Reimagining Mobility Archives

Toyota Eco Youth program continues to cultivate environmental consciousness

The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Program began 20 years ago and has become an annual event which UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to run. Even the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not dampen UMW Toyota Motor’s efforts to cultivate environmental consciousness among Malaysia’s younger generation.

Spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas
For its 20th year, the event has an aptly coined theme – Reimagining Mobility – to promote the spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas as the foundation for creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Digital/online platform
In view of the pandemic conditions, the format has been revised to run on a fully online platform. Launched in January 2021 (for secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old), it attracted the participation of 282 teams from 177 schools, the highest ever participation recorded by the program.

The adaptability of the program into a digital/online platform has included interactive e-learning lessons and workshops which proved to be highly effective. All in all, school teams were able to showcase their ideas through impressively produced videos and online presentations.

Since last December, 16 shortlisted teams have been formulating their proposals which were posted in social media channels for the public to view. Additionally, each team developed a podcast episode presented on Spotify.

The final judging phase in April saw 10 finalists being selected and the winning teams will be chosen after making their respective ‘pitches’ through live presentations on May 29, 2021.

Waste and recycling themes
Addressing the issue of waste and recycling were popular themes for the proposals. Showcasing impressive capability for innovation and advanced technology, many schools put forward ideas for digital smart tools, supported by carefully built prototypes.

Prize money doubled
“As always, we are highly impressed by the quality of the projects and the innovative ideas proposed. It is never easy for our judges to choose the best as everyone is a winner in their own way,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.

This year, UMWT has doubled the prize money to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth. Winning teams stand a chance to win cash prizes from a RM64,000 prize pool.

About the Toyota Eco Youth program
The program began 20 years ago in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Over the course of two decades, 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers. Have participated.

Each year, challenging and interesting themes have been provided, and participants have come up with innovative solutions and proposals applicable to their school or community. Over RM7 million has been spent by UMWT to run the program annually.

*An annual event that has the participation of secondary schools from all over the country.*

“Toyota Motor Corporation and UMW Toyota Motor are proud to be playing a part in cultivating environment consciousness and innovative thinking for the young generation. This year, we are pleased to share our vision for mobility with these students. It is assuring to know that the next generation will be ready to face new challenges that arise as we all strive to make our planet a more mobile and inclusive place for everyone,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

UMW Toyota Motor introduces Toyota Synergised Mobility to present a new aspect of the brand

20th edition of Toyota Eco Youth program will run for 3 years

*To know more, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, organised and managed by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for the past 19 years, will continue into its 20^th edition with a longer program. Unlike previous years which have been completed within a year, the concept for this year’s TEY program is that it will run for 3 years. For this 20th edition of TEY, the winners will return as facilitator in the 2nd year to mentor the new batch and establish a TEY Apprentice Online Club. The winners will then continue with proof of concept and Intensive Prototype Development.

283 teams registered to participate
To date, it has involved 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers throughout the country. The program is open to secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old and there is unlimited school participation. For this year, 283 teams from 177 schools have submitted registrations but only a maximum of 16 teams from schools will take part.

“The Toyota Eco Youth has been running continuously for 20 years and we hope that those who have participated continue to grow their creativity help propagate a greener future for all of us,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

For the 20th edition of TEY, UMWT is again collaborating with the Ministry of Education and will run state and national level competitions. Additionally, for this year, the Leaderonomics Community also joins as a working partner.

Activities conducted online
In view of the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the official launch of the National-level competition took place online recently. UMWT Executive Director of Sales, Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, announced the teams which come from all over the country, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

Encik Mohd Shamsor also introduced Agent M (Mobility), consisting of 3 – 4 members per team. Each Agent M will select a C.A.S.E. (Clothing, Apps, Smart Tools or Eco-Friendly Vehicles) and present solutions to environmental issues. Their solutions will be presented in a video uploaded for judging and public viewing.

‘Reimagining Mobility’ is the theme
The format of this program will be fully online, and the 16 teams will be equipped and trained with project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology. They will then be required to build a prototype solution based on the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’. This theme depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions for the nation with a dual-pronged approach to ensure that they are both theoretically and practically comprehensive which includes the interactive e-learning lessons and workshops.

The final judging phase will require the team to showcase their progress through social media and livestream channels. The prize money has been doubled with the total pool of cash prizes amounting to RM64,000.

*Some of the winning teams in the 2019 event.*

“Since the inception of Toyota Eco Youth, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM7 million on the program,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “In spite of pandemic, we will not diminish our support for such programs as they are an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”

For further information on the 2020/2021 Toyota Eco Youth Program and updates, the public can visit www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth.

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