The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program is Malaysia’s longest-running environmental education initiative, organised by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) and the Ministry of Education. Run annually since 2001, the 2025 edition is the 24th one and saw the participation of 30 schools from different parts of the country.
The program invites teams from each school to not only propose projects that address critical environmental issues but also to implement them in their communities as proof-of-concept. Each participating school receives RM3,000 in grant funding to kickstart their TEY projects, with another RM77,000 for prizes, making it a total investment of RM167,000 by UMWT in 2025.
Using Toyota methodology for project
Additionally, before commencing their projects, the teams from the 30 schools attended a 2-day workshop at a hotel in Shah Alam, Selangor where they were taught Toyota’s 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology. This provided them with skills to use on their projects. By using the approach that Toyota uses throughout its organisation, they can identify issues, understand root causes, and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
Over the past month, each project was evaluated and as in previous years, the 2025 TEY program saw innovative and sustainable environmental solutions from every team which turned into real-world action and actionable projects in their communities.
RM30,000 for overall champion
The school which submitted the best project was Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Khir Johari from Sg. Petani, Kedah, which conceived a food waste management system that was proven to have a meaningful impact in their local community. The team received a cash prize of RM30,000.
In second and third place, respectively, were teams from SMK Mohd. Khalid from Johor and Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid from Kedah which won RM20,000 and RM10,000 each. Other awards went to Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid, Kedah (Best Social Media campaign); SMK Mohd Khalid, Johor (Best Presentation); and SMK Kota Kemuning, Selangor (Best Exhibition).
Recognising the important role teachers play in giving guidance and support, Sandra Gesan A/L Balakrishnan, SMK Khir Johari, Kedah, received the RM2,000 award for Most Supportive Teacher.
Moving communities forward
“Witnessing the 2025 participants apply structured problem-solving to deliver tangible, community-driven environmental change is truly inspiring,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “These young individuals have moved from beyond awareness into action, demonstrating leadership, resilience, and innovation in over-coming real-world issues. They represent the spirit of Mobility for All by showing how progress can move communities forward toward a greener and more sustainable future.”
The Toyota Eco Youth program continues to reflect UMWT’s long-standing vision of Mobility for All, a belief that progress extends beyond mobility technology to include empowering people and communities to move forward with purpose. By equipping students with structured thinking tools and the confidence to lead, TEY cultivates a generation that is ready to champion sustainability and shape a brighter, cleaner Malaysia.
Click here to find out more about TEY 2025
UMW Toyota Motor President observes impact of Toyota Eco Youth project
