Toyota Eco Youth 2023/2024 edition winners announced

Say ‘Toyota’ and the first thing that comes to mind will be cars and the company that makes them. That is certainly the biggest part of Toyota Motor Corporation’s business but there is also another side to the company – good corporate citizenship. With its substantial resources, TMC also helps society in many different ways as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

In Malaysia, its 42-year old joint venture company – UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) – has long carried out many types of CSR activities for Malaysian communities. Most have been unrelated to the auto industry, eg planting trees as an initiative to address climate change and environmental conservation.

Two of its longest-running CSR activities have been the Toyota Classics and Toyota Eco Youth program. While the Toyota Classics – an annual classical music performance – has served as a fund-raiser for many charities since the early 1990s, the Eco Youth program (TEY) has the objective of empowering secondary school students to actively engage with environmental issues through innovative initiatives.

Since TEY started 23 years ago, UMWT has spent some RM7 million on the annual event, which is in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The money is not just for cash prizes but grants are also given to kick-start each school’s project and other promotional activities. Experts from the company also coach the students in Toyota’s Problem-Solving Methodology which enables them to initiate and manage their project effectively.

“From its inception in 2001 to the latest 2023/2024 edition, TEY has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the environmental consciousness of our youth. As UMW Toyota Motor, we proudly align with Toyota’s global commitment to contribute to a better environment for the next generation. TEY, with its objectives, mission, and vision, reflects our dedication to educating the younger generation through innovative methods like the Toyota 8 Steps Problem-Solving Methodology,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“As we stand at the precipice of global climate action, the role of education cannot be overstated. The impact of programmes like TEY on the younger generation is immeasurable. These will empower our youth with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to tackle the environmental challenges that lie ahead. It is through collective efforts that we can hope to create a sustainable and resilient future” he added.

Today marked the finale of the 2023/2024 edition which began in mid-August 2023. Workshops were held in the following months prior to projects commencing, and then on-site evaluation towards the end of the year was carried out for each school’s project.

Fifteen secondary schools – with a total of 60 students and 15 teacher-advisors – nationwide participated, each presenting innovative projects aimed at addressing environmental concerns within their communities. They join the 506 schools and 2,690 students who have benefitted from participating in TEY over the years.

The Winners
Champion & Most Supportive Teacher : SMK SERI AMPANG, KEDAH

Click here to read more about Toyota Eco Youth