Toyota Eco Youth 2025 Empowers Young Malaysians to Lead Environmental Change

UMW Toyota Motor has announced the top 15 finalists for the 24th edition of the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) programme — Malaysia’s longest-running environmental education initiative. The annual competition continues to nurture young changemakers who are not only passionate about sustainability but also capable of turning their ideas into meaningful action.

This year’s TEY finalists were selected for their innovative, practical projects designed to tackle pressing environmental issues within their communities. From reducing food waste and curbing textile pollution to improving air and water quality, each initiative reflects the students’ creativity, leadership, and commitment to creating lasting positive impact.

Beyond environmental awareness, TEY challenges participants to apply Toyota’s structured problem-solving approach, inspired by the Toyota Way — principles such as Kaizen (continuous improvement), Genchi Genbutsu (going to the source), and Respect for People.

During a recent school visit, Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, witnessed firsthand how students were applying these principles to real-world challenges. “The Toyota Eco Youth programme demonstrates the power of starting young, where students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on real-world environmental challenges,” said Datuk Ravindran. “These young changemakers are already putting Toyota’s values into action and showing that purposeful leadership can create lasting impact.”

This year’s 15 finalist teams — hailing from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, and Selangor — are taking on ambitious sustainability challenges through their school-based projects. Among them are:

SMK Mohd Khalid – ESYNERGY (Johor)
SMK Taman Nusa Damai – ECOSPARK (Johor)
SMPK Vokasional Indahpura – BINTANG SENJA (Johor)
Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid – SAHCTEY (Kedah)
SMK Dato’ Syed Omar – KUNI SMKDSO (Kedah)
SMK Khir Johari – THE GREEN MACHINE (Kedah)
SMK Kubang Bemban – EARTHSAVVY (Kelantan)
SMK Raja Perempuan – RPS INNOVATOR (Perak)
SMK Datuk Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad – PLANET PALS (Pulau Pinang)
SMK Pondok Upeh – MARINA TEAM (Pulau Pinang)
SMK Balung – PLANETA BRILHANTE (Sabah)
SMK Bagan Terap – INNOVA GENIUS (Selangor)
SMK Kota Kemuning – THE4CHAMPS (Selangor)
SMK Pendamaran Jaya – ECOGEN (Selangor)
SMK Raja Mahadi – THE GREEN WARRIORS (Selangor)

The selected teams will present their projects at the Toyota Eco Youth Exhibition and Convention taking place from 27–28 October 2025 at Wyndham Acmar, Klang. The event will feature judging sessions, mentoring opportunities, and interactive showcases — all culminating in the prize presentation ceremony on 29 October.

Attractive prizes await the winners, with RM30,000 for the champion, RM20,000 for the first runner-up, RM10,000 for third place, and additional category and consolation awards — totalling RM77,000.

Since its launch in March 2025, TEY has received over 120 project submissions from schools nationwide — a testament to Malaysian youths’ growing commitment to sustainability. This year, UMW Toyota Motor increased its total programme support to RM167,000 in cash prizes and grants, reinforcing its ongoing investment in youth empowerment and environmental education.

For more than two decades, Toyota Eco Youth has served as a catalyst for youth-led environmental innovation, nurturing leaders who embody Toyota’s Mobility for All vision — where mobility means not just moving people, but moving society toward a greener, more sustainable future.