Inspiring students to lead eco-conscious lifestyle

The book launch by Canon in conjunction with Earth Day, along with Selangor DOE and students from schools in Selangor.

IN conjunction with Earth Day, Canon Marketing Malaysia launched a book, A Kid’s Guide to Save Planet Earth.

The book was a collaboration between the Selangor Environment Department (DOE) and Canon Opto Malaysia to promote environmental awareness and inspire eco-consciousness among the younger generation.

The launch, held at Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam, Selangor, saw the attendance of representatives from the state Education Department, District Education Office, Selangor Public Library Corporation and schools in the state.

Canon worked on the book with Malaysian author and illustrator Nor Azhar Ishak. The company said this project attested to its support for the local creative community on top of its commitment to environmentalism.

Five hundred copies of the book will be distributed to selected Selangor schools.

This book is aimed at helping children to understand the impact of human actions on the environment and highlights actionable steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle through vivid illustrations and whimsical storytelling.

(From left) Yoshikai, Nor Aziah, Inaba and Nor Azhar at the launch.

Canon Opto Malaysia, a Canon subsidiary, has been recognised as DOE’s strategic environmental partner, since it is one of its long-time collaborators.

It has worked on many environmental awareness-focused programmes in secondary schools and universities such as mini carnivals, tree planting and ewaste recycling programmes.

“We are grateful for this collaboration with the Selangor DOE and Nor Azhar as it personifies Canon’s ‘kyosei’ philosophy of the importance of living and working together for the common good, while contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of carbon neutrality,” said Canon Marketing Malaysia president and chief executive officer Shunji Yoshikai.

“Last year, we adopted 35 trees at Taman Tugu as part of our 35th anniversary celebrations.

“For this campaign, we explored a more creative way to embody our ongoing commitment to the ‘kyosei’ philosophy.

A Canon employee (right) showing some students the book on sustainability.

“We are also honoured to have Selangor DOE as a collaborative partner in this book launch to help promote eco-consciousness among the younger generation,” he said.

Also present at the book launch was Selangor DOE director Nor Aziah Jaafar and Canon Opto Malaysia managing director Yuichi Inaba.

Selangor tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said, “As we celebrate Earth Day, it is heartening to see Canon’s commitment to environmental conservation through its latest book campaign, which is a significant effort to inspire eco-consciousness and cultivate sustainable lifestyles among the younger generation.”

He added, “Combining education for the next generation, along with support for local creative talents and the promotion of environmentalism is a commendable effort by Canon.”