KUALA LUMPUR, 21 February 2025 – The future of Malaysia’s sustainability efforts starts in education, and tonight, the most environmentally proactive schools take the spotlight. The Eco-Schools Award Ceremony, held at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), celebrates the remarkable achievements of over 17,600 students who have been actively engaged, including 14 schools supported by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) that have successfully turned sustainability into action, earning the coveted Green Flag Award under the Eco-Schools Programme.

With the world facing urgent climate challenges, these schools stand as beacons of change—showcasing how education can equip students with the knowledge, leadership, and real-world solutions needed for a sustainable future.

The Power of Education in Driving Climate Action

Speaking at the ceremony, Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), emphasised YSD’s commitment to shaping a greener Malaysia through the education pillar. Every student must understand that their actions, no matter how small, have a profound impact on the environment.

"The Eco-Schools Programme nurtures critical thinking, leadership, and hands-on sustainability learning. Building on the success of Phase 1 in Melaka and Kedah, YSD is proud to extend our support to 10 new schools in Pahang for Phase 2. This journey would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donor companies—Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad—whose steadfast support has allowed us to make meaningful contributions to environmental education and sustainability efforts."

The Eco-Schools Malaysia, guided by GGAF with support from YSD, aligns with the UNESCO Greening Education Partnership, a global movement to integrate sustainability into school curricula and operations. This alignment places Malaysia at the forefront of ASEAN’s education-driven sustainability efforts.

Expanding the Movement: From Kedah and Melaka to Pahang

Beyond celebrating current achievements, the Eco-Schools Award Ceremony also marks a significant expansion of the programme, with the next phase targeting 10 schools in Pahang. YSD’s decision to continue supporting the programme stems from its belief in the transformative impact of Eco-Schools on students, schools, and communities alike.

Green Flag Schools: Pioneers of Environmental Leadership

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of 14 outstanding schools from Melaka and Kedah that achieved the prestigious Green Flag status. This milestone reflects years of commitment to environmental stewardship, innovative learning, and student-led sustainability initiatives.

Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of GGAF, celebrated the impact of the programme:

“When students become leaders in sustainability, the ripple effects are powerful. Through the Eco-Schools Programme, we have seen young minds take charge—reducing waste, innovating solutions, and advocating for real environmental policies in their schools. Without YSD’s support, we could not have achieved this level of impact or reached so many students.”

Education Ministry Backs the Eco-Schools Mission

Recognising the transformative power of environmental education, YB Puan Fadhlina Sidek (subject to availability), Minister of Education, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the initiative:

“Eco-Schools is more than just a school programme—it is a key part of Malaysia’s national education vision. By integrating sustainability into teaching through a holistic JERI approach (Jasmani, Emosi, Rohani, Intelek), we are shaping responsible citizens. The hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) activities within the programme are instrumental in fostering student development and environmental stewardship.”

The Ministry of Education’s ongoing commitment to sustainability in learning ensures that the Eco-Schools framework will continue to encourage more schools to adopt green practices. The success of these Green Flag schools serves as an inspiration and a model for others to follow.

A Call to Action: Join the Sustainability Education Revolution

As the ceremony draws to a close, the message is clear: this is only the beginning. With collaboration between schools, government agencies, corporate partners, and communities, the potential for impact is limitless.

GGAF and YSD invite more schools, educators, and corporate partners to be part of this movement. Whether through funding, mentorship, or knowledge-sharing, everyone has a role in empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders.