EcoKnights®

13-15 July 2012, Lanchang (Pahang) - The 2012 Anugerah Hijau finalists workshop took place this past weekend at the Institute of Biodiversity at Lanchang at Pahang. The wokrshop was held over 3 nights and two days and was attended by about 60 finalists, with some guardians.

The finalists checked in to the EcoKnights headquarters early Friday morning. Upon arrival, the finalists were treated to a fun ice-breaking session which was conducted by our dear friends from Ecocentric Transitions. Each finalists received their own name tag, an EcoKnights tee and a goody bag with some amazing Tanamera natural body bath products.

The first night, Encik Khairul from the Wildlife Department, gave a short introduction to the Institute, its goals and missions and also a tour of the area especially the museum. That night was also movie night so many of the finalists hung out at the main hall watching movies.

On the second day, the arrival of all the mentors and judges for all categories was a great motivation to the finalists. For Green Space, the mentors are Serina Hijjas and Thiru Jallendran, for Green Space Lara Ariffin and Harun Rahman and for Green Fashion, tengku Syahmi and Natalie. As much as their presence inspired the finalists, we felt that the mentors left home feeling more inspired to be in the company of the top ten finalists with their amazing ideas and innovative projects.

In the evening, the myHarapan team took over by introducing their Youth Action grants programme and also presented the RM500 grant to each finalists to jumpstart their projects. MyHarapan was represeted by their CEO, Puan Nini, Shiao Yee, Tim and Azri. Thank you so much guys.

The finalists were educated about the importance of incorporating sustainability in their projects and were given a brief guide on the rules of each category.

On the last day, the finalists got a chance to let their hair down with a fun trip to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary where they had a chance to ride, pet and even swim with the elephants.

Some pictures here but more here.

Click here for more pictures.