Lotus’s Malaysia, in partnership with Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT),Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), is thrilled to unveil the top five teams and the winning team of its 2nd National Sustainability Innovation Challenge (NaSIC’24). This year’s competition has showcased a remarkable array of innovative solutions aimed at tackling one of Malaysia’s most pressing environmental issues: the escalating solid waste problem.
Lotus’s quest for a more sustainable future
NaSIC’24 aims to motivate students aged 16 to 19 to create sustainable solutions that can transform the nation’s waste generation landscape. By enhancing Lotus’s existing waste management strategies, engaging consumers, and promoting collaboration throughout the retail supply chain, the challenge seeks to embed sustainability into various learning experiences. Additionally, it strives to boost interest in STEM fields and develop students' problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
Students were required to propose practical solutions to minimise waste and enhance resource efficiency in the retail sector. Their ideas were evaluated over 17 weeks by technical consultants from MJIIT, UTM, and industry professionals from Lotus’s and Unilever Malaysia.
“NaSIC’24 was introduced to encourage innovative thinkers and problem solvers who are interested in environmental issues by providing them with exposure to green technology, engineering, science solutions and real industry cases. The preliminary rounds provided valuable learning experiences for the students, helping them develop essential skills like crafting their pitches, speaking confidently, and creating effective infographic posters. These activities not only contributed to their personal development but also enhanced the vibrancy of the competition. The students also had the opportunity to visit the store, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges involved,” said Azliza Azmel Corporate Services Executive Director of Lotus's Malaysia.
"We began with 142 participating teams from across Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, in the initial stage of NaSIC’24. From these, we selected 50 teams to participate in workshops where UTM lecturers guided them to help refine their ideas for practical industry application. Often, some ideas need adjustments to be viable, and these workshops served as crucial guides for that purpose. Their proposals showcase the impact of research, curiosity, commitment, and collaboration in improving our world now and for the future,” said Dr. Dayang Norulfairuz, Associate Professor, UTM.
The solutions presented by the 5 finalist teams include:
The use of innovative LED lighting technology to extend the quality and shelf life of fresh produce
Eliminating printed waste with digital receipts
The introduction of e-waste vending machines
Creating biodegradable plastic from durian seeds and eggshells
Producing recycled bricks from waste paper and egg shells
“We participated in NaSIC’24 with the goal of advancing environmental sustainability through our innovative LED lighting technology. We are thrilled to have won first place and are immensely proud to represent our school,” said the team from SMK Bandar Seri Putra, Selangor, NaSIC’24 Champion.
The winning teams are comprised of a first-place winner, second-place winner and third-place winner from the five finalist teams based on the highest scoring from judges. Members from first-place will receive RM1,200 cash vouchers. Members from second-place will receive RM900 cash vouchers and members from third-place will receive RM600 cash vouchers. The winning ideas will then be further assessed and developed by MJIIT-UTM before it can be adopted as a practical solution in Lotus’s Malaysia’s business operations.
For more info on NaSIC’24, you can visit their Instagram and Facebook.
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