Iskandar Puteri festival aims to spur students to create green products
ABOUT 150 students from four schools in Johor Baru will showcase their creativity through eco-friendly products made from recycled materials at the upcoming Green-Preneur Festival 2025.
Junior Chamber International South Key commission director and organising chairman Wong Yu Xin said the three-day programme will encourage the students to creatively transform waste into saleable products.
'Aimed at instilling environmental awareness and an entrepreneurial spirit, the festival merges sustainability and enterprise.
'The term 'Green-Preneur' has thus been coined to reflect our core mission,' she said in an interview.
She added that the festival would encourage students to become entrepreneurs of sustainable products that can be used in daily life.
'We are also promoting a plastic-free environment to raise awareness of sustainability and climate action among the younger generation,' she said.
The July 25 to 27 event would also include a green-themed night market at Sunway Big Box, Iskandar Puteri.
Eco-friendly booths, public workshops and exhibitions promoting sustainability are expected to be part of the set-up.
'The main showcase and pitching sessions will happen on July 26 when students will present their sustainable products before a panel of judges.
'Winners will be announced at the end of the event,' Wong said.
The four schools taking part are Stellar International School, SMK Sultan Ismail, Sekolah Tun Fatimah and SK Larkin 2.
In line with the festival's zero-waste mission, no plastic products such as bags or containers would be used at the venue.
Supported by the Education Ministry, the event drew participants from public and private schools in Johor Baru.
Wong said about 100 students will present a drum performance using recycled buckets to wow the crowd.
She added that the festival will build on the momentum of the previous year's 'Last Straw Project' which focused on plastic pollution awareness.
'We want young people to realise that with creativity and initiative, they can turn waste into something meaningful and even profitable,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore will step up its support of Timor-Leste's development of its government's capacity, as the region's youngest nation prepares to join Asean as a full member. The upgraded Singapore-Timor-Leste Asean Readiness Support (Stars) package, known as the enhanced Stars (eStars) package, will offer tailored assistance to help the South-east Asian nation meet requirements to join key Asean economic agreements. This was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 14 at a luncheon for visiting Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao. Mr Gusmao is on an official four-day visit to Singapore, more than a decade after his first as prime minister in 2013. He received a ceremonial welcome on July 14 before meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Speaking at the lunch held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Mr Wong said the refreshed package will also include training aligned with Timor-Leste's national development priorities, as well as leadership development programmes and scholarships for its future leaders. The eStars package, which runs from July 2025 to December 2028, will offer wider access to Asean-related training courses and expertise to support Timor-Leste's integration into the regional grouping. The first iteration of the Stars initiative formally began in 2022. Addressing Mr Gusmao, PM Wong said: 'Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to Asean is a significant milestone, both for your country and for Asean. Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao (right) was hosted to an official lunch by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Pan Pacific Singapore on July 13. -- ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the Asean family. And we will continue to stand with you on this journey.' Speaking at the same event, Mr Gusmao thanked Singapore for its support over the years, particularly in helping Timor-Leste prepare for Asean membership. He cited the training provided to Timorese civil servants in areas such as negotiation and policy writing, describing it as 'a real difference' that reflects cooperation 'measured not in words, but in actions'. Timor-Leste, with a population of 1.3 million, formally applied to join the regional grouping in 2011. It received in-principle endorsement in May, and its accession is expected to be formalised at the 47th Asean Summit in October. In his speech, PM Wong noted how Mr Gusmao has long-standing ties with Singapore, and that it is proud to be a partner of Timor-Leste. 'We remember well your many contributions to Timor-Leste's journey – fighting for independence, unifying the country, and guiding your people through the early years of nation-building,' Mr Wong said. He added that Singapore has 'stood in solidarity' with Timor Leste even before its independence. Mr Wong noted that the Republic was among the first countries to participate in a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Australia in 1999. Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002, following a 1999 United Nations-sponsored referendum in which an overwhelming majority voted to break away from Indonesian rule. The vote was marred by violence from pro-integration militias, following decades of unrest and foreign occupation. Over the decade since Timor-Leste gained independence, more than a thousand Singapore personnel have worked alongside the Timorese people to provide humanitarian assistance, build institutions, and support its 'transition to peace and stability', PM Wong said. Bilateral ties between Singapore and Timor-Leste have grown steadily, with Singapore starting its embassy in the capital Dili in 2024 – 'a reflection of its commitment to deeper engagement', Mr Wong said. Economic links between both sides are expanding, and Singapore companies are exploring opportunities in hospitality, real estate and other sectors, said PM Wong. He also noted that direct flights between the two countries have resumed, with a mutual visa waiver agreement implemented in 2024. Even prior to the Stars initiative started in 2022, more than 1,100 Timorese officials since 2002 have participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which is Singapore's flagship platform established in 1992 for technical assistance and capacity building for developing nations. These courses help to build capabilities across a range of areas, from public administration to language and communications. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said President Tharman and PM Wong reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Timor-Leste's development through capacity building programmes, welcoming more Timorese officials to participate in the Singapore Cooperation Programme. As his country moves towards full Asean membership, Mr Gusmao acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasised that regional unity and solidarity are more important than ever in an increasingly unstable world. He noted how Singapore's development discipline and clarity of purpose was an example to nations, not only across the region but around the world. Singapore and Timor-Leste are countries of different cultures and histories, but both share a common spirit that their futures must be shaped by their people, said Mr Gusmao. He also spoke about how both nations are diverse and multicultural, and said it was inspiring to see how Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities coexist harmoniously in Singapore. Similarly, he shared how Timor-Leste draws strength from its indigenous roots, Portuguese legacy, and its many languages and traditions. 'This diversity is not a weakness. It is a source of unity, a quiet strength that holds our societies together,' he said. He said there is potential to deepen bilateral cooperation with Singapore, in areas such as tourism, education, infrastructure and investment. Highlighting Timor-Leste's natural beauty, from mountain ranges to tropical beaches rich in marine biodiversity, Mr Gusmao said his country's Blue Economy strategy underscores its commitment to sustainability. 'We welcome partnerships that align with that vision. Not just investment, but collaboration, knowledge-sharing and mutual growth,' he said. PM Wong also thanked Mr Gusmao and the government of Timor-Leste for a gift of 60 sandalwood saplings for Singapore's 60th year of independence. These saplings, he said, are a powerful symbol of how both countries can grow and thrive together in the years ahead – both bilaterally and in Asean. 'I assure you that Singapore will take good care of the saplings and make sure they grow into strong and sturdy trees; befitting of the enduring friendship between our two countries,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
Singapore Launches Enhanced Stars Package For Timor-Leste
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, July 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore on Monday launched the enhanced Singapore–Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (STARS) package to support the country's integration into the regional bloc and its long-term development. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the enhanced package will include tailored support to facilitate Timor-Leste's accession to key ASEAN agreements, specialised training in areas aligned with the country's national priorities, and leadership development programmes and scholarships for the next generation of leaders. bootstrap slideshow 'Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to ASEAN is a significant milestone, both for your country and for ASEAN. 'Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the ASEAN family, and we will continue to stand with you on this journey,' Wong said at the official lunch he hosted in honour of Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao on Monday. Wong said Singapore launched STARS in 2002, a specially customised package to empower Timorese officials with the knowledge and skills needed for ASEAN membership. According to Singapore's Foreign Ministry, over 1,100 Timorese officials have, to date, participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the STARS package. Gusmao arrived in Singapore on Sunday for his second official visit to the city-state, which continues until Wednesday. He is accompanied by Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas.
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zetrix AI widens Asean footprint to reduce political and revenue risk
KUALA LUMPUR: Zetrix AI Bhd, formerly MyEG Services Bhd, is ramping up expansion across Southeast Asia to reduce reliance on government contracts, said managing director TS Wong. He said the shift is also aimed at shielding the company from political risk, a move that signals how Malaysian tech firms are adapting to volatile policy environments. "We're very aware of the importance of revenue diversification," Wong told Business Times in an exclusive email interview. "Beyond our government-related services in Malaysia, we've expanded into international markets and private-sector solutions, particularly through Zetrix." Zetrix, the company's blockchain-powered platform, has already become the group's largest revenue contributor. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, the group's revenue jumped 28.8 per cent year-on-year to RM299.99 million, while net profit rose 16.2 per cent to RM181.57 million. This was largely driven by contributions from Web3 application service fees on the Zetrix blockchain including ZTrade, ZCert and Digital ID registration and transactions, as well as from the sale of Zetrix tokens. Zetrix tokens are utility tokens used to power core services on the Zetrix blockchain, such as verifying trade documents and digital identity. According to its latest financial report, without a RM15.76 million impairment loss related to its investment in HeiTech Padu Bhd, Zetrix AI's operating profit would have been higher. Zetrix supports critical applications such as digital credential verification and real-time verification of trade documents, solutions increasingly adopted by private businesses and foreign government agencies. Wong said the company is now targeting cross-border trade and digital identity services in the Philippines and Singapore, with expansion plans in Indonesia. The platform is already integrated with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) and has been adopted by the Philippines Bureau of Customs and its technology partner, Cargo Data Exchange Center Inc. Reducing concentration risk Zetrix AI's strategy focuses on embedding Zetrix into regional trade and regulatory infrastructure. This is key to reducing the company's historical reliance on Malaysian e-government contracts, which has long been a concern among investors, Wong said. Its emphasis on government-to-government (G2G) projects is a key part of this diversification. Unlike traditional contracts tied to a single administration, Wong said these multilateral projects are "inherently more stable" and less exposed to domestic political shifts. An example is the company's partnership with East Logistic Link Co, a unit under GACC, to develop a blockchain-based National Single Window for Asean countries. The project enables paperless cross-border trade documentation and identity verification for businesses and regulators alike. "These are real-world applications used by enterprises and government agencies, and they generate consistent, utility-based revenue," Wong added. Setback, not derailment Despite the impairment charge on its investment in HeiTech Padu, linked to a mark-to-market revaluation of listed shares, Zetrix AI has reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership. The impairment was "not a reflection of any issues within the collaboration itself," Wong said, citing the company's ongoing work with HeiTech Padu and Huawei Malaysia to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart government services. He added the financial setback has not derailed the company's broader Asean ambitions. Through the Asean China AI Lab, a flagship Malaysia-China G2G initiative, Zetrix AI is now developing advanced AI and robotics applications tailored to regional needs. Strategic edge through localisation The company is banking on Chinese-built technologies for Asean markets, including robotic automation to reduce reliance on foreign labour in Malaysia's manufacturing sector. Wong said this localisation strategy, combined with its early move into blockchain-backed services, supports Zetrix AI's regional push in digital infrastructure. "We are enabling next-generation services such as Agentic AI, cross-border identity verification and trade automation with Zetrix," he added. "These innovations are already being deployed and are designed to be replicated across borders." The company's focus now is on scaling further in high-growth Asean markets, where digital transformation remains a top government priority.
