Students get insight on climate change
Published on: Thu, May 08, 2025
By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Mary (fourth from left), Dr Chung (third from left) and other guests at the Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, held at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). (Photo source: Facebook) Kota Kinabalu: Forty students gathered at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok for the Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, held from April 30 to May 2. The three-day camp, sponsored by the state's Youth and Sports Ministry, was organised by the Sabah Forestry Department. It brought together participants aged 17 to 25 from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Politeknik Sandakan, Kolej Komuniti Sandakan, Kolej Vokasional Sandakan II and Kolej Komuniti Lahad Datu. Participants were divided into smaller groups and assigned different climate-related topics, which they later presented during the final session of the camp. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the ministry greatly appreciates the initiative in organising the meaningful camp. 'When we were informed that 40 youth from diverse backgrounds and areas of study would gather at the Rainforest Discovery Centre to explore the issue of climate change, we were confident that such programmes deserve our attention and support. 'Your presence here shows that Malaysian youth, especially in Sabah, are not only eager to gain knowledge but also ready to take concrete steps in addressing this challenge,' he said, represented by the Ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Paul Mijong Dagul. In line with this hands-on approach, the camp included workshops conducted in collaboration with Sabah Environmental Education Network (Seen) partners such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Sabah Forestry Department Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said it is hoped that the Youth Camp on Climate Change would serve as a catalyst for more climate-themed initiatives in the future, with the involvement of youth from all over Sabah. He said it is truly impressive to learn that most of the participants in this camp are not from scientific backgrounds but are passionate to learn and understand climate change issues. 'We believe that the youth, as the heirs of the future, need to be given space to understand and be involved in efforts to address this issue. 'Climate change is not just an issue for experts but a concern that needs to be understood by everyone,' Frederick said, represented by Head of Forest Research Centre Dr Arthur Chung. Participants were divided into smaller groups and assigned different climate-related topics, which they presented during the final session of the camp. They also visited a landfill managed by the Sandakan Municipal Council where they explored the connection between waste management and environmental sustainability. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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