THE fourth MyHIJAU Youth Camp in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, saw 70 students learning the importance of green technology applications and practices.

Organised by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia), the camp was introduced last year as a platform for students to learn about green technology and how it can be applied in everyday life.

Facilitated by GreenTech Malaysia’s personnel, the knowledge-sharing session included interactive activities such as an outdoor explorace, creating mosquito traps and solar lamps from recyclable materials as well as brainstorming on green projects for schools,

GreenTech Malaysia chief executive officer Ahmad Hadri Haris said their role was to drive the nation’s green technology agenda forward.

“The camp is one of our key initiatives as we recognise the importance of embarking on awareness early in life to encourage youth to become more environmentally conscious.

“The sustainability of the industry’s growth will only be possible if the next generation of leaders appreciate this and are fully equipped to continue the efforts,” he said.

At the two-day event, the students also had the opportunity to speak with Ahmad Hadri during an informative Q&A session which covered the conditions of the current global environment as well as fundamental knowledge on green technology and why it is important for Malaysians to adopt green practices.

SM La Salle, Kota Kinabalu student Nathaniel Sean Otion said the camp was an eye-opener and showed him how to contribute to the betterment of the environment in small ways.

“After today, my friends and I will start recycling plastic waste and reducing our water usage as the first step.”

SMK Sanzac, Kota Kinabalu teacher Lily Ashidayanti Kadni said there was a huge difference between reading about green technology in textbooks and learning beyond the walls of the classrooms.

“We definitely understood better through our interaction with the industry experts and the hands-on activities we experienced during the camp,” she said.

Since 2013, the MyHIJAU Youth Camp has reached out to over 150 students from schools located in Pahang, Selangor and Sabah.