Toyota Eco Youth 2025: UMW Toyota and MOE shortlist 30 Malaysian schools

KUALA LUMPUR:  UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), together with Malaysia's Ministry of Education (MOE), has officially shortlisted 30 secondary schools for the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2025 program.

This follows an enthusiastic response from schools nationwide, with over 120 submissions received since the competition kicked off in March this year.

The announcement marks the beginning of a new stage, where students across Malaysia will start turning their proposed environmental ideas into actual projects aimed at improving sustainability within their communities.

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Participants of TEY 2025 recently attended an Official Launch and Problem-Solving Methodology (PSM) workshop held from 28–30 April 2025 at the Concorde Hotel in Shah Alam.

The students and their teacher-advisors received training and mentorship based on Toyota’s 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology. This approach encourages students not only to identify environmental issues but also to develop practical and effective solutions.

At the event, each of the 30 selected schools received RM3,000, amounting to a total of RM90,000, to get their environmental projects started. These projects are designed to provide tangible benefits—not just create awareness—within their local communities.

The evaluation of the projects will be carried out based on four main criteria: On-site Judging (40%), focusing on practical effectiveness; Presentation Quality (20%), emphasizing clarity and persuasiveness; Exhibition (20%), considering creativity and interactivity; and Community Engagement through social media and offline channels (20%).

Following the evaluations, the top 15 schools will proceed to the finals, where they'll compete further through their presentations and exhibitions to win the main prizes.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, highlighted the real-world impact of the initiative, stating, "With their passion and the right tools in hand, these young changemakers are no longer just imagining a better world — they are building it. Through Toyota Eco Youth, we are proud to be part of their journey as they move their world toward lasting, sustainable impact."

The previous edition of the Toyota Eco Youth Programme highlighted remarkable environmental projects led by secondary school students nationwide, showcasing creativity, innovation, and meaningful community impact. Here are some of the outstanding winners from last year:

SMK Seri Ampang from Kedah emerged as the champion with their remarkable project, transforming an illegal dumpsite into an attractive pocket park and herb garden, significantly enhancing their local community. Their efforts received widespread praise, including recognition on social media from Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz.

SMK St. Teresa from Kuching, Sarawak, earned the 1st Runner-Up position and was also awarded for Best Community Engagement, demonstrating strong and effective community participation.

The 2nd Runner-Up went to SMK Raja Puan Muda Tengku Fauziah from Perlis, recognized for their meaningful contributions to their local environment.

SM St John from Sabah secured the award for Best Presentation, delivering a clear and impactful explanation of their environmental initiative.

Lastly, SMK Seri Pekan from Pahang won Best Exhibition, praised for their creative and interactive approach in showcasing their environmental project.

The awards ceremony was attended by officials from UMW Toyota Motor and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the significance and positive impact of these student-driven environmental initiatives.

Updates and progress of TEY 2025 can be followed online at: https://www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth/

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