Coway leads environmental advocacy by collaborating with EcoKnights, a non-governmental environmental organisation devoted to advancing and facilitating sustainable practices for a healthier environment through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders among private and governmental entities and individual volunteers.
Together, Coway and EcoKnights reaffirm their unwavering commitment to fostering a green future and encouraging sustainable waste management through the Guardians Against Garbage (GAG) initiative.
Coway, with its vision to create a sustainable future, strives to enhance the well-being of individuals within their homes and foster a culture of environmental responsibility within communities through awareness education. In conjunction with World Earth Day, Coway calls upon the mass public to reflect on the small but impactful daily habits, such as throwing rubbish at designated areas and keeping personal and public premises clean for the betterment of society.
Partnering with EcoKnights is one of the initiatives where Coway aims to amplify its efforts and drive positive change on a larger scale. Through mobilising volunteers and active community engagement, Coway strives to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, rejuvenate river health, advocate for sustainable practices, and inspire proactive environmental stewardship.
Kyle Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Coway Malaysia said, “At Coway, we believe that small actions can lead to significant changes. Through our partnership with EcoKnights, we aim to not only clean up rivers but also ignite a passion for environmental conservation within communities. We consistently strive to be a thought leader and a catalyst for change. The collective efforts between Coway and EcoKnights underscore our shared commitment to environmental conservation and our joint determination to mitigate the environmental impact of cities by removing waste, enhancing water quality, and restoring habitats for biodiversity.”
Since 2021, Coway and EcoKnights have worked in tandem, diligently clearing over 2,600 KG of garbage from rivers and parks in the Klang Valley, such as Sungai Keroh, Sungai Kayu Ara, Kiara Park and Sungai Bunus Retention Pond with the help of more than 320 volunteers.
Volunteers gained eye-opening experience as they found different types of garbage from the rivers such as bicycles, electrical appliances, tyres, fabrics, PVC pipes and so on. After collecting the trash, volunteers segregated, weighed, and ensured each type of waste was appropriately categorised.
The data on trash collected is very important and insightful information for local authorities in determining the necessary steps to improve the livelihood of the community. Plastic waste will be directed to potential recyclers, while other waste categories will be forwarded to the relevant local authorities, such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) or The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
Fadly Bakhtiar, Programme Director of EcoKnights commented, “Our long-term collaboration with Coway represents a crucial step towards building a sustainable future. More than 2,600 kg of accumulated trash has been collected since the establishment of the partnership between Coway Malaysia and EcoKnights in 2021. From revitalised waterways to reduced pollution levels, our joint efforts demonstrate the power of community-driven environmental action. Water is a vital part of our daily life. By working together with local communities and government agencies in hands-on conservation efforts, we hope to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for our natural resources.”
Coway believes in life-long learning, therefore the company has curated sustainability awareness workshops focusing on upcycling and recycling for the volunteers. Volunteers participated in soap-making workshops where they turned used cooking oil into soaps for daily use.
Committed to nurturing young innovative minds, Coway invited the Nicol David Organisation (NDO) to Plogging (picking up litter while jogging) at Sungai Bunus Retention Pond and arranged a special do-it-yourself (DIY) self-watering system workshop for the children from NDO also known as Little Legends as part of the outdoor learning experience.
These practical demonstrations were supplemented by engaging discussions highlighting the importance of individual behavioural change in fostering a positive impact in our daily lives. Focus was also placed on the concept of closing the loop in waste management, demonstrating how minor adjustments in personal habits can significantly impact the environment.
Looking ahead, Coway remains committed to its mission of promoting environmental sustainability and plans to collaborate with various environmental NGOs and authorities for future initiatives. As part of Coway’s dedication to a robust and sustainable future, Coway aims to drive meaningful change and inspire others to join the good cause towards a more sustainable future. For more information about Coway Malaysia, kindly visit www.coway.com.my.
Source: Coway Malaysia (Press Release)
