Nobel scholarship another milestone for KL-born environmental advocate
“ADVOCACY work often comes with harsh criticism and backlash, which can feel overwhelming, but all it takes is for one person to speak up and remind everyone that it’s okay to do so,” says Max Han Kai Ding.
Living by his own advice, the 24-year-old has championed the environmental cause by co-founding Youths United For Earth (YUFE) – a nonprofit organisation that mobilises youth for environmental action through storytelling, campaigns and advocacy.
His contributions in the field have earned him significant recognition, the latest being the first South-East Asian to be named a Future Nobel Laureate scholar.
Han shared that he draws courage from the communities he works with, such as individuals who go to great lengths to voice their concerns and ensure they are heard.
“Representation acts as a role model for everyone, inspiring the belief that they, too, can make a difference.
“I am deeply honoured to be the first South-East Asian to receive this recognition. I stand on the shoulders of countless activists before me,” he told StarEdu.
He expressed hope that this recognition will bring greater attention to inspiring environmental defenders who tirelessly advocate for environmental justice as a facet of human rights.
Han, a Rhodes scholar currently pursuing the MSc in Environmental Change and Management at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, is one of only 11 global students awarded the 2024 Future Nobel Laureate Scholarship by EF Education First, The Forum on Education Abroad and the Nobel Prize Museum in recognition of his work in advocating for environmental rights in Malaysia and across Asean.
The scholarship includes completing a project-based course, an international field study and an action-learning project, which he completed in January and will be displayed at the Nobel Prize Museum.
As part of the scholarship, he was in Stockholm, Sweden, to participate in the Nobel Week Dialogue on Dec 9.
Themed “The Future of Health”, the Nobel Week Dialogue focused on innovations, challenges and opportunities in global health.
Han presented his work on environmental rights in Asean and climate justice initiatives in Malaysia at the event, which convened Nobel Prize laureates, leading experts, thought leaders and policymakers for discussions on central themes.
“I spoke about the urgent need for more ambitious environmental rights in our region of South-East Asia.
“Growing up in Malaysia and witnessing my own community face environmental crises, I’m more determined than ever to ensure future generations don’t go through the same struggles,” he said.
He shared that his biggest takeaway from the experience was the understanding that science is not apolitical, as it is closely linked to societal structures and guided by principles of equity, inclusion and justice.
“Our generation is dedicated to living and breathing a more just and liveable world into existence – and if we can do anything, our governments can do everything,” he said.
Looking ahead, Han plans to expand YUFE alongside his co-founder Nurfatin Hamzah, with the goal of reaching out to more youths across Malaysia and providing them with the support and resources needed to take meaningful environmental actions in their community.
“By targeting underrepresented communities, we hope to inspire more young Malaysians to contribute to environmental sustainability in impactful ways,” he enthused.
Han, who was involved in drafting South-East Asia’s first-ever Asean declaration on the right to a safe, clean and sustainable environment, also plans to continue advocating for the declaration and working on its regional implementation.
“I am a proud Malaysian and South-East Asian. I believe our region’s diversity and resilience have much to offer the world,” he said.
Among Han’s achievements are receiving the 2023 Diana Award and being named a top 10 finalist for the 2024 Chegg.org Global Student Prize.
Over the past four years, Han, a Kuala Lumpur native, has connected numerous students with environmental leaders and reached 50,000 people through campaigns in collaboration with other local nonprofit organisations.
To youths interested in addressing local and global challenges, he advised starting locally and conducting thorough research on relevant nonprofit organisations in their area.
“It is important to understand the issues your local community faces so that you know exactly how you can be part of the solution,” he said.
Lara, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
