JOHOR BAHRU– In a groundbreaking initiative, two community programs—“Etikasfera: Pemindahan Ilmu Ke Arah Pembudayaan Etika Perniagaan Dan Etika Pengguna” and “Empowering Consumers: Knowledge Transfer in Making Smart and Ethical Choices Among Teenagers”—have successfully brought together 59 Business Ethics and Corporate Governance students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and 67 Form 4 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Pulai Perdana.
This collaboration aims to promote ethical awareness in business and consumer practices, especially among teenagers, who represent a significant demographic in online shopping. The initiative emphasizes the importance of educating young consumers early, aligning with the adage, “strike while the iron is hot.” As teenagers increasingly engage in online purchasing, they become more vulnerable to various ethical risks.
This program aims to equip them with essential knowledge about business and consumer ethics while encouraging the sustainability of this awareness within their communities.
The program is structured into three engaging phases designed to create an interactive learning environment:
Phase One: Interactive Knowledge Transfer
On May 21, 2024, an engaging session included games, quizzes, and video presentations to introduce key concepts in business and consumer ethics. Surveys were conducted before and after these activities to gather feedback on their effectiveness. Brochures were distributed to encourage students to share their newfound knowledge with family and peers.
Phase Two: Collaborative Learning with Government Support
On September 22, 2024, we partnered with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Affairs (KPDN) to offer deeper insights into consumer rights. This phase featured an interactive talk with quizzes and prizes to enhance engagement. Reusable bags were distributed to emphasize the importance of sustainability. Additionally, a follow-up survey assessed knowledge retention from Phase One, reinforcing the lessons learned.
Phase Three: Knowledge Sustainability Assessment
On October 27, 2024, a refresher session was held to evaluate how well participants retained the information shared in earlier phases of the program. This assessment was crucial for measuring the program’s long-term impact.
The collaborative effort involving UTM’s Faculty of Management, KPDN Johor, and industry partners has significantly enhanced ethical awareness among participants. Data indicates that teenagers, who are highly digitally literate, make up the largest demographic in online shopping, making this education both timely and necessary.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their enjoyment and appreciation for the program. A teacher from SMK Seri Pulai Perdana remarked, “These kinds of programs positively impact our students by providing them with valuable knowledge about business and ethics.” UTM students shared their experiences, highlighting their commitment to teaching foundational business ethics.
In addition to boosting ethical understanding, the program has also developed essential skills for UTM students, such as communication, event management, and collaboration. This initiative has fostered a productive partnership among the university, community, industry, and government, with all stakeholders eager for its continuation. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by this program serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at enriching the ethical landscape for young consumers.
