The 25th edition of the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) programme has officially begun, marking another milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to nurture environmentally conscious youth. Organised by UMW Toyota Motor in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the TEY 2026 Workshop took place from 30–31 March, setting the stage for its Official Opening on 1 April 2026 at Wyndham Acmar.

Earlier this year, the programme received an impressive 327 submissions from secondary schools across the country, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among students to tackle environmental challenges within their communities. This strong response highlights the continued relevance of TEY as a platform for youth-driven sustainability initiatives.

Since its inception, Toyota Eco Youth has evolved into a nationally recognised programme aimed at students aged 13 to 16. It encourages participants to identify local environmental issues and develop practical, real-world solutions using Toyota’s structured Problem Solving Methodology. Over the years, the initiative has played a key role in shaping a generation of environmentally responsible leaders.

According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, the programme goes beyond raising awareness. It equips students with essential skills, confidence, and mentorship to turn ideas into impactful actions. As TEY celebrates its 25th anniversary, the focus remains on empowering students to deliver measurable outcomes that benefit their communities.

From the pool of entries, 30 schools have been shortlisted to move forward into the workshop and project implementation phase. Each school will receive a RM3,000 grant—amounting to a total of RM90,000—to bring their ideas to life. This hands-on approach reinforces the programme’s “learning by doing” philosophy, allowing students to test, refine, and execute their projects in real-world environments.

In addition to the grants, TEY 2026 offers RM80,000 in prize money, bringing the total programme funding to RM170,000. The top awards include RM30,000 for the champion, RM20,000 for second place, and RM10,000 for third place, providing further motivation for participants to excel.

Throughout the workshop phase, students and their teacher-advisors receive guidance and mentorship to enhance their project plans, track progress, and strengthen execution strategies. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, creativity, and environmental stewardship—key elements in developing sustainable solutions.

Following evaluations and progress reviews, the top 15 schools will advance to the final stage at the TEY 2026 Convention and Exhibition, scheduled from 2–4 November 2026. There, they will present their projects and compete for top honours.

As it continues to grow in scale and impact, Toyota Eco Youth remains a vital platform for inspiring Malaysia’s next generation of eco-leaders. By combining structured support with practical experience, the programme empowers students to take meaningful action and drive sustainable change in their communities.