(Back row) TNB and SMG representatives with SK Bachok’s principal Siti Wahida Taib (second from right) and vice principal Fuziah Ismail (right) during the launch ceremony on June 17.— Photos by MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star.
WHEN it comes to electricity, many only bother to think about it at the end of every month, when the bill comes in.
However, beyond our monthly bills and keeping our homes and businesses running, consuming electricity carries an environmental cost – one which becomes increasingly significant when this resource is used wastefully.
Understanding this causal connection is a crucial challenge in safeguarding environmental sustainability and community well-being. To ensure future generations are aware of their role, it is essential to instil the knowledge and habits needed from a young age.
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), in collaboration with Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), is tackling the issue head-on with its Powering The Future school activation programme. The programme, now in its third year, aims to harness the potential, innovation and influence of youth, encouraging them to adopt and advocate sustainable practices and responsible energy use.
By cultivating a greener culture among the next generation, the Powering The Future 3.0 (PTF 3.0) programme aspires to ingrain sustainable energy habits, empowering them to play an active role in transitioning toward a cleaner and brighter future for all.
Energy literacy for schools
Having kicked off in Pahang last month, PTF 3.0 ventured along the east coast to Kelantan for the next activation stage. After Kelantan, the next leg will be held in Terengganu before moving north to Kedah and Perlis.
The official launch in Kelantan was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bachok in Bachok on June 17. TNB Kelantan retail head Khabir Sufi Berhanuddin said programmes like this can be a catalyst for youth to champion environmental causes in the future.
“Thanks to advancements in technology, youths these days learn quickly. This means that they will have an important role to play in the country’s efforts to achieve clean and sustainable energy,” he said.
“Through this programme, they will better understand how important each person’s actions towards the use of renewable energy can bring about a big change in the world.”
SMG Brand Studio general manager Chia Mei Yeng (left) and TNB Kelantan retail head Khabir Sufi Berhanuddin (right) helping students with the programme activities.
As an SK Bachok alumnus, Khabir added that PTF 3.0 is part of the nation’s broader commitment to improve energy literacy, under the umbrella of the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP).
“This is a symbol of TNB’s and the Education Ministry’s commitment to fostering awareness starting at the school level. We must all learn to practice energy efficiency every day, so that the Earth will thrive for generations to come,” he implored.
SK Bachok vice principal Fuziah Ismail said the programme provides an invaluable learning experience for the students.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity for our students to expand their knowledge. We hope that the programme does not end here, as we can continue to build on the values and knowledge shared for the benefit of all our students,” she said.
The other participating schools in Kelantan were SK Banggol Saman, SK Ismail Petra 1, SK Bachok, SK Parang Puting, SK Sultan Ismail 2, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato Biji Wangsa, SMK Badak, SMK Zainab 1, SMK Bachok and SMK Penambang.
Powering The Future 3.0
Like previous editions, the programme highlights energy conservation and efficient practices through hands-on and interactive learning techniques to create an impactful experience for students. In primary schools, PTF 3.0 exposes students to the world of renewable energy (RE) through an RE model kit building activity, educating them on the uses and benefits of hydro, solar and wind energy.
These students will also receive a complimentary Kuntum edutainment workbook to reinforce the values, practices and behaviours they have learnt outside of the classroom.
In secondary schools, the campaign takes a deeper dive into the realm of energy efficiency, engaging students through active critical thinking exercises and real-world simulations.
They are also introduced to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), providing them with the knowledge and skills to shape a more sustainable future.
On top of that, all participating students also receive a free one-year subscription to The Star’s e-Paper, to encourage active reading and improve English proficiency while reinforcing energy conservation awareness.
