AIESEC UTAR Empowers Perak Youth: Cleaning Sungai Larut, Planting 500 Trees & Teaching Life Skills

AIESEC UTAR has once again demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering youth and the local community through the implementation of major projects, ECHO 3.0 and SPEAK UP 13.0. Both projects were carried out across Perak from August 18 to September 14, 2025, involving over 100 young volunteers from UTAR and UTP.

These projects focused on two main areas: environmental sustainability and life skills development. Activities included river cleaning, eco-friendly product workshops, public speaking training, and book donations to the refugee community. They were conducted in collaboration with government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.

The support received from local authorities in Perak, such as the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), the Department of Environment (JAS), and the Larut Matang Forestry Office, highlights the seriousness of these efforts in building a more sustainable and competitive society.

Sungai Larut Cleaned and 148kg of Trash Collected by Youth Volunteers

One of the key achievements of Project ECHO 3.0 was the cleanup initiative at Sungai Larut in Taiping, Perak. Volunteers from UTAR and UTP went to the field to clean the polluted river area and successfully collected 148 kilograms of trash in a single day. The activity also involved the use of EM mudballs, an eco-friendly technology used to restore water quality.

This program was held in collaboration with RCI Lime Sdn. Bhd. and government agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the Taiping Department of Environment. This partnership reflects the concern of various parties in preserving increasingly threatened natural water resources.

Volunteers were also exposed to technical and practical aspects of handling eco-friendly materials and educating the local community on the importance of maintaining river cleanliness. This activity not only brought a positive impact to the environment but also instilled social responsibility among the youth.

Tree Planting Project Enhances Environmental Sustainability in Perak

The highlight of Project ECHO 3.0 was the “Plant a Tree, Plant a Hope” activity, which saw the planting of over 500 saplings in strategic areas around Perak. The planting was carried out structurally with appropriate site selection, site preparation, and post-planting care plans to ensure a high survival rate for the trees.

This program aimed to raise awareness about the importance of urban forests and biodiversity protection. It also involved the local community, who participated in the planting activities and were briefed on the importance of vegetation for ecosystem stability.

This activity was not only symbolic but also contributed to long-term goals in mitigating the effects of climate change, while serving as an effective outdoor learning space for the participants.

Environmental Education Workshop Empowers Students in Larut

In addition to physical field activities, AIESEC UTAR also conducted environmental education workshops at several schools around Larut, Perak. Students were taught how to make eco-friendly soap and composting techniques that can be used at home or in their respective schools. This activity aimed to cultivate an interest in a sustainable lifestyle from a young age.

Over 100 secondary school students were directly involved in these workshops, which were conducted in an interactive and practical format. The volunteers first underwent “Train-the-Trainer” sessions to ensure the delivery of quality and effective content.

Beyond technical knowledge, students were exposed to the importance of environmental conservation and the role of individuals in implementing small changes that create a big impact. These workshops were seen as an important complement to the formal education they usually receive.

SPEAK UP 13.0 Improves Financial Literacy and Student Self-Confidence

Meanwhile, Project SPEAK UP 13.0 focused on the personal development of secondary school students through financial literacy and public speaking modules. Volunteers conducted “Financial Foundations” workshops for 89 students, discussing topics such as budget management, savings, and smart spending.

The learning approach used games, simulations, and group discussions to ensure participants remained focused and engaged while learning. This not only helped them understand the theory but also trained them to apply it in their daily lives.

In addition to finance, volunteers conducted impromptu speech workshops and organized public speaking competitions to build student self-confidence. This program built communication skills and trained them to be brave in voicing their opinions in an organized and convincing manner.

350 Books Donated to Refugee School, Encouraging a Reading Culture

As another noble initiative, AIESEC UTAR donated over 350 books to a refugee school through the “A House of Words” mini-library program. This project aimed to provide access to quality reading materials for students marginalized from the mainstream education system.

The establishment of this library not only provided educational benefits but also strengthened humanitarian values among the volunteers. They were trained to organize books, manage collections, and conduct reading sessions with students as an effort to build relationships and trust.

This initiative also reflects that education is a right for all, regardless of background, and AIESEC UTAR emerged as an important bridge in championing access to knowledge for all groups.

Strategic Partnerships Strengthen the Impact of AIESEC UTAR Projects in Perak

The success of these two projects would not have been possible without the cooperation of various parties supporting them in terms of finance, logistics, and expertise. Key strategic partners included RCI Lime Sdn. Bhd., the Tan Sri Fng Ah Seng Foundation, Vida World, and support from Perak state government agencies.

Collaboration with the Taiping Municipal Council, the Department of Environment, the Forestry Office, and the Kuala Sepetang Forest Ranger Office proves the importance of synergy between youth NGOs and public agencies in achieving social missions. Each party played a vital role in ensuring activities ran smoothly and had a high impact.

This initiative proves that youth are not just spectators to change, but leaders who can spark transformation. With continued support, AIESEC UTAR will continue to expand its impact throughout Perak and further to the national level.

Hope for Perak Youth: Be Leaders of Change

As concerned Perak natives, we see these AIESEC UTAR efforts not just as volunteer activities, but as an investment in the state's future. When youth rise to lead, collaborate with the community, and understand their role in protecting nature and building people, then this state will surely be more prosperous and resilient.

Our hope is that more Perak youth will step forward, join movements like this, and use the knowledge and experience gained as a foundation to lead society. AIESEC UTAR has shown the way; now it is your turn to step up.

Because a prosperous Perak is not created by slogans alone, but by the bold actions of its younger generation. Continue to be an inspiration.

• AIESEC UTAR – Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman branch (An international youth organization based in universities and managed by students, focusing on leadership development through volunteer exchanges and social impact projects)
• UTP – Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (A higher education institution owned by PETRONAS that focuses on engineering, technology, and science)