Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Faculty of Science, continues to champion sustainability and environmental stewardship via the flagship project “E-Waste: Knowledge-Transfer via AI, Design Thinking Process, and Project-Based Learning.” Led by Dr. Siti Salwa Alias from the Department of Physics, this transformative initiative has successfully combined elements of technology, creativity, and education to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in Malaysia.
Running from 1 May 2024 to 31 October 2025, and funded under the UNESCO Malaysia GSS Grant 2025 and KTP@Faculty Grant with a total allocation of RM5,000, the project focuses on cultivating e-waste literacy and encouraging innovation among school students and facilitators. The approach integrates artificial intelligence (AI), design thinking, and project-based learning through a specially developed Interactive Module on E-Waste: Small Devices, Big Impact. This module is aimed at introducing the importance of proper e-waste disposal while stimulating new ideas on how discarded electronics can be reused and innovated into educational tools or creative art pieces.
The program began with engagement sessions involving students from SMK Bandar Baru Uda, SMK Tasek Utara 2, SMK Tasek Utara, SMK Dato Abdul Rahman Yassin, and Sekolah Menengah Teknik Johor Bahru. These students participated in workshops and competitions under the theme “E-Waste: Small Devices, Big Impact,” resulting in the publication of copyrighted educational modules and a book titled Odysi Malar Hijau, which has been submitted to the Centre for Corporate and Industrial Networking (CCIN). The initiative was recognized with a 4-Star rating, affirming its quality and effectiveness.
Beyond awareness, the project also empowered educators and facilitators to confidently deliver the module in classroom settings, thereby expanding its reach and sustainability. Participants were not only educated on types of e-waste and recycling methods but were also inspired to create new products such as sculptures and simple electronic circuits from discarded materials. This not only reinforced the idea of a circular economy but also instilled innovation and environmental responsibility among the younger generation.
One of the project’s unique strengths lies in its knowledge-transfer model. In 2025, participants from the previous cohort (2024) took on the role of mentors, transferring their acquired knowledge to a new group of students. This second wave of engagement is ongoing under the new title “E-Waste Revolve 2025”, with its final competition scheduled for 26 and 27 July 2025. The continuity and student-led mentoring model reflect the project’s success in embedding sustainable practices into youth development.
The project has also expanded its impact beyond national borders through collaboration with Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta (UPY), Indonesia. A localized version of the program was implemented in Yogyakarta and received a 3-Star recognition, showcasing the scalability and adaptability of UTM’s approach to different educational and community contexts.
Industry and community partnerships played a key role in the success of the initiative. Companies such as ERTH (Blue Bee Technologies Sdn. Bhd.) and Chumbaka Sdn. Bhd. contributed by offering practical insights and resources, while schools and academic institutions supported knowledge-sharing and module implementation.
From a broader perspective, the project addresses several national and global issues. E-waste remains a significant environmental threat, with improper disposal contributing to pollution and resource loss. Through this initiative, UTM is tackling this challenge at its root by educating the public—starting with students—on how to manage e-waste properly and creatively. The outcomes of the project—measured through publication, innovation outputs, and student empowerment—demonstrate real and replicable impact aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Dr. Siti Salwa noted that the initiative is more than an academic exercise—it is a movement that combines science, creativity, and civic responsibility. “We are not just recycling devices. We are shaping a generation that sees value in waste and is empowered to take action,” she said.
As a reflection of UTM’s vision, “Kerana Tuhan untuk Manusia,” this project exemplifies how research and innovation can be translated into real solutions that benefit both society and the environment.
For more inspiring highlights from the Faculty of Science, visit
🔗 https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/
UTM Perkasa Generasi Muda Menerusi Pendidikan Inovatif Sisa Elektronik: “Small Devices, Big Impact”
Johor Bahru, 1 November 2025 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) melalui Fakulti Sains terus memperkukuh komitmennya dalam bidang kelestarian alam sekitar menerusi pelaksanaan projek berimpak tinggi bertajuk “E-Waste: Knowledge-Transfer via AI, Design Thinking Process, and Project-Based Learning.” Projek yang diketuai oleh Dr. Siti Salwa Alias dari Jabatan Fizik ini telah berjaya menggabungkan elemen teknologi, kreativiti dan pendidikan untuk menangani cabaran sisa elektronik (e-waste) yang semakin meruncing di Malaysia.
Projek ini bermula dari 1 Mei 2024 hingga 31 Oktober 2025, dibiayai melalui Geran Suruhanjaya Kebangsaan UNESCO Malaysia (GSS) 2025 serta Geran KTP@Faculty dengan jumlah pembiayaan sebanyak RM5,000. Objektif utama projek ini adalah untuk meningkatkan celik e-waste dalam kalangan pelajar dan komuniti melalui pendekatan pembelajaran berasaskan projek, pemikiran reka bentuk (design thinking) dan penggunaan kecerdasan buatan (AI). Modul interaktif khas telah dibangunkan dan diperkenalkan dengan tajuk “E-Waste: Small Devices, Big Impact.”
Antara sekolah yang terlibat dalam fasa awal projek ini termasuklah SMK Bandar Baru Uda, SMK Tasek Utara 2, SMK Tasek Utara, SMK Dato Abdul Rahman Yassin dan Sekolah Menengah Teknik Johor Bahru. Pelajar daripada sekolah-sekolah ini telah menyertai bengkel interaktif dan pertandingan bertemakan “E-Waste: Small Devices, Big Impact.” Hasil daripada program ini termasuklah penerbitan modul dan buku “Odysi Malar Hijau” yang telah mendapat perlindungan hak cipta serta diserahkan kepada CCIN (Centre for Corporate and Industrial Networking). Program ini turut menerima pengiktirafan bertaraf 4 Bintang, membuktikan keberkesanan dan impak positifnya.
Melangkaui kesedaran, projek ini juga telah melatih para guru dan fasilitator untuk mengendalikan modul tersebut secara berkesan, sekaligus memperluas capaian ilmu kepada pelajar di peringkat akar umbi. Peserta bukan sahaja didedahkan dengan jenis-jenis e-waste dan kaedah pelupusan yang betul, malah turut digalakkan untuk mencipta semula produk seperti arca dan litar elektronik mudah menggunakan komponen buangan elektronik. Ini secara langsung menyokong konsep ekonomi kitar semula dan memberi inspirasi kepada golongan muda untuk menjadi inovator alam sekitar.
Salah satu keunikan projek ini adalah model pemindahan ilmu dua hala. Pada tahun 2025, peserta asal dari kohort 2024 telah diberi peranan sebagai mentor untuk menyampaikan semula ilmu yang diperoleh kepada peserta baharu. Fasa ini kini sedang berlangsung di bawah nama baharu “E-Waste Revolve 2025,” dengan pertandingan akhir dijadualkan berlangsung pada 26 dan 27 Julai 2025.
Lebih membanggakan, pendekatan ini turut direplikasi di peringkat antarabangsa menerusi kerjasama dengan Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta (UPY), Indonesia. Adaptasi program ini di Indonesia juga telah mendapat pengiktirafan 3 Bintang, membuktikan fleksibiliti dan keberkesanan modul yang dibangunkan oleh UTM dalam pelbagai konteks pendidikan.
Projek ini turut melibatkan kerjasama erat dengan pelbagai rakan strategik termasuk pihak industri seperti ERTH (Blue Bee Technologies Sdn. Bhd.) dan Chumbaka Sdn. Bhd., yang menyumbang dari segi sumber serta pendedahan kepada amalan dunia sebenar.
Secara keseluruhan, projek ini memberi respons langsung terhadap isu alam sekitar yang semakin mendesak, terutamanya berkaitan dengan pelupusan sisa elektronik yang tidak terkawal. Menerusi pendidikan dan pemerkasaan komuniti, UTM bukan sahaja meningkatkan kesedaran, malah menggalakkan tindakan dan inovasi ke arah penyelesaian mampan. Pencapaian utama seperti penerbitan modul, penghasilan arca e-waste, serta penciptaan litar elektronik dari bahan buangan membuktikan bahawa ilmu sains dan teknologi mampu dimanfaatkan untuk kebaikan bersama.
Menurut Dr. Siti Salwa Alias, projek ini bukan sekadar program pendidikan, tetapi satu gerakan yang menyatukan sains, kreativiti dan tanggungjawab sivik. “Kita bukan sekadar mengitar semula alat elektronik. Kita sedang membentuk generasi yang mampu melihat nilai dalam bahan buangan dan bersedia bertindak untuk masa depan yang lestari,” ujarnya.
Projek ini mencerminkan aspirasi UTM dalam menterjemah moto “Kerana Tuhan untuk Manusia” menerusi usaha penyelidikan dan inovasi yang memberi manfaat kepada masyarakat dan alam sekitar.
Untuk membaca lebih banyak kisah kejayaan dan inovasi daripada Fakulti Sains, sila layari:
🔗 https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/
