WHILE being an institution that provides quality education, SENTRAL College Penang is also actively involved in green initiatives as well as instilling the importance of environmental sustainability among its students.
Its principal and chief executive officer Dr Chiang Geok Lian said the institution gives importance to sustainable practices by reducing the consumption of limited resources and using alternative resources to lower the environmental impact.
Dr Chiang said SENTRAL has always emphasised the 3Rs – ‘Reduce’, ‘Reuse’ and ‘Recycle’.
It has distributed metal straws to its staff, neighbouring offices and passers-by to create awareness of the effects of single-use plastics.
“Our staff were also given a tiffin carrier and tumbler each to encourage them to bring their own containers when purchasing food.
“All lights in our college have been changed to LED lights and we have installed motion sensors in common areas. At the same time, we use recycled paper and only print when it is necessary.
“We have also installed the NOVA Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System to harness solar energy from the sun on our rooftop,” Dr Chiang said during her speech at the ‘Green Innovation Prototype Competition’ award ceremony held at SENTRAL College Penang on July 22.
The ‘Green Innovation Prototype Competition’ was organised by SENTRAL’s School of Education and General Studies to encourage the youths to be more environmentally conscious and to come up with ideas or solutions to ensure its sustainability.
Meanwhile, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony, lauded SENTRAL College Penang for their various efforts in conserving the environment.
“I would like to applaud SENTRAL’s green initiatives which are also in line with the state government’s desires. And I am also amazed at the ideas showcased by the youngsters here through the competition.
“I have also extended my invitation to some of the participants of this competition to take part in the upcoming green agenda-related workshops,” Phee added.
Also present were Penang Department of Environment deputy director Azman Shah Ismail, Water Watch Penang executive manager Dr Hong Chern Wern, SENTRAL Education Sdn Bhd director Loong Kok Poay.
At the ceremony, Phee said his office would sponsor the total prize money worth RM500 for the top three teams.
Muhammad Irfan Mohamad Basir, Mohamad Farhan Shaik Jamani, Nithiya Lakshme Thannimalai, Kirthika V. Balakkrishnan and Khor Sin Jo emerged as the champions for their ‘Recycling Vending Machine’ prototype.
The second place went to Tan Shian Chyn, Gan Si Ki, Tan Kai Yee, Kh’ng Hui Xin and Kek Zi Ling for coming up with the ‘Marine Garbage Collector’ prototype.
Benjamin Teng Yong Jie, Choo Yi Chen, Divvya Darshini Govindaraja and Neemelan Rajandran bagged the third prize for their ‘Cable Car’ project.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter