symbolising the use of natural materials as part of a creative approach in conveying sustainability-related messages.
The competition subsequently took place across three categories, namely Category A for primary school pupils, Category B for secondary school students, and Category C for open/adult participants. The categorisation enabled environmental education messages to reach a wider group of participants across different age groups and backgrounds. In addition to the competition, participants and guests also had the opportunity to visit the environmental education exhibition booth provided by the organisers. The exhibition strengthened the programme’s learning component by providing visitors with access to environmental information and knowledge in a more visual, interactive and accessible manner.
The presence of participants at the exhibition area further demonstrated that the championship was not limited solely to e-sports competition, but was instead designed as a learning ecosystem that integrated games, knowledge, experience and direct interaction. Such an approach has the potential to make environmental education more engaging while helping participants connect the knowledge gained with sustainable practices in their daily lives. The competition saw Chong Jing Cheng from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Phor Tay emerge as the champion of Category A (Primary School), while Kew Sin Hui from Penang Chinese Girls Private High School was named the champion of Category B (Secondary School). For Category C (Open), Ang Huang Fu emerged as the champion. All the top 10 winners for each category will receive the prize money and gifts from the sponsors.
According to the organisers, the championship reflects ongoing efforts to explore environmental education methods that are innovative, inclusive and aligned with technological developments, particularly in engaging a younger generation that is increasingly connected to the digital world. The combination of e-sports and environmental education also provides participants with opportunities not only to gain knowledge, but also to develop skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork, which are essential in shaping a generation that is more aware of sustainability challenges in the future. More importantly, the involvement of educational institutions, community organisations, the private sector, teachers, volunteers and the community in the programme demonstrates that efforts to cultivate a culture of sustainability require a collaborative and cross-sectoral approach.
Such strategic collaboration can expand the reach of environmental education while creating more learning opportunities that are closely connected to the lives and interests of young people. Indirectly, this approach can help shape an environmentally literate generation that not only understands sustainability issues, but is also prepared to take action and make more responsible choices towards the environment.
The closing ceremony was subsequently marked by a speech delivered by Associate Professor Dr Ng Theam Foo, Deputy Director of CGSS, USM, who also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the successful organisation of the championship. He encouraged the selected winners to gain more knowledges on environmental sustainability related topics so that they will be more prepared for the national level championship in 12th September 2026 in Kampar, Perak. There are 8 states involved in the national championship namely, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Terengganu, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.
The programme concluded with a photography session involving the distinguished guests, participants, accompanying teachers, volunteers and organisers as a memento and token of appreciation for their commitment and cooperation. The integration of e-sports, technology, environmental education and community interaction not only makes learning more engaging, but also has the potential to strengthen the younger generation’s awareness, knowledge and inclination to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Overall, the championship demonstrates that sustainability education can be delivered through more creative and innovative approaches without compromising its educational value.
SDGs: 4, 13 & 17
Original Text / Photos: Syafiq Saifullah Azmi
Translation: Ashween Sonia Sani Murugesan / Associate Professor Dr Ng Theam Foo