RCE Penang - 2023

Empowering Students' Knowledge of Palm Oil Sustainability Via Integenerational Online Program and Tik Tok Video Competition'
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Empowering Students' Knowledge of Palm Oil Sustainability Via Integenerational Online Program and Tik Tok Video Competition'
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Penang
Contributing organization(s) : 
Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability
(ARPOS)
Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC)
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Assoc Prof Dr. Japareng Lalung
Organizational Affiliation: 
RCE Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia & Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS)
E-mail: 
japareng@usm.my
Name: 
Profesor Ir. Denny Ng Kok Sum
Organizational Affiliation: 
Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS) & Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
E-mail: 
denny.ng@hw.ac.uk
Name: 
Wan Sharipahmira Mohd Zain
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
wansharipahmira@usm.my
Name: 
Nur Syazwana Hamzah
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
syazwana@usm.my
Name: 
Dr. Firdaus Abdul Wahab
Organizational Affiliation: 
Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS) & Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
E-mail: 
firdausw@utm.my
Name: 
Dr. Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin
Organizational Affiliation: 
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
E-mail: 
nazlinayasin@ukm.edu.my
Name: 
Dr. Helena Muhamad Varkkey
Organizational Affiliation: 
Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS) & Universiti Malaya
E-mail: 
helenav@um.edu.my
Name: 
Profesor Ir. Ts. Dr. Kamarul Hawari Bin Ghazali
Organizational Affiliation: 
Malaysian Academic Research on Palm Oil Sustainability (ARPOS) & Universiti Malaysia Pahang
E-mail: 
kamarul@ump.edu.my
Format of project: 
Report, Power Point
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Web link: 
https://www.facebook.com/RCEPenangUSM/videos/1442133062856826
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
Yes
Malaysia Education Blueprint
At what level is the policy operating?: 
National
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Asia-Pacific
Country: 
Malaysia
Location(s): 
Malaysia
Address of focal point institution for project: 
RCE Penang
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS)
Level 5, Hamzah Sendut Library
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800, USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Ecosystem(s):
Agricultural, Forest, Fresh water, Wetlands
Target Audience:
Community, Higher, Primary, Secondary, Teacher Ed., TVET, Youth (Informal)
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
The palm oil industry is vital for many Malaysians, especially those in underprivileged communities. While it has faced international scrutiny for its environmental impact, scientific evidence backs its sustainability. Enabling students to share palm oil sustainability knowledge with the world, especially the younger generation is crucial.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
Palm oil plantations exhibit reduced biodiversity in comparison to natural ecosystems. It is crucial to prioritize strategies like high-conservation-value preservation, reforestation, and landscape-level efforts to restore biodiversity. Moreover, the industry's impact on social dynamics, particularly indigenous and local communities, is concerning. Ensuring rights, community empowerment, and fair labor practices are fundamental for achieving sustainable development goals. Additionally, the industry contributes to emissions due to deforestation, peatland degradation, and energy consumption. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations to attain sustainable palm oil production.
Contents
Status: 
Completed
Period: 
October, 2022
Rationale: 
The rationale for a palm oil sustainability program lies in the urgent need to address the environmental impacts associated with palm oil production. Unsustainable practices such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss can be mitigated through sustainable cultivation methods, protecting high-conservation-value areas, and promoting reforestation efforts.

The program is designed to involve intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) content experts, ARPOS, RCE Youth, and school students via an online program and video competition focusing on the contribution of palm oil toward SDG goals.

This program provides a collaboration opportunity for students in Asia Pacific Region to share and exchange ideas on learning to apply sustainability concepts at their Schools, focusing on the palm oil industry.

This year, ARPOS, in collaboration with RCE Penang, CGSS plans to include multi-stakeholders in the program to spread awareness about Palm Oil and Sustainability.


Objectives: 
1) To develop student leadership for building a sustainable society through transferring knowledge related to palm oil sustainability to the younger generation, focusing on themes such as Food Security, Social Economic & Environment
2) To create leaders who can transform their knowledge for a sustainable society on palm oil
3) To empower students to be the leaders in promoting SDGs
Activities and/or practices employed: 
This program comprises two main components: an Online Program and a TikTok Competition. The Online Program facilitates intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer, while the TikTok competition fosters student leadership in sustainability. RCE Penang & ARPOS collaborated to engage Content Experts and 6 youth volunteers from partner universities for educating school students about palm oil's Environmental, Food Security, and Social Impact.

An online session introduced Content Experts on Palm Oil to youth volunteers. An educational program was conducted online, raising awareness about palm oil sustainability, with a focus on its environmental, food security, and socio-economic aspects. The program recording was shared on Facebook via RCE Penang at USM for continued public promotion and education on Palm Oil Sustainability.


Size of academic audience: 
500
Results: 
A total of 53 participants took part in the TikTok competition from 13 states, namely Pulau Pinang, Johor, Selangor, Sabah, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, and India. After the judging process, only 37 entries were received from 25 schools across various states, representing 76% from secondary schools and 24% from primary schools, meeting the specified qualification criteria to receive an achievement certificate. We received the highest number of entries from Pulau Pinang at 21%, followed by Johor (17%), Selangor (13%), Terengganu (8%), and the remaining 8 states at 4% each. This program has run smoothly and successfully achieved its objectives. It is hoped that knowledge about palm oil sustainability can be beneficial to everyone.
Lessons learned: 
Palm oil sustainability programs offer valuable insights, highlighting key lessons in two main areas. Firstly, they underscore the need to consider environmental impact, with palm oil plantations affecting species negatively; however, their land use efficiency suggests they could be an environmentally-friendlier option compared to other oils.

Secondly, social responsibility is emphasized, with lessons in fair labor, indigenous rights, community engagement, and conflict prevention. Collaboration among stakeholders and continuous improvement are also key lessons, promoting partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and ongoing enhancement of sustainability practices across the palm oil industry.
Key messages: 
The palm oil sustainability project emphasizes responsible production that conserves nature, respects human rights, and fosters collaboration. It's about minimizing deforestation, supporting fair labor, and partnering with various stakeholders to create positive impacts for communities and the environment.
Relationship to other RCE activities: 
Connections with various other Regional Centers of Expertise (RCE) activities, collaborative initiatives, regional plans, and working groups were established by the program. The program's impact was enhanced, contributing to a broader network of sustainability efforts.

The program align with RCE activities that focused on education for sustainable development (ESD). Through student engagement and the promotion of awareness about palm oil sustainability, RCEs' objectives of fostering a sustainability mindset among learners and promoting ESD were supported.

Collaboration with other educational institutions, NGOs, and stakeholders within the RCE network was undertaken. These collaborative efforts facilitated the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices, amplifying the reach and impact of the program.

The program's objectives were in line with regional sustainability plans or agendas that RCEs actively participated in. By addressing palm oil sustainability, contributions were made to regional goals concerning responsible production practices, environmental protection, and sustainable land use.

The program's emphasis on sustainability education and youth engagement corresponded with RCE working groups dedicated to education, youth, and public engagement. These groups offered a platform for sharing experiences, strategies, insights, and support.
Funding: 
Funded by Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)

Pictures:

File Name Caption for picture Photo Credit
Image icon ARPOS - General Posterv2.png (1.04 MB) TikTok Competition Poster RCE Penang
Image icon IMG-20221008-WA0003.jpg (110.22 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-10-03-29-129_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (955.32 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 1 RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-10-23-47-076_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (600.42 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 2 RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-10-37-05-535_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (788.51 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 3 RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-11-00-48-909_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (737.21 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 4 RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-11-10-02-613_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (859.77 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 5 RCE Penang
Image icon Screenshot_2022-10-08-11-45-56-845_com.cisco_.webex_.meetings.jpg (847.6 KB) Webinar Palm Oil Sustainability 6 RCE Penang
Image icon ARPOS - Winner Poster v2.png (1.15 MB) Winner Tiktok Competition RCE Penang
References and reference materials: 
PDF icon Final Report Palm Oil-MPOC_JL_D.pdf
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere 
Indirect
SDG 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture 
Indirect
SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages 
Indirect
SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 
Direct
SDG 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 
Indirect
SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 
Direct
SDG 7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 
Direct
SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all 
Direct
SDG 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation 
Indirect
SDG 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries 
Indirect
SDG 11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 
Indirect
SDG 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 
Direct
SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 
Direct
SDG 14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development 
Indirect
SDG 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss 
Direct
SDG 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 
Indirect
SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development 
Direct
Theme
Disaster Risk Reduction 
Indirect
Traditional Knowledge  
Indirect
Agriculture 
Direct
Arts 
Indirect
Curriculum Development 
Direct
Ecotourism 
Direct
Forests/Trees 
Direct
Plants & Animals 
Direct
Waste 
Direct
ESD for 2030-Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 1 - Advancing policy 
state: 
Indirect
Priority Action Area 2 - Transforming learning and training environments 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 3 - Developing capacities of educators and trainers 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 4 - Mobilizing youth 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 5 - Accelerating sustainable solutions at local level 
state: 
Indirect
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes