Youth Empowerment Soars with YES Program 2.0 Winners
The Youth Empowerment for Sustainability (YES) Program 2.0 has once again proven to be a platform for young innovators to shine. This year, two outstanding teams—Youth for Global Antimicrobial Stewardship (YGAS) and Plantastic 4—emerged victorious, each earning RM 2,000 in cash and a generous RM 15,000 in grants to bring their inspiring projects to life.
Forging Partnerships: MOU Exchange with Watson and Universiti Malaya
In a significant development, the YES Program 2.0 witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Watson, a leading global health and beauty retailer, and Universiti Malaya. This collaboration aims to further strengthen sustainability initiatives and provide additional platforms for young changemakers to thrive. By uniting academic expertise with industry support, the partnership will amplify the impact of projects like Pills to Art and Plastic-Eater.
Transformative Projects Backed by Expert Guidance
YGAS’s “Pills to Art” Project
Guided by their mentor, Dr. Muhamad Afiq bin Aziz from the Faculty of Science, YGAS’s project, Pills to Art, creatively addresses improper medication disposal and raises awareness about antimicrobial resistance. By transforming unused and expired pills into art pieces, the team inspires communities to adopt responsible and sustainable practices.
Plantastic 4’s “Plastic-Eater” Initiative
Under the mentorship of Dr. Fong Chng Saun from the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Plantastic 4 is tackling plastic pollution with their groundbreaking Plastic-Eater project. This initiative employs eco-friendly microbes to break down plastic waste into biodegradable components, offering an innovative solution to global waste management challenges.
Coordinated by Experts
The execution and oversight of both projects will be managed by Dr. Sarah binti Abdul Razak from the Faculty of Science. Her coordination will ensure the projects remain impactful and aligned with sustainability goals.
Driving Youth-Led Change
The YES Program, now in its second edition, serves as a catalyst for youth-driven innovation. With RM 15,000 in grants for each winning team and the support of dedicated mentors, coordinators, and partners, these changemakers are poised to create tangible impacts in their communities.
“The collaboration between Watson and Universiti Malaya is a game-changer,” said a spokesperson for the YES Program. “It symbolizes the collective effort needed to empower youth and drive sustainability initiatives.”
The Journey Ahead
With groundbreaking ideas, expert guidance, and strong institutional backing, YGAS and Plantastic 4 are set to redefine sustainability in their respective fields. The YES Program 2.0 continues to inspire and support the next generation of changemakers, fostering collaborations that pave the way for a brighter, greener future.
Congratulations to YGAS and Plantastic 4! Let’s celebrate these young innovators as they work toward creating a sustainable and impactful legacy.
