UPG Viewer

22 Years Old

China

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

As someone born and raised in China, I began my undergraduate studies in Economics in Malaysia two years ago. This journey opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world beyond my homeland, and I am deeply grateful to my parents for supporting my desire to explore it. My university has also been instrumental in broadening my perspective, offering me the chance to connect with international students and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges.

Through these experiences, I became increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and the pressing need for global cooperation to address environmental challenges. My exchange semester at Copenhagen Business School allowed me not only to experience high-caliber academics but also to travel across eight European countries, where I observed the advanced environmental practices of many developed nations. These encounters made me keenly aware of the critical role sustainability plays in ensuring a prosperous future for all.

This past summer, I further expanded my understanding by participating in the ASEAN Undergraduate Symposium at the National University of Singapore. Engaging with young leaders who shared a commitment to sustainable development was both inspiring and humbling. It underscored my conviction that sustainability is a global responsibility, one that transcends borders and backgrounds. I began to see myself as a global citizen with a responsibility to contribute to solutions, particularly in light of the inequalities and environmental challenges we face worldwide.

Witnessing these disparities has strengthened my resolve to promote sustainable practices, especially in China, where environmental awareness is still growing. Sustainability is no longer a distant ideal for me; it is a necessity that I hope to champion in every way I can. I am eager to inspire others to join me in protecting our planet, recognizing that even small actions can contribute to meaningful change. By fostering a collective dedication to sustainability, I believe we can drive significant progress and ensure a healthier world for future generations.

Consistent, adaptable, resilient, education on sustainability , analytical mindset

During my exchange in Denmark, I was struck by the difference in environmental awareness and sustainable habits between Danish students and students from China. In Denmark, sustainability is embedded in the education system from an early age. Schools incorporate environmental education into their curriculum, encouraging students to think critically about their impact on the planet. Danish students learn hands-on skills like recycling, composting, and understanding energy consumption, which cultivates a strong sense of personal responsibility toward the environment.

In contrast, environmental education is less emphasized in Chinese schools, where the curriculum is often more exam-focused. While Chinese students excel in subjects like mathematics and sciences, there’s comparatively less focus on applying these skills to real-world issues like sustainability. As a result, many students in China grow up without a strong foundation in environmental responsibility, which can make behaviors like reducing plastic waste or recycling less ingrained in their daily lives.

This difference in educational focus shapes mindsets in subtle but powerful ways. Danish students tend to view sustainable practices as a personal and communal responsibility, while Chinese students, having not been consistently exposed to these ideas in their schooling, are often less aware of the impact of individual actions on the environment. Observing these differences made me realize the transformative power of education in shaping sustainable mindsets and reinforced my belief in the importance of integrating sustainability into educational systems worldwide.

Yes, I do. I’m currently doing a volunteer called Dapur Jalanan KL. It’s a soup kitchen that offers food and drinks to the homeless and marginalized individuals in Kuala Lumpur every Sunday evening. Open to anyone willing to help. My motivation to join this project stems from a strong desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, no matter their ethnicity. Food insecurity has become a more and more pervasive issue. I believe that access to food is a fundamental human right. People who can achieve their “wants” should all pay to those who can’t even meet their basic “needs”. By providing immediate help to those facing challenges, while simultaneously drawing attention to the wider social issues poverty and hunger. I feel my contribution as an ordinary people.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would establish a Green Education Hub that combines hands-on environmental workshops with a social media outreach campaign to maximize impact and awareness. This hub would be both a physical and digital space, designed to engage students, families, and educators in learning about sustainability and adopting eco-friendly practices.

In the physical space, we would host monthly workshops on practical topics like composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics, along with interactive challenges that make environmental responsibility engaging and rewarding. For instance, a “Zero-Waste Challenge” could encourage families to bring in innovative solutions for waste reduction, with eco-friendly prizes for the most creative ideas. Additionally, students could take part in eco-projects like creating biodegradable planters or designing reusable items, reinforcing sustainability as a hands-on experience.

Social media would play a crucial role in amplifying our reach beyond the local community. We would create a dedicated Instagram and TikTok channel to document workshop highlights, share eco-tips, and promote challenges that followers can join remotely. Each week, we’d spotlight success stories, sharing photos, short videos, and progress updates that make sustainability relatable and aspirational. By using social media influencers, we’d amplify our message, targeting a broader audience and encouraging eco-friendly practices across different communities.

Through this combined approach, we’d create a movement that not only educates but inspires others to adopt sustainable habits, empowering families and young people to lead by example and build a community-wide commitment to protecting the environment.

A key challenge for the Green Education Hub project would be engaging individuals who may not prioritize or fully understand the importance of sustainability. To address this, I would emphasize the practical benefits of eco-friendly practices, such as cost-saving strategies associated with waste reduction and reusable alternatives. Workshops would be designed to demonstrate the tangible impact of small, manageable actions, making sustainable practices accessible and meaningful for participants.

Another anticipated challenge is sustaining long-term participation, especially among younger students and their families, who might initially show enthusiasm but could lose motivation over time. To foster continuous engagement, I would implement a series of interactive challenges and themed months, such as “Plastic-Free February” or “Energy-Saving April.” Participants would have the opportunity to earn eco-badges and recognition, encouraging ongoing involvement. Additionally, success stories would be shared to inspire a sense of community and reinforce positive behaviors.

Finally, achieving broad outreach through social media presents its own set of challenges, as building an engaged audience takes time and strategic effort. To maximize impact, I would collaborate with local influencers and sustainability advocates to increase visibility and credibility. By focusing on concise, visually appealing content that highlights essential tips and relatable success stories, we could enhance engagement and promote a culture of sustainability both within and beyond our immediate community. These approaches collectively would help overcome initial barriers, foster a committed community, and extend our reach to a broader audience.

About 50 people

Yes

UM international Students Association

Given my two years of experience as an active member, I understand its structure, values, and how to effectively engage members. The association brings together a diverse group of international students who are open to learning about and promoting positive change, making it an ideal platform for a sustainability-focused initiative.

I intend to share a video later through the UPGS Share Content

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