Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy
Universiti Sains Malaysia through the Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Green Technology (CETREE) under the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), actively provides community outreach programmes designed to enhance public understanding of energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainable living practices. These initiatives demonstrate USM’s ongoing commitment to building sustainability literacy and advancing Malaysia’s National Energy Transition agenda in alignment with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
A key highlight of 2024 was the Kedah State Level Sustainable Energy and STEM Carnival, held from 14 to 15 August 2024 at Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mohamad Jiwa, Sungai Petani. This two-day event represented a successful collaboration between the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), the Kedah State Education Department (JPN Kedah), Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, and CETREE–CGSS USM. The carnival served as an engaging educational platform for students, teachers, parents, and the local community to explore creative and practical approaches to saving energy, adopting green technology, and understanding renewable energy systems.
The event featured 12 energy-themed competitions designed to promote innovation and awareness among participants. Primary school students participated in activities such as the Energy Efficient Home Challenge and the Solar Car Race, where they learned about energy conservation and solar-powered technology. Secondary school students joined contests like the Energy Innovation Design, Generative AI Energy Poster, and Advanced Solar Car Race, integrating creativity, science, and sustainable engineering concepts.
In addition to the competitions, the carnival included a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE–EE) Exhibition, interactive booths, and knowledge-sharing sessions involving educators, parents, and community members. These sessions focused on practical energy-saving behaviors, efficient household energy management, and the importance of transitioning toward clean energy solutions. Through hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations, participants gained valuable insights into how small daily actions can collectively reduce carbon footprints and enhance sustainability outcomes.
The presence of key national figures, including YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Tuan Haji Ismail Othman, Director of Kedah State Education Department, and Dr. Mohd Azly Ghazali from the Ministry of Education, underscored strong government–university collaboration in promoting energy literacy and sustainable practices across Malaysian communities.
Overall, the Kedah State Level Sustainable Energy and STEM Carnival 2024 exemplifies USM’s strategic role in providing educational opportunities for the local community to learn about energy efficiency and clean energy, fostering behavioral change, innovation, and long-term commitment to sustainability.