EK Newsletter - Vol. 9 - October 2016
October 2016
Inspiring Sustainable Living
EcoKnights E-Newsletter, Vol. 9 - October 2016
Message from the President
The third quarter is here. How fast time flies. Over at EcoKnights, we are preparing to spend the last quarter wrapping up two of our annual flagship programs, Anugerah Hijau and the Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF). I still remember the first year we rolled out these programs back in 2008 (KLEFF) and 2009 (Anugerah Hijau) where we had limited resources, and our organization was still very much an infant; nevertheless the opportunities were right there, and we managed to get it together and launch it. I had a strong feeling about these two programs, and how can I not, it came from the heart.
To see how these programs have grown in the last ten years has been emotional of course. The 14 year olds that participated in Anugerah Hijau back in 2009 are now in universities, and many of them have gone on to take up ambitious journeys in their lives and a handful have embarked on amazing careers in environmental management. What shows how we influenced them is when the return to our humble office to volunteer, or spend three months in an internship program with us, while some, have gone on to inspire others on their own efforts and endeavours in their careers and also in the accolades that they have received.
It takes a generation to nurture the next generation. And I sincerely hope that our continuous efforts to inspire young and old Malaysians to adopt a sustainable life will grow in reach and impact as one important element of achieving sustainability lies in the way we design and cultivate the kind of education that builds sustainable minds. Education is always the solution.
President and Founder
Upcoming Ecoknights Programs And Activities
9th Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival, 14th-16th October, Publika Solaris
Our annual flagship public program, the 9th KLEFF is back with more exciting green activities for you and your family. Eleven community workshops on sustainability will be featured from learning how to confidently build your on hydroponics farm to making films to create a difference in the Malaysian environmental landscape; KLEFF has something for everyone to inspire them towards sustainable living.
The highlight would be the amazing range of award-winning films that will be screened for FREE. (Check out the film listing and screening schedule here) You’re highly encouraged to register for the electronic tickets to avoid disappointments as the seats are limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Download a copy of the KLEFF Festival Guide Book today (PDF version) and start exploring how you and your family can have wonderful time learning about sustainable living at the Festival.
Anugerah Hijau 2016 Judging and Awards Ceremony, 15th October, White Room, Publika Solaris
We are excited to find out which school and students in the country will be bagging the title of the Greenest School this competition. If you’ve not head of Anugerah Hijau Malaysia (Green Awards Malaysia), head over to its website, www.anugerahhijau.my. A nation-wide competition in search of the greenest school with the most inclusive and impressive efforts run by students and teachers. We believe that to start moulding sustainable minds today requires us to encourage and influence our younger generation to think differently and to produce impact that lasts. If you’re interested to find out what and how the top national finalists are doing, come and join us at this year’s award ceremony on 15th October at the White Box, Publika.
Youth Conference on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) in partnership with WWF-Malaysia, November, Klang Valley
Together with WWF-Malaysia, EcoKnights, iM4U and MENGO (Malaysian Environmental NGOs) will be co-organizing a youth conference on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in November. Participation is encouraged especially youths from universities or any young adult interested to learn more about sustainability and SCP. The conference would set the platform to learn about the four commodities (wood products, seafood, electricity and palm oil products). Featuring top speakers in these areas, the conference would also set the scene for the youth participants to explore the multifaceted challenges and solutions of SCP in the industry and also for the economy.
Announcement on the registration details of this Conference will be done soon. Stay tune to the EcoKnights, MENGO or WWF-Malaysia website and social media pages for updates on how to get a seat today!
EcoKnights In The News
Recent press coverage on national issues, stories and concerns from EcoKnights
- (4 September 2016) News Straits Times. "Education is the best solution"
- (9 September 2016) The Star. "Green concerns on silver screen".
- (29 September 2016) The Star. "Eco film fest to walk the talk".
EcoKnights Intern's Testimonial
Nur Atiqah binti Kamarudin, 22 years old, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (International Studies)
So how do I even start to rant about EcoKnights? At first, I am interested to know how an NGO works. I thought it is going to be just reaching out the public and lifting posters or hosting some talks to raise awareness on environment to the public. But it is more than that. The exposures gotten are way more than what I imagined. It has only been two months of doing my internship here and I have three more weeks left for the internship but I have gained so much during the period.
I would like to start with my first task for Penang Green Carnival. It was only my second week in EcoKnights and I was assigned to Penang with two other mates. It was my first time driving outside of Kuala Lumpur without having my parents along the way and we went anyways. After that, I was assigned to various tasks that I have never done before and it helps to improve a lot of interpersonal skills in me.
Next, I would like to talk about the work environment. And of course it has to start with what kind of colleagues are there in the small office of EcoKnights-MENGO. My supervisor cum the Programme Director Mr. Fadly is one dynamic soul. I admire the way he handles everything from discussing about work to having fun with the team.
EcoKnights’ founder, Ms. Yasmin Rasyid is one brilliant female figure. I love to see how she is so positive at all times despite of carrying a huge responsibility of being both the founder and MENGO’s Chairperson. If you enter the office on the first day, you might see her watering the plants or mopping the floor and you might not realize that she is indeed the founder!
Lastly, the team mates aka the interns that I am working with holds a special place in my heart. We come from different education backgrounds and none of them are awkward and clueless with whatever task that they are assigned to.
Now, we are left with two more weeks before the biggest event of EcoKnights which is the Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest 2016 and the team is working their sweat off to push this to its peak. And I come to realize that being an NGO is more than just hanging up posters and buntings to raise awareness. It is more to who works behind those posters months before, and hoping that somewhere around the corner, there are people that will understand and be inspired.
If there is more that I can do to EcoKnights after I leave, I will, with no doubt recommending it to my friends that are searching for a place for internship and one day I might be looking at EcoKnights logo somewhere, and thought to myself, that I was a part of this team and it was a wonderful journey and everlasting memory of my life.
Come, and experience the beauty of the team’s hard work for 9TH International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest 2016 in Publika Shopping Gallery this coming 14th to 16th October 2016!
Contact Us Today!
Looking for a CSR partner organization to get your employees engaged in environmental efforts? Thinking of running a workshop on sustainable living for your community members? Well, EcoKnights has a variety of engaging activities and programs to get you started on your journey to sustainable living. To find out more, get in touch with us today at info@ecoknights.org.my or give us a call in our office at +603 7731 8361.
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