SWITCHING ON ENERGY AWARENESS

The Star

11-07-2025

ARE we truly mindful of the energy we consume? Seemingly small actions — like the flick of a switch or leaving smartphones charging all night while you sleep — when multiplied across households and communities, result in unnecessary energy wastage.
The way we use energy today impacts our tomorrow, leaving the next generation to navigate the aftermath of our current behaviours.
While many understand these repercussions, 'old habits die hard', as they say, which is why a fundamental change is needed to spark a change in energy awareness.
Today's youth will need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate a sustainable future with an energy-­conscious mindset.
In this light, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) are nurturing future changemakers through the Powering The Future (PTF) 3.0 school activation program­me.
Previous instalments travel­led across Malaysia's west coast, covering Selangor, Melaka, Penang, Johor, Perak and Negri Sembilan, impacting 4,545 primary and secondary school students in all six states.
This year, PTF 3.0 will cover five states: Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. The programme kicked off in Pahang two months ago and touched down in Kelantan last month.
To date, PTF 3.0 has impacted 1,588 primary and secondary school students in Pahang and Kelantan. The goal is to reach over 3,200 students in all five states.
Enhancing energy education
In Terengganu, the official launch event for the state was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Bayas in Kuala Terengganu on June 30, with 84 Standard Five students taking part in the programme.
True to its core mission, PTF 3.0 is designed to impart crucial energy conservation knowledge to students across primary and secondary schools through enga­ging and dynamic learning experiences.
Younger participants dive into the world of renewable energy (RE) through an innovative RE model kit-building activity to grasp the fundamentals of clean power like hydro, solar and wind.
This hands-on approach, complemented by a Kuntum edutainment workbook, aims to instil energy-efficient habits from an early age and foster lifelong appreciation for environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, secondary school students hone their critical thin­king skills through immersive real-world simulations, tackling energy management challenges in domestic settings such as their homes and schools.
A crucial component of their learning involves an introduction to the United Nations' Sustai­na­ble Development Goals (SDGs), providing them with a global framework for understanding and contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Other participating schools in the state were SK Gong Tok Nasek, SK Tengku Ampuan Mariam, SK Kubang Ikan, SK Losong, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sultan Ahmad, SMK Tengku Bariah, SMK Seri Budiman, SMK Padang Negara and SMK Megat Panji Alam.
As an added boost to their learning journey, all participating students receive a complimen­tary one-year e-subscription to The Star, encouraging English literacy while reinforcing the vital message of energy conservation.
TNB Terengganu retail head Mohd Zaiddy Mat Rajali said the programme aims to bring the younger generation closer to the world of energy and sustainability, as they will have an important role to play in helping the country achieve cleaner and more sustainable energy usage.
'We (TNB) aim to champion comprehensive efforts in sustainable energy usage, including the utilisation of RE sources such as green energy generated from hydroelectric power and large-scale solar farms,' he said.
'This year's programme has been designed to resonate with today's youth, with various exci­ting activities, educational games and quizzes.
'By carrying out these activities, they will better understand how every small act we make in efficient energy use can have a significant impact on the world.
SK Bukit Bayas principal Khairul Nizan Khmis said he feels very fortunate to have the programme held at the school, describing it as an initiative that personifies their aspirations to empower the next generation.
'PTF 3.0 inspires, uplifts and gives recognition to our students. This kind of exposure is truly meaningful for them,' he said.
'The students have responded positively to activities and the programme could be the starting point that ignites their spirit to shape a brighter future.
'We hope that the knowledge they gain today stays with them for life and they will always champion these energy-efficient practices.'
As the programme moves north to Kedah and Perlis in the coming months, the goal remains unchanged – to spark curiosity, build awareness and cultivate habits that will shape a more energy-responsible Malaysia.