Source: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd.

Google has been touted as “the most desirable place to work in the United States”. All the way across the globe however, I have discovered that based on aesthetics alone, in my own personal experience, DiGi Telecommunications’ head office, aptly named Digi D’house, is undoubtedly the most desirable place to work in in Malaysia.

It was a good while ago but I significantly recalled reading the newspaper write-up on DiGi’s head office in Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park. I remember seeing the pictures of the head office and thinking to myself “this can’t be in the country!” but yet I continued ogling at such a marvel of an office place. Needless to say I leaped at the opportunity to see first-hand the place DiGi calls home. I certainly went with my own set of expectations in mind and I must admit that right from the moment I set foot in the lobby, keeping my cool was quite a task in itself.

Indeed, we met DiGi. No, the resort-like workplace is not an urban myth but I digress. When we heard of DiGi’s latest Corporate Responsibility (CR) programme we knew we wanted to know more. Any one of us who has lived in Malaysia in recent years will know that DiGi is synonymous with the colour yellow. So when DiGi announced Deep Green (“DG” – pun intended?) it certainly piqued our interest in wanting to delve deeper into DiGi’s CR initiatives. And upon finally coming to a time that is in agreement with the right people, DiGi graciously allowed us to pick at their gray matter.

Initially, the initiation seemingly appeared as a shift in terms of DiGi’s CR efforts. We have always known to associate DiGi’s efforts to community engagement, with which more often than not, it is in relation to the young and the creative ones. “Why the sudden shift?” we thought. It was then revealed to us that it is not a sudden shift that was conceived out of the inevitable growing affinity towards all things going green. It has been a while now that with much awareness, DiGi recognized that there is an alarming and urgent need for change in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The one fact that stood out was that from “a McKinsey report on the environmental impact by various industries revealed that the ICT industry is set to outstrip the aviation industry as the major source of CO2 emissions by 2012” (Source: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd.).

This doesn’t just involve the industry makers alone – but this includes consumers, myself included, who depend on the ICT industry that contributes to the alarming statement. It is with this in mind that DiGi has cultivated a stance consistent throughout its organization to ensure the preservation and salvation of the environment. It is with such conscientiousness that has led for DiGi to include Environment as one of the legs of the tripod that forms the CR Strategic Focus. From the preservation of the hillock in its office grounds that was kept and built around down to the concept of the large, wide windows throughout the building to ensure reduction of electricity consumption, DiGi is consistent in that it has clearly incorporated sustaining the environment within its own organization before venturing out into the community.

The tagline under the company’s Corporate Responsibility arm – “Doing Great While Doing Good”. The office culture, working environment and D’House alone, this a reflection and fair representation of the company? I for one definitely wouldn’t mind clocking in the long hours (if necessary) in a working environment like this – if everyone works together a common belief, a common good. And yes, I shamefully admit that claiming a site like DiGi D’House as a second home is an all-too alluring thought.

A Crude Awakening - The Oil Crash (Film by Chris Paine)

About 2 days ago, during the weekend, I went to Malaysia's first ever Eco Film Fest 2008. It was held at the National Arts Academy in KL. Well it was freaking hot when i got there. But nevertheless, the hall for movie screenings was cold as the Arctic. Then i thought to myself, omg, this is madness. The weather outside is hot as hell and the air-conditioning inside is ridiculously cold. It's not really good for the body, really.

But then again, this is Malaysia and not like anyone would give two hoots about this situation as long as they are comfortable with where they are.

The film on oil crash was an eye opener for me. I think it was an eye opener for the rest of the audience as well. We were so enthused by the commentaries made by the people whom the film director interviewed. And mind you, these are former politicians who served the Bush Sr. administration, Reagan administration and Carter administration. They had points of view that will blow your mind away. And they even had information that will make you want to run for President of the United States just so you could stop the oil crisis.

Americans are addicted to oil. It's sad to know that they produce only 2% of the worldwide oil production but they use 25% of the world's oil reserves. And the figures will continue to rise if whoever's at the administration this year don't put a stop to this oil blunder.

In 1977, Americans used over 8 million barrels of oil per day. In 2000, the barrels now amount to more than 13 million a day. The oil economy will continue to peak and according to Hubbert's theory it happens every 20 years or so. And when it does happen again, there might not be anymore reserves left for us to dig.

It took the Earth 150-200 million years to naturally produce crude oil, and it took humans 200 years to use up almost all of it. I don't think we can afford to wait any longer until the last reserve is discovered. Our grandchildren might not even get a chance to ride an airplane because by then, cars and airplanes will be rides for the elites.

It's really depressing sometimes to know that these big fat capitalists are the ones who have to power to change everything. Unfortunately, greed is all they have in their hearts. Too bad for the rest of us, only a crude awakening will knock them hard in their heads. By then, hopefully all is not too late. Because I believe that human creativity will prevail because we're all inventors. I believe another kind of 'oil' will be contrived for our industries. And i do hope it's friendly for the earth.

EcoGreen

During the previous movie night, we ordered food from the EcoGreen café in TTDI. Everyone enjoyed the food very much. Therefore, I decided to interview the owner. Mr. Wong, the owner, was very nice when we asked him for an interview; he did not hesitate at all. They have 2 branches, both in TTDI, one is solely a café and the other is a café and “market place” where you can purchase organic products. There is even a place on the 1st floor for small scale events or networking session.

A little background on Mr. Wong, he is a chemical engineer by profession. He started with engineering business connected to the environment like air pollution and waste water. Then he had an organic farm of his own and that leads to his business today.

EcoGreen‘s core business is selling and serving organic food and promoting sustainable living. They want people to see the connection between the food on their plate and the state of the planet. The definition of organic by EcoGreen is different from some people. This café does not serve vegetables only, they serve meat as well. According to Mr. Wong, we need animal for sustainable living, it is a cycle. EcoGreen promote food at a few levels. First is local food first to minimize carbon food print and post harvest pesticides. Second, is eating organic which also reduces pesticides and promoting recycling (composition of waste).

During the interview, Mr. Wong shared a lot with us from the environmental related books that he read, history of pesticides to the current issues of environment in Malaysia. Nature operates in a cycle and industrialization and human act has broken the cycle. For example, in a jungle, trees and animals used to live independently, trees grow, animals eat its fruit, animal leave waste, trees uses animal waste as fertilizer and this cycle has been going on for thousands of years. Nothing was transported far away and will always be within the same area. When industrialization comes in, thing are being exported to everywhere in the world and that leaves major carbon footprints. And things that are taken from the earth were not returned to where it belongs and we are taking away from the earth much faster that it produces.

For those of you who would like to try the food in the café and to shop for organic products, you may want to pay a visit to EcoGreen. Here is their website address www.ecogreen.com.my

Living Green

I had an interview with Callie who owns Justlife group. Justlife is an organic shop. They not only sell organic food, you will be surprised at the range of things that they sell. Apparently they have organic handkerchief, sanitary care, cosmetic and organic clothes. I have yet to check out their store, but I will probably drop by to take some pictures next week.

The concept of organic according to Justlife is everything that is good for the earth is good for us. This concept actually runs thru as their business concept as well. Callie herself preaches earth saving diet, meaning to go vegetarian. She herself is a vegan.

I was asking her how all these started and I was a little shocked when she told me that she herself is an accountant by profession. She actually started eating organic even before she started her business. She got introduced by a friend to eat organic. From there, she started the business with her siblings.

When I went into the office, I notice that all her staffs are very young, between 20+ to 30+ and I find it weird, maybe because it’s kind of like a stereotype that people who are into organic are mostly uncles and aunties in their late 40s. She was telling me, in this business, they need passionate people who truly believe in what they do. Therefore, that explains why the staffs are so young. According to Callie, they want to break the stereotype that organic is only for uncles and aunties. Organic is for everyone. Every single one in the team will have to go through a 2-3 months of shop assistance position (regardless of what your position is) when they first joined to see if they are really passionate about what they do. Some stayed back and some didn’t. For Callie it is alright because to her, education about organic to people is much more important. Most of the people that decided that this is not what they want to do will already have an understanding about organic and they do shop in Justlife for organic products.

The business of Justlife is not only in selling organic, but also to educate people. Aside from their core business, they also organized events; go to schools, colleges, kindergartens to educate the younger generation. The Climate change even was organized by them. At present, they are running a contest, The Most Natural. This contest is for youth and the grand prize is a Mini Cooper! Check it out at www.themostnatural.com.my

Stay tune to this site as I will be visiting the shop and will be posting some pictures of the shop here soon!

Recycling for charity

Xim Phou Moon is the 1st welfare society that does recycle for charity. They are a social and welfare based NGO, a non-religious, non-profit, multiracial and charitable organization with an aim to inspire the world with recycling. Their slogan is Love Malaysia, Recycle for Community Service. The founder of this organization is Dato’ Tan Leong Hoo, also known as Master Loong Sang. This noble man officially started this organization in 1992.

My first impression of this organization is, they collect and manage recycle materials. I was wrong. The nature of what they do is collecting recycle materials and selling them to waste management factory. The money will be donated to the needy. This organization also has other businesses like Long Sang enterprise that does trading, Long Sang jewellery. These business contribute a certain percentage of money to their charity arm, Xim Phou Moon .

This organization does not only do charity locally but over the years, they have been doing charity outside Malaysia in countries like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, Nepal and South Africa.

Thanks to Usha, I had a chance to tour the factory where they collect all their recyclable stuffs. All these “junk” might be worthless to us, but all these are sold to get money to help the needy. Old furniture and clothes are sometimes sold to foreign workers. They also collect books and these books will be sold as second and books in their own bookshop located in Leisure Mall.
The pile here will be sorted accordingly by the workers.

Sri Aman goes GREEN

I went around the school and spoke to Mrs. Yap Kooi Ngoh who is the Vice Principle of SMKP Sri Aman. She was very helpful and informative despite the fact that the whole school (teachers and students) are preparing for the National Day celebration and activities.

Sri Aman is the first school in the country to use the Building Integrated Photovoltaic solar (BIPV) system, which has the capacity of 4.4kilowatts and capable of powering 3 air conditioners or 25 fans. The school was selected to be the first school in the country because of the strategic location of the school and also the position of the school’s roof.

Photovoltaic system is an application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. For Sri Aman, how the whole system works is, the BIPV collects sunlight and convert into electricity and if there are any access energy, (especially after school hours or school holidays) it will be sent to TNB via a cable and at the end, the amount of energy sent back to TNB will be deducted from the school’s monthly electric bills. They are even going to have a meter to measure the amount of power, energy and savings of carbon dioxide from the BIPV system. This is so cool!

Aside from the BIPV system, the school also made a lot of efforts in promoting environment conservation. They do recycling all year long. They have 2 separate waste paper baskets in every class room. The ones with holes are for recycle paper and the ones without holes are for other waste. This is done to encourage and educate the students to recycle and to reduce usage of plastic bags. They do not use plastic bags to line their bins!

They also do rain water harvesting. The water is used in the toilets and also to water the plants. Students and teachers also help to composite the waste from the canteen. They put some soil, throw the vegetable and fruit waste into them, add some yeast and cover with more soils. They

leave it there for a few months and when it’s mature, they sell it back to the students and teachers. These are little young green entrepreneurs in the making man!

SMKP Sri Aman was also one of the participants in the Toyota Eco-Youth competition. For this project, they try to conserve electricity in the teacher’s room by blocking the small little gap on the window so that the air cond from the teacher’s room does not escape. Besides that, they also plant trees surrounding the teacher’s room to reduce the temperature. According to Mrs. Yap, the students diligently measure the temperature when the project was running and the temperature dropped by 1-2 degrees around that area.

The school has a website. You can also check out their current activities here

Eco Knights

We did an interview with Yasmin of Eco Knights last week. Eco Knights is a socio environment organization and they started 2 years ago because of demands on more programs in saving the environment. She started Eco Knights from scratch and the funds all came from her at the very beginning stage. She is really one big environment enthusiast! So much passion and energy! They only have 3 full time people working and the rest are volunteers. Yasmin’s background is in environmental science and she had been working with places like WWF and she’s a technical person.

Their upcoming event which is the Eco Film Feast will be held on 1st and 2nd November, at the National Art Academy. This event is first of its kind in Malaysia. They will be showcasing foreign environmental films and of course the 6 finalists of Eco Film Feast. There will also be companies showcasing their green technology and there will be some cool artist like Mia Palencia and One Buck Short performing that night. This will be a whole day event. For more information, you can check it out at http://www.ecoknights.com

I have learned that people in developed countries are more concern about the environment as compared to people in developing countries. This is because, for people living in developing countries, their priority is different. They care more about their financial status, being able to buy a home, a car and when they get older, they might start thinking about reducing their carbon footprint and treating mother earth better. That is also why, here in Malaysia, people who are at their 40’s tend to care more about the environment. These are the group of people who will learn how to make garbage enzymes, eat organic and recycle. The younger generation is more concern in how much money they make and if they are able to put food on the table for the family, making sure that they can afford to send their kids to the best college in town. There is nothing wrong about this; I think this is just a phase that everyone of us has to go through. My little advice is, you might not be a “green” person that picks up everything you see on the street and recycle them, but, I think everyone can help reduce waste. Don’t simple throw things away. Give it to the needy instead of throwing them straight into the bin. AND minimalism is the KEY.
On the bright side, I found out that there are certain kindergartens here that are starting to teach kids on how to take care of the environment. They actually teach kids how to plant organic plants. We are trying to go to these schools and see what these kids do and if that happens, we will definitely share it here.

We were refused.

It was quite unfortunate that we were refused an interview with One Utama regarding the environmental-related event which they had in collaboration with One Academy. The person we contacted felt uncomfortable with this research. Well, we thoroughly respect that but once again, would like to reinstate our purpose which is to investigate the awareness and effectiveness of green campaigns for better targeting and sustainable communications in the future. Yes, we are running a business and we never said we are a non-profit organisation neither is this a non-profit project, however we wish to include everyone whom we've talked to and visited and encourage them to be actively involved in this research. We are happy to share the findings and insights of this research with all who have participated at the end of the journey - we just need to figure out the most effective way. Till then, it'd be just The Green Chronicles :)

P/S: This post is not meant to make anyone look bad, but we would like to keep everyone informed on the progress of this research - the good, the bad and the ugly (hopefully, we never have to go there).

Meeting with the One Academy

I met up with Jane of One Academy yesterday. It was very nice of her to spare me sometime even though she was running on a very tight schedule. Thank you Jane! One Academy is an art and design school. They offer courses like multimedia design, digital animation, illustration and interior design. You must be wondering how a design school has anything to do with the environment. Well, they had a Go Green Eco-Design competition in June this year and it was held in 1 Utama. 1 Utama was very generous as all funds and venue for display were provided by them. This project is a graduation project where final year students raise fund for their graduation day. There were a lot of cool stuff invented like hamster cage and also a “lamp” from recycle materials! Cool!

One Academy also has an art school for kids call DaVinci Creative Kids. They have about 30 centers nationwide. Recently, they tie up with Kuntum magazine and organize a workshop where they teach kids to make art and crafts from recycle materials. They have also tie up with Tetra Pak in teaching people how to recycle the packaging by turning them into art and crafts.
It was a very short meeting with Jane, but from here, we gather that there are efforts made to educate college student and kids from young. I remember those days when I was in school; during pendidikan seni classes, we were also though how to make crafts from toothpaste boxes, plastic bottles, the chocolate milk boxes, old newspapers and all sort of recyclable materials. We also have recycle campaigns during school time where all students actively bring old newspapers, bottles and aluminum cans from home because it was a battle between classes. The class which has the most junk wins. Then we will sell the items and have a small “makan” session. I still remember once, we even made a national flag from aluminum cans. We colored them and stuck the cans on to the fence to form the national flag. Wow! Come to think of it, recycling was so much more fun back in school.

I am sitting here right now; in my mid 20s wondering why what I learned in school did not turn me into someone who actively recycles. I did not even remember all the efforts until I started writing here. Is it because what I learned from school doesn’t stick in my mind strong enough to turn it into action? Is it because of the gap from school days and now made me forget all about recycling? Or is it because it is very inconvenient to recycle? I wonder…..

Meeting with MENGO.

MENGO which stands for Malaysian Environmental NGO is basically a community of 19 green NGOs formed under the DANIDA-supported (which stands for Danish International Development Assistance) programme for environmental assistance to Malaysia. One of its main causes is to facilitate an effective interaction and provide strategic input to the local government on environmental-related policies.

We met up with Dr. Sundari who is the main coordinator and holds a PhD in Marine Biology (plus a wealth of experience and knowledge on education and research as well) to give us an overview of not just what they do as a unit but also how they are impacting the society indirectly through their involvement in the government's planning process. Aside from that, it was also interesting to note that the members of MENGO come from pretty diverse backgrounds, from technology and development to consumer associations to tree savers to research - all coming together to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living. Shows that perhaps this 'business' is not all about stopping the cutting of trees huh.

It was our first meeting, so the overview opened our research parameters to a lot of possibilities (and work!) and also provided us with an understanding of how MENGO supports the relevant parties and in turn, receives some funding. I think as with the nature of any non-profit organisations, it is rather hard to employ and sustain professionals because they were 'never meant to earn any money'. Is that true at all? It's funny how the society wants the environment to stay clean, safe and ever green, yet when we need money to provide a livelihood for experienced professionals to do just that which is competitive to the business sector, we think of it as greed. To create great, effective and sustainable projects, we must first be able to effectively employ and sustain great minds, no?