TotalEnergies, in collaboration with Arus Academy, continues to empower the next generation of changemakers through the VIA Safe Mobility programme—an international educational initiative designed to promote safer mobility practices among young people. Now in its fourth year in Malaysia, the 2025 edition has once again demonstrated how student-led learning can translate into meaningful, real-world impact.

This year, Team Safety Squad from SJKC Chung Hua Tudan in Miri, Sarawak, was crowned Malaysian Champion for its outstanding school-wide engagement and strong advocacy for road safety. Their achievement earned the school a EUR 5,000 grant from TotalEnergies, dedicated to implementing and expanding their safety initiatives within the community.

The team’s success also placed Malaysia on the regional stage at the VIA Safe Mobility Regional International Finals, where the students competed alongside national champions from India, Iraq and Romania. The finals brought together representatives from 24 participating countries, underscoring the programme’s global reach and shared commitment to safer journeys for young people.

“Safety is a fundamental value at TotalEnergies, especially within the communities where we operate,” said Patricia Law, Sales Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Malaysia. “The VIA Safe Mobility programme reflects our commitment to equipping young people with practical knowledge and responsible habits that support safer journeys every day. We hope to continue empowering students to build safer school environments and become advocates for positive change.”

Echoing this sentiment, Arus Academy Co-Founder David Chak highlighted the programme’s impact on authentic learning. “Students learn best when they are given opportunities to solve real problems that matter to them. Through VIA Safe Mobility, we see students taking ownership of their projects, strengthening critical thinking, and working collaboratively to improve safety in their communities. Team Safety Squad is a powerful example of how authentic learning can create meaningful outcomes.”

Located beside the high-speed Jalan Kuala Baram Bypass—officially listed among Miri’s five most accident-prone roads—SJKC Chung Hua Tudan faces daily road-safety challenges. With fast-moving traffic surrounding the school, ensuring student safety has long been a pressing concern for both teachers and parents.

In response, the 10-member Team Safety Squad centred their VIA project on the immediate mobility risks around their school. With guidance from their teachers, the students conducted on-site observational audits of the drop-off areas and pedestrian routes, carefully documenting traffic flow and pedestrian movement during peak hours. Their findings highlighted the need for a zebra crossing directly in front of the school, as well as behavioural risks such as low helmet awareness among Year 1 to Year 3 pupils and the use of worn or damaged helmets.

Taking their advocacy beyond the classroom, the students submitted a formal written request to the Miri City Council, calling for the installation of a designated crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety.

To amplify their message, Team Safety Squad launched an extensive awareness campaign themed “See + Go = Safe. Helmet On, Worries Gone.” The initiative combined education and community outreach, including a VIA Safe Mobility Camp that reached over 1,200 pupils, drawing competitions, an interactive road-safety assembly attended by more than 60 teachers, and a community Road Safety Carnival. The team also organised a Walk for Safe Mobility at Taman Bulatan Miri with parents and school staff, and peer-to-peer engagement sessions at SMK Pujut Miri, extending their impact to another 1,000 secondary school students.

Their efforts have already led to tangible progress. Following the students’ submission, the Miri City Council has initiated technical assessments for a zebra crossing outside SJKC Chung Hua Tudan, with engineers completing initial site measurements—an encouraging sign that student voices can indeed influence real infrastructure change.

Through initiatives like VIA Safe Mobility, TotalEnergies and Arus Academy continue to show how education, when paired with purpose, can empower young leaders to create safer communities and lasting positive change.