EPEHUB@CGSS AND TZU CHI STRENGTHEN SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING THROUGH INTERNATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
BAYAN LEPAS, PULAU PINANG, 25 September 2026 – The International Apprenticeship Programme, Tilting Futures: Take Action Lab (Malaysia), TALMY visited the Taman Sri Nibong Tzu Chi Environment Protection Education Centre (TSN EPEC) at Lebuh Bukit Kecil 1, Taman Sri Nibong, Bayan Lepas, Penang as part of its Learning Connect activity with Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub), Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), USM. The visit provided the international apprentices with a meaningful exposure to sustainable community practices, environmental conservation and circular economy initiatives within a local community setting.
The programme commenced with a guided tour of the centre, during which the apprentices were divided into smaller groups, each accompanied by a Tzu Chi volunteer. During the tour, participants were introduced to the centre’s operational activities and the various sustainability initiatives carried out by its volunteers. The visit demonstrated how reusable materials and second-hand items can be systematically managed, repurposed, repaired and redistributed, helping to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfills while also contributing to community welfare.
The apprentices were further introduced to the sorting of different recyclable materials, including paper, plastics, aluminium, tins, electronic waste and household items. Paper materials, for instance, can be further categorised according to their colour and type. Tzu Chi volunteers demonstrated appropriate methods for sorting recyclable materials while highlighting the importance of developing sustainable consumption practices in everyday life. Participants were also introduced to upcycling initiatives and the use of reusable second-hand items, including books, toys, electrical appliances and household products for adoption and purchase. They learned that donated items which remain functional can be repaired, reused and resold at lower prices rather than being disposed of as waste. This initiative demonstrated how community-based sustainability programmes can prolong the useful life of existing products while reducing landfill waste and promoting more responsible resource consumption, in line with Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 12.
Following the tour, Mr. EK Siow, the Coordinator of the TSN EPEC, delivered a talk on the history, vision and mission of the Tzu Chi Foundation, with particular emphasis on sustainable consumption and the role of TSN EPEC in serving communities and provide better environment for recycling and upcycling. Echoing his talk, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Coordinator of EPEHub@CGSS and Deputy Director of CGSS emphasised the significance of environmental sustainability and the SDGs which are intercorrelated in particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. One of his sharing is the effect of greenhouse gases especially methane severely exacerbates climate change. He also shared the environmental education and sustainability initiatives and programmes that were carried out by the USM Green Ambassadors and EPEHub.
The collaborative programme highlighted the increasing significance of partnerships between universities and community organisations in advancing sustainability education, environmental awareness and social engagement among youths. The successful implementation of the programme further demonstrated the role of environmental education in nurturing future leaders from around the world and equipping them to contribute towards the development of a more sustainable society for future generations.
SDGs : 12, 13 & 17
Original Text / Photos by : Hong Kheng Jhun