Quick look
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The 2026 edition marks the 25th anniversary of the program that aims to cultivate environmental literacy and proactive thinking among the younger generation.
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Out of 327 nationwide submissions, 30 schools were selected to receive RM3,000 grants to implement their projects by November.
With the launch of the 2026 edition of the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, it’s been 25 years since UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) started the program to cultivate environmental literacy and proactive thinking among the younger generation.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, TEY reflects UMWT’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This initiative aligns with Toyota’s Environmental Action Plan, which is part of the company’s goal to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Significant number of submissions
This year’s program has seen a significant response from the Malaysian education sector, with 327 submissions received by schools and colleges from across the country. This high volume of entries indicates a growing interest among the younger demographic in addressing localized environmental challenges through structured frameworks.
From this pool, 30 schools have been selected to progress into the project implementation phase, where they will be tasked with transforming their conceptual proposals into functional, real-world solutions.
RM3,000 grant to each institution
To facilitate these projects, UMWT has allocated a grant of RM3,000 to each of the 30 shortlisted schools. This initial funding, totaling RM90,000, is intended to cover the operational costs associated with testing and refining the students’ environmental ideas. By providing direct financial support, the program ensures that technical or resource-based barriers do not hinder the implementation of potentially impactful ecological strategies.
The financial scope of the 2026 program extends to a prize pool of RM80,000, bringing the total investment in grants and awards to RM170,000. The top-performing school stands to receive a RM30,000 prize, while the second and third-place finishers will be awarded RM20,000 and RM10,000, respectively. These incentives are designed to recognize the technical merit and measurable impact of the projects completed during the school year.
Using a Toyota process
Central to the TEY program is the application of the Toyota Problem Solving Methodology. This corporate framework is adapted for the students to help them identify root causes of environmental degradation and develop sustainable countermeasures.
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical awareness, the initiative emphasizes a ‘learning by doing’ approach, requiring participants to execute their plans within their own communities while managing resources and logistics.
The workshop phase, which was carried out this week for all participants, provides a platform for students and their teacher-advisors to engage with mentors who offer guidance on project management and data tracking. Participants are taught how to establish baseline metrics to monitor the effectiveness of their interventions, a critical component of the methodology. This phase also focuses on refining implementation plans before the students return to their respective locations to begin the physical work on their projects.
Typically, the teams will spend the next few months on their projects. They are also required to publicise their project and provide updates via social media, adding the experience of communication with the public on environmental issues.
On-site evaluations
Following the implementation period, the projects will undergo on-site evaluations and progress reviews to determine their viability and success. Each team will make a presentation to a panel of judges who will determine the best submissions. This vetting process will narrow the field down to the top 15 schools, which will then advance to the final stage of the competition.
This final phase is scheduled in November 2026 when there will be the TEY Convention and Exhibition. Winners will be announced then, with awards presented at a special ceremony.
While it is in the business of providing cars that are ever better, safe and environmentally friendly, UMWT also aims to nurture the environmental stewards of tomorrow, encouraging innovation and practical solutions for ecological challenges. This latest edition of the program promises to further this legacy, supporting young innovators in their efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future.
