ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 8 –The Iskandar Puteri Rendah Karbon 5.0 (IPRK 5.0) Community Grant continues to demonstrate how local climate action can be driven effectively through education, innovation, and strategic partnerships. One of the most impactful initiatives supported under this grant is Odisi HijauX: Jejak Lestari Kitar Semula E-Waste Anda!, hosted at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Usman Awang, Johor Bahru. The programme reflects a strong collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) researchers, Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) as the main sponsor, ERTH as the certified e-waste recycling partner, and the school community as the grassroots driver of sustainable change.
At the heart of Odisi HijauX is the leadership of UTM researchers, who served as mentors, scientific advisors, and innovation facilitators throughout the programme. Their role transformed sustainability from a theoretical concept into a structured, hands-on learning experience. Students were guided in identifying electronic components, performing safe e-waste disassembly, reusing materials, and designing sustainable products.
UTM researchers also introduced design thinking and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, enabling students to explore creative solutions, conduct rapid research, enhance technical documentation, and visualise product ideas. This approach empowered students to develop confidence as young innovators while building essential future-ready green technology skills.
The mentorship process culminated in a series of student-led projects that transformed discarded electronic waste into functional and educational products. Among the highlights were aquaponic systems created from obsolete televisions that promote carbon absorption and natural nutrient recycling, low-cost microscopes built from recycled electronics to support science education, and creative lifestyle products formed entirely from e-waste materials. These solutions demonstrated that sustainable innovation can emerge when scientific guidance, digital tools, and youth creativity are combined within a supportive ecosystem.
The successful execution of Odisi HijauX was made possible through the full financial sponsorship of MBIP under the IPRK 5.0 Grant. MBIP’s support enabled the implementation of all programme phases, from early training workshops and innovation development to exhibition logistics and the final competition showcase. Beyond funding, MBIP provided strong institutional backing that aligned community innovation with Iskandar Puteri’s broader low-carbon city agenda. Through this grant, municipal policy was translated into direct community action, reinforcing the city’s commitment to carbon reduction, circular economy practices, and environmental education.
A key strength of the programme was the collaboration with ERTH as the official e-waste collection and recycling partner. ERTH provided certified collection services, secure handling procedures, and responsible recycling pathways for the school and surrounding community. During the official collection exercise, a verified total of 12 electronic devices and 15 kilograms of mixed e-waste were successfully collected, including smartphones and laptops. While modest in quantity, the collection represented meaningful carbon avoidance, landfill diversion, and community behavioural change.
More importantly, SMK Dato’ Usman Awang has now emerged as a community e-waste collection point, allowing residents to continue practising responsible disposal through ERTH-supported services beyond the programme period.
The role of SMK Dato’ Usman Awang as a living community innovation hub was central to the success of Odisi HijauX. The school became a convergence space where students, teachers, researchers, parents, and industry partners worked together in a real-world sustainability ecosystem. Students were positioned not merely as participants, but as problem-solvers and sustainability ambassadors.
Teachers integrated sustainability values into learning activities, while parents and the wider community actively supported e-waste collection and awareness efforts. This multi-level engagement strengthened environmental responsibility across generations.
Odisi HijauX is more than a student competition. It is a replicable model for community-based low-carbon transformation. It demonstrates how UTM provides knowledge leadership, MBIP enables policy and financial empowerment, ERTH ensures certified recycling infrastructure, and schools cultivate grassroots participation.
Together, these stakeholders have built a powerful platform that strengthens environmental literacy, nurtures youth innovation, reduces unsafe e-waste disposal, and embeds responsible consumption practices within the community. Under the Iskandar Puteri Rendah Karbon 5.0 framework, Odisi HijauX stands as a benchmark initiative that proves meaningful climate action begins with empowered youth, trusted institutions, and shared responsibility. It shows how education, innovation, and sustainability can move forward as one, shaping a cleaner and more resilient low-carbon future for Iskandar Puteri.
