BASF PETRONAS Chemicals and Green Growth Asia Foundation Kick Off Eco Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival

Kuantan, Malaysia – June 25, 2024 – Eco Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival was held on June 25, 2024 at SMK Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, Kuantan, Pahang. This inaugural event, dedicated to fostering a generation of green innovators marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future. About 64 schools around Malaysia and 1200 students participated in the carnival.

This programme is part of company’s effort to raise awareness on how chemistry, innovation and technology can contribute to sustainability among secondary school students and is also supported by The Ministry of Education (MoE) Malaysia. The primary objective of Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is to provide a platform for Green Innovation Science Project (GISPRO) competition finalists to showcase their groundbreaking projects. It also aims to offer students opportunities to engage with corporate leaders and explore green technology careers, as well as to promote practical learning through lab-based exhibitions focusing on sustainability.

The Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is more than just an event; it's a dynamic platform designed to ignite the passion for science and green technology among students. It is about inspiration and learning, with around 750 participants from 55 schools joining the GISPRO competition that was conducted few months prior to the main carnival event. The carnival witnesses 15 finalists and brightest young minds all over Malaysia presenting their innovative green technology projects, all vying for the prestigious championship title. This competition promises to showcase the ingenuity and creativity of students who are committed to making a tangible impact on the environment.

Together with employee volunteers, 30 student volunteers from Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kuantan, guided the children through the experiments and activities in the carnival.

“Through our societal engagement efforts, we continue to create a sustainable future and provide quality education as part of our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is an honor to host Eco-Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival this year as we recognize the importance of working together with the community and partners such as GGAF to uplift the society. We also appreciate the continued collaboration with the student volunteers from ILP Kuantan,“ said Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director, BASF PETRONAS Chemicals.

Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF), echoed these sentiments, saying, “This carnival exemplifies how education and innovation can drive sustainable change. By showcasing their projects, students not only highlight their talents but also deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship.”

“The Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is a beacon for nurturing young minds towards sustainable innovation. It’s a platform where our future leaders learn to think creatively and act responsibly for a greener Malaysia,” emphasized YB Dato' Mohamad Nizar bin Dato' Sri Mohamad Najib, EXCO Pelaburan, Perindustrian, Sains, Teknologi Dan Inovasi Negeri, highlighting the event's significance.

About BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based joint venture between BASF and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multinational, under its subsidiary PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG). Incorporated in 1997, the company operates an integrated Verbund site situated in the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Kuantan, Pahang. The company’s share capital is 60% held by BASF and 40% held by PCG. Key products include acrylic monomers, oxo products, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, highly reactive polyisobutene and aroma ingredients.

For more information, visit our website www.basf-petronas.com.my.

About Green Growth Asia Foundation

GGAF, also known as the Green Growth Asia Foundation, is an international civil society organisation advocating for the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations (UN) and headquartered in Melaka, Malaysia. GGAF is the national operator for the Eco-Schools Malaysia programme appointed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Through mental reengineering and initiatives based on the UN Greening Education Partnership, GGAF empowers youth for individual climate action. Established in 2015, GGAF supports holistic impact and drives change through education, aligning with national and global sustainability targets.

For more information, visit our website www.greengrowthasia.org/ecoschools.my. 

About Eco-Schools Malaysia

The Eco-Schools programme is an education-based initiative aimed at encouraging young people to engage in environmental issues and sustainability by providing them with opportunities to actively protect the environment through identified, designed and implemented eco projects within school premises. Through this programme, students can better understand the concepts they have learned, thereby enhancing their awareness, experience, and interest in environmental education.

Media Contact

Sow Kheng Lee, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs

Phone: +60 9585 5035 / +60 12 983 0250

Email: sowkheng.lee@basf-petronas.com.my

Husna Izzati Ismail, Green Education Programme Advocate

Phone: +60 10 369 9804

Email: eco-schools@greengrowthasia.org