CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has commended the Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW) for growing from a small initiative into a movement that is helping to advance sustainability education in Penang and beyond.
Speaking at the group’s fifth anniversary celebration at The Harmony Centre on Scotland Road, Chow said sustainability has long been a key component of the state’s development agenda and stressed that collective action is needed to ensure a greener future.
In a light-hearted remark touching on politics, Chow acknowledged ongoing speculation about his future plans ahead of the next state election.
“Some people may wonder whether I will contest in the election. Regardless of what happens, my responsibility is to continue serving and governing until the administration is handed over to my successor,” he said.
Reflecting on his years in government, Chow said the green agenda has remained close to his heart since he joined the Penang administration in 2008.
He recalled the launch of the Cleaner, Greener Penang initiative during his tenure as the state executive councillor overseeing local government, describing it as an effort to bring about changes in public mindset and behaviour towards environmental responsibility.
“The objective was to bring about behavioural change. Through the right programmes, we were able to achieve the outcomes we hoped for,” he said.
Chow added that sustainability continued to feature prominently in the Penang2030 vision, which aims to transform the state into “a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation”.
“Once again, the green agenda emerged as an important component of our vision for Penang. Although Penang has not yet become a truly green state, we have a clear vision and direction to move towards that goal,” he said.
Chow said he was encouraged by the progress achieved by the GREW over the past five years.
“What started as a small effort has grown into a movement with national aspirations and perhaps one day global ambitions. Sustainability has become an important agenda worldwide, and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring that our planet remains sustainable long after our footprints have disappeared from this earth,” he said.
He noted that while the number of educators directly involved in the workgroup may be modest, its programmes had successfully reached thousands of students, teachers, supporters and stakeholders over the years.
“The organisation has become a formidable one. Although it is not very large in terms of numbers, the programmes organised have attracted thousands of students, educators, supporters and stakeholders,” he said.
Chow also acknowledged the group’s efforts in seeking support from the state government and encouraged greater collaboration with local authorities and the corporate sector.
“I must say the organisation is among those that regularly approach my office for support, and we will continue to do our best to assist. If you have good programmes, I am sure many corporate citizens in Penang are willing to work together with the group and be part of this impactful journey,” he said.
On environmental efforts, Chow said success should not be measured solely by the amount of waste collected.
“We should not be too proud of how many tonnes of rubbish we collect. Instead, we should be proud when there is no longer a need to collect so much because proper waste management systems are already in place,” he said.
He also called on non-governmental organisations, businesses, schools, the media and the wider community to play a greater role in advancing sustainability efforts.
“There are things that the government alone cannot accomplish. We need stakeholders from all sectors to work together in pursuing the green agenda,” he said.
Congratulating the Green Educators Workgroup on reaching its fifth anniversary milestone, Chow expressed hope that the organisation would continue to expand its impact in the years ahead.
“I hope the next five years will be even more impactful than the first five years,” he said.
Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Sustainable and Eco Community Unit head Chew Eng Seng said the focus of the Green School programme is to encourage greater participation among schools rather than increasing prize money for winners.
While the programme currently offers RM2,000 for the champion school and RM300, RM200 and RM100 for schools receiving star ratings, Chew said the ultimate goal is to get more schools involved in environmental initiatives.
“I think the ultimate objective is to get more schools to participate instead of allocating more funds to just a few schools,” he said.
He added that participating schools already benefit from free programmes and activities, including urban farming and healthy school meal initiatives, aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
GREW chairman Khou Jerome recalled that the group has since grown into a wider movement involving thousands of teachers, students, schools, and partners.
“We have expanded our reach beyond Penang to other states in Malaysia and internationally, including Indonesia,” he said.
Also present was Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat