Last but Not Least: Inspiros International School

EcoKnights has successfully wrapped up its Gamuda Land Rangers Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at educating children about sustainability and biodiversity protection. The programme, which was launched in collaboration with Gamuda Land, has been a resounding success, with 15 schools from across Malaysia participating in the programme. The last school to participate in the programme was Inspiros International School, which marked the culmination of the Gamuda Land Rangers programme.

As EcoKnights brought the Gamuda Land Rangers Programme to a close, the team reflected on the success of the initiative, which had been met with enthusiasm and engagement from students and teachers alike. Throughout the programme, EcoKnights had worked closely with various schools to conduct interactive activities and share educational resources that would inspire children to learn about sustainability and biodiversity protection. The results were nothing short of impressive; with students demonstrating a newfound understanding of the importance of conservation and a commitment to taking action to protect their environment.

Objectives: Creating Awareness and Educating Children about Sustainability and Biodiversity Protection

Gamuda Land Rangers Programme offers high-quality educational experiences that inspire and empower young people to act as responsible citizens, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Specifically, this programme is designed to educate children and young adults about the importance of environmental conservation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the environment. In addition, this programme seeks to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for environmental conservation. To achieve this, EcoKnights aim to partner with local organizations, schools, and community groups, thereby amplifying our impact and reaching a broader audience.

Empowering the Next Generation of Wetland Leaders:

Gamuda Land Rangers Programme kicked off with EcoKnights’ introduction to the concept of wetlands and their importance in supporting biodiversity. This was followed with a scavenger hunt, where students worked together to find hidden figurines of wetlands animals. Later on, the students engaged in a creative hands-on session where they got to design their very own wetlands themed terrarium using a variety of provided materials.

The students were able to express their creativity when decorating each of their terrariums. Not only that, the students also were able to bring back their respective terrariums as a token of remembrance.

Another activity that was conducted was a guided walk around the wetlands, where students were amazed and full of inquiries about the different types of flora and fauna surrounding them. These activities not only educated the students about the importance of wetlands but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

The Inspiros International School students thoroughly enjoyed the programme, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the activities. “I loved making my own terrarium!” exclaimed one student. Another student chimed in, “I didn’t know that wetlands were so important for animals! Now I want to learn more about it.” The programme’s interactive approach and hands-on activities made it engaging and enjoyable for the students.

Learning by Doing: The Programme’s Impact on the Young Minds

The Gamuda Land Rangers Programme has made a significant impact on the participating schools and students. EcoKnights’ goal is to shape young minds through education on sustainability and biodiversity protection, thereby empowering the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will drive positive change.

Success of the Gamuda Land Rangers Programme can be attributed to its collaborative approach with Gamuda Land and engaging children through interactive activities. As EcoKnights continues to roll out its programmes across Malaysia, it is clear that its impact will be far-reaching.

EcoKnights and its partnership with Gamuda Land have cracked the code on making sustainability fun and engaging! The Gamuda Land Rangers Programme has brought eco-education to life, and we’re seeing a new generation of young heroes emerge. By joining forces, we’re creating a wave of environmental change-makers who will make a difference. Bring on the future—we’re ready to rock it!

SETIU, Terengganu, July 30 — In a move to combat climate change, EcoKnights and MBSB Group have launched a groundbreaking mangrove planting initiative aimed at longevity and consistency of effort. This partnership is set to transform Setiu Wetlands Park, turning it into a thriving haven for marine life and a robust shield against coastal erosion.

The 2024 initiative kicked off with the planting of 240 mangrove saplings by 40 enthusiastic MBSB employees, supported by Terengganu State Parks Management Council, Sahabat Setiu and local communities. Mangroves, often dubbed nature’s guardians, are essential for preventing erosion, protecting shorelines, and capturing carbon. As Rafe Haneef, MBSB’s Group CEO, puts it, “At MBSB, mangrove replanting is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. We are committed to long-term investment in mangrove restoration, partnering with esteemed organizations like the Malaysian Nature Society and EcoKnights to ensure our efforts leave a lasting legacy.”

EcoKnights’ Tree For Us (T4Us) program will oversee the growth and survival of these saplings, ensuring the project’s long-term success. The collaboration has already proven effective; in 2023, the partnership achieved a stellar 95% survival rate for 490 mangrove saplings and 100 coastal trees across five states.

This year, the aim is even higher: planting 800 saplings to fortify coastlines. Fadly Bakhtiar, EcoKnights Program Director, remarked, “Our efforts go beyond just planting trees. Together, we’re ensuring our natural ecosystem continues to provide invaluable benefits to both the environment and local communities.”

This initiative isn’t just about trees; it’s about community, resilience, and the future. For inquiries, contact Norsiah Juriani Johari from MBSB Group at norsiah.johari@mbsbbank or Nabila Shohimi at nabila@ecoknights.org.my.

Photos of the event can be found:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10p7EgLQYtKDVGxlQN6Rcn_sgR1T2a3P-?usp=drive_link

ABOUT MBSB GROUP

MBSB has been a pivotal contributor in financial services sector for decades. The 2023 acquisition of MIDF has positioned us as a major player in Islamic banking, offering enhanced services, innovative products, and greater sustainability.

ABOUT ECOKNIGHTS®

EcoKnights® is a not-for-profit environmental organization that delivers development and environmental interventions to communities, government agencies, learning institutions, and companies. We mobilize and catalyze stakeholders towards sustainable development across trans- and interdisciplinary fields across four main pillars. Our mission is to impart long-lasting sustainable impact to the country. More information is retrievable at ecoknights.org.my

SOURCE : EcoKnights

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Aaron Riang
Sustainability Communication Coordinator
Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar EcoKnights Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (EcoKnights)
Email : aaronriang@ecoknights.org.my

In a heartening display of unity and environmental stewardship, 606 dedicated volunteers from Liberty General Insurance Berhad (LGIB) gathered from May 6th to 9th, 2024, to plant 1,100 Rhizophora Mucronata mangrove trees. As part of EcoKnights’ Tree For Us (T4Us) initiative, this event was a demonstration of their commitment to sustainability and collective action.

The event started with encouraging speeches from representatives of Liberty General Insurance Berhad and EcoKnights, fuelling the volunteers’ excitement and determination. The volunteers then received guidance on safety measures and tree-planting techniques from speakers from EcoKnights and the Forestry Department. The group then began a 1.1 km walk to the planting plot, each step driven by a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.

Upon reaching the plot, the volunteers, with determination and enthusiasm, transformed the landscape one sapling at a time. Every time a sapling was planted, it was a lesson—and a display—of what could be achieved collectively. It served as a reminder that together, we can effect change.

For those interested in joining future environmental initiatives or learning more about EcoKnights, feel free to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. Let’s continue to make a lasting impact together, one step at a time.

The recent tree planting event at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur was a clear celebration of environmental conservation and a major step towards creating a greener, more sustainable urban landscape. The tree planting took place on November 2nd, a day filled with excitement and a shared commitment to sustainable urban development. 

A collaborative effort organised by EcoKnights, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Landskap, and Group Tax from Petronas brought together a diverse group of volunteers, including 10 passionate public volunteers. A total of 70 trees, spanning 10 different species, were planted as part of the “Tree4Us Urban Park Tree Planting Programme,” which aims to improve Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’s greenery and benefit the surrounding community and environment. Furthermore, the event was driven by a collective goal to promote biodiversity while combating urbanisation challenges, therefore contributing to the overall well-being of the environment.

The event transpired after meticulous planning, where 10 public volunteers along with 240 members of DBKL and Group Tax actively participated in the planting process. After the initial registration, the event started off with a couple of speeches from EcoKnights, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Landskap and Group Tax. The volunteers were then instructed to take a group photo together and were briefed on tree planting. After listening intently, the volunteers were split into groups of four and began the process of planting their trees.

By the end of the planting, around 70 trees found their new homes while a sense of collective pride filled the air. The “Tree4Us Urban Park Tree Planting Programme” is a prime example of the effectiveness of community-based environmental projects. As the recently planted trees grow, they offer hope for a greener and more sustainable future for Kuala Lumpur.

If you are interested in joining our initiatives or organising sustainable workshops for your area, school, or company, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. We would be thrilled to offer additional details and explore potential partnerships with you.

December 2nd, 2023 – In a collaborative effort with HSBC volunteers to inspire sustainable living, the Guardians Against Garbage (GAG) initiative take place at Sungai Kayu Ara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur. At 8am, 35 passionate HSBC volunteers united for a notable river cleanup event. Facilitated by EcoKnights, this initiative aimed to combat and reduce river pollution while cultivating a shared sense of environmental awareness within the community.

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech and a meticulous safety briefing conducted by EcoKnights facilitators, ensuring that the volunteers were well-equipped with the necessary guidelines and expectations. The river saw enthusiastic participation from HSBC volunteers, who engaged in an exhaustive cleanup operation which targeted the river’s various sections.

The volunteers were divided into three teams and embarked on a mission to restore the river, back to its pristine condition. Their hard work paid off as they were able to collect an impressive total of 377.90 kg of diverse waste, ranging from plastic remnants, textiles and even debris from past construction projects. This cleanup was more than just picking up trash, it was a call for environmental awareness and conservation, acting as a reminder of the urgent need to address proper waste management along with river pollution.

After the cleanup, the volunteers worked seamlessly, forming a human chain to transport the collected debris to the segregation area. The segregation process, where volunteers segregate the trash based on its composition, started out smoothly. However, challenges arose during the segregation process as a handful of the volunteers were starting to become tired. Alas, their unwavering dedication and teamwork enabled them to efficiently categorise the waste. A closing speech acknowledged the volunteers’ tireless efforts, emphasising their pivotal role in contributing to a cleaner environment.

Through their actions, the ardent volunteers from HSBC demonstrated that small, collective efforts can lead to substantial environmental changes. As they departed, the effect of their dedication remained, emphasising the possibility of a more sustainable future, one river cleanup at a time.

If you are interested in joining our initiatives or organising sustainable workshops for your area, school, or company, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@ecoknights.org.my. We would be thrilled to offer additional details and explore potential partnerships with you.

Outgoing EcoKnights’ President’s Farewell Message

Eighteen years ago, I founded an environmental NGO called EcoKnights. EcoKnights was my creative journey in establishing an organization that will craft sustainability programs that I would enjoy running; where my young daughter (Mia was close to four years old at that time) can have fun in and be educated about nature and her role in protecting it, where the public (specifically parents and children) can participate in fun environmental programs.

I did all these from the dining table of our home, in between tending to a kid and doing house chores. It was one of the best times of my life where all I needed to fuel was my brain, and I was churning out ideas, and forming a team, working on creative fundraising approaches, picked up new skills in project and financial management, design and redesign pitch decks, you name it.

I would wake up daily just excited to continue where I left off the night before, all these papers, diagrams, ideas, capturing my vision and passion to drive kick ass public programs on sustainability. My soft skills were on overdrive.

During the early formative years of EcoKnights, and with very little public knowledge and recognition of a small homegrown/grassroots NGO, I was also rejected, turned down, you name it – countless times. While I was equipped with passion and drive, I was not connecting with everyone about what EcoKnights was and what it can do for the country or a “client.” I learnt then how to polish my presentations, how to read my “clients” better,
how to see the problem statement(s), and how to work on win-win solutions that would serve the desired outcomes. That saw me really embracing a more strategic approach to thinking, designing, planning, you name it. My skills required to be analytical, technical, strategic and be outcome driven, were on hyper mode.

During the last decade, I realized the importance of developing sustainability leaders, and focused on the organization’s volunteer and internship programs. I thought that if I can grow a local NGO to attract good talent in all fields of studies, I can have a small chance in crafting and molding these young Malaysian minds to walk, talk, eat, and breathe sustainability. Basically, make them practitioners, at least for that 3-to-6-month duration of their internship program. In short, brainwashed them.

What resulted was unexpectedly amazing! Much to my evil delight. I have seen them come and go, and I have seen many of them grow. Not just academically, but in the way they apply their experiences and knowledge with EcoKnights and leverage on the networks they made to then lead in their own ways in the field of sustainability. I can never express how proud I am of many of them, to see them now presenting their papers on sustainability, or to be invited by them to attend a university reach program they are leading, or to bump into them in a conference and to be whispered by their bosses that “this kid that was your intern is amazing”. Man, that makes me so proud of how our past interns now drive sustainability in their own workspaces and lives.

Today, they (past volunteers and interns) inspire me the most. I witnessed them boldly paving the way to make a difference for the country in sustainability. I am just lucky to have had the chance to be in their sustainability leadership quest/journey.

Over close to two decades, I have seen, and been through a lot with EcoKnights. The bitter ones I learnt from them. The sweet ones, I cherish and am appreciative of them. For sure, there are many best memories and moments, long lasting friendships made, and old connections rekindled and redefined in the name of sustainability. But the ultimate satisfaction is witnessing the current young EcoKnights team lead, administer, plan,
implement, communicate, advocate and forge partnerships independently.

I have served EcoKnights as the organization’s president since 2005. A bit too long if you asked me. To grow something out of nothing was not an easy feat, and once it was well oiled and running, to work on my exit strategy also took a while. Now is the right time to pass the baton to the next person who will continue to drive the organization to meet its vision and mission. All good things need to evolve to become better and I have stayed on for a bit too long (because letting go of a baby you gave birth to such as EcoKnights is hard) and I feel that the time has come for me to say my farewell.

I am excited to announce that Amlir Ayat will be replacing me as the President of EcoKnights and this process will be officially formalized in the following months. All operative and administrative matters will still be lead under the guidance and leadership of Fadly Bakhtiar. I have known Amlir since 1998. He was my first “sifu” when I came back to Malaysia as a young energetic marine biology graduate. He was one of the reasons and main drivers of my passion in sustainability. I learnt the power of education in transforming livelihoods and addressing human-wildlife conflict through and from Amlir. I was privileged to be his pupil, to be taught how to survive with not much in the tropical jungles of Kenong, to appreciate citizen science (even though it wasn’t trending back then) and the strategic ways of networking especially with government agencies. I trust that through Amlir’s leadership in EcoKnights, he will continue to drive the vision and mission of the organization, while lead a young capable and driven team to continue to design and deliver impact-driven sustainability programs for all stakeholders. It has been a wonderful experience and journey and thank you to all who were part of this journey with me.

Dr Yasmin Rasyid
Former President of EcoKnights, 2005 – 2023

10 October 2023