AN ideal green school is more than just an eco-friendly campus – it is a sustainable learning ecosystem that nurtures environmentally responsible global citizens.
SJKC Union has long championed this vision, embedding sustainability into every aspect of education and daily life.
According to school principal Loh Meng Yim, SJKC Union has embraced green initiatives such as solar energy adoption, smart water-saving systems, and vertical gardens.
“Our school has made significant strides in building sustainable infrastructure.
“In addition, we have adopted zero-waste practices, including comprehensive waste sorting, food waste composting, and plastic-free initiatives.
“But sustainability goes beyond infrastructure. We have integrated a green curriculum incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and IoT-driven environmental education,” he told Buletin Mutiara recently.
SJKC Union is also actively engaged in global eco-collaborations, partnering with international green schools and organisations to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Despite these achievements, Loh acknowledges that the journey toward sustainability is ongoing.
“We have come a long way, but there is still more to do. Our goal is to be a leader in ecological education – ‘Be The First and Be The Best!’” he affirmed.
Building an eco-campus, however, comes with challenges.
“One of the biggest hurdles has been balancing environmental initiatives with academic responsibilities. Teachers are busy with lesson planning, and students have their studies to focus on.
“To address this, we have strategically integrated sustainability efforts into our academic curriculum and daily activities.
“Our student environmental ambassadors play a crucial role in maintaining the Aquaponics System and caring for the school gardens,” he added.
SJKC Union’s efforts were validated when the school won the 13th Penang Island City Council’s Green School Award in November last year and the Penang Green Council’s Green School Award 2025 last month.
Loh described these victories as pivotal moments that strengthened the school’s determination to make sustainability a way of life.
“These achievements prove that ‘impossible’ can become ‘possible’ with collective effort. Our students are now applying their environmental knowledge in daily life and inspiring those around them,” he said.
The transformation has been remarkable. What began as structured environmental programmes has evolved into a culture where sustainability is second nature.
Many students have grown into confident advocates, educating their peers and the wider community on ecological issues.
“The school’s progress would not have been possible without the strong support of parents and the community.
“Their involvement has been instrumental, from participating in the 2024 Beach Cleanup Event to supporting the Zero Waste Competition by collecting and donating used plastic bottles for recycling. These collaborative efforts highlight the power of community engagement in building a sustainable future,” Loh said.
SJKC Union’s environmental club advisor Jerome Khou echoed this sentiment.
“With sustainability at our core, we are shaping a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
“From the Ecological Civilisation Corridor to the Digital Eco-Smart Toilet, every initiative is a step toward a greener, more responsible future.
“While the journey is ongoing, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and leadership in ecological education,” Khou said while showing Buletin Mutiara the school’s green initiatives. Also present was teacher Lee Ting Hui.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud