UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially commenced the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2026 Workshop, held from 30 to 31 March, ahead of the programme’s official opening on 1 April 2026 at Wyndham Acmar, Klang. Following a nationwide call for entries earlier this year, a total of 327 submissions were received from secondary schools across Malaysia, reflecting strong enthusiasm among students to address environmental challenges within their communities.
Now in its 25th edition, the initiative has grown into a national platform that fosters environmental awareness while encouraging practical, real-world problem-solving among students aged 13 to 16. The programme challenges participants to identify local environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions using Toyota’s structured Problem Solving Methodology, underscoring its long-standing role in nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders in Malaysia.
According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, Toyota Eco Youth goes beyond raising awareness by equipping students with the skills, confidence, and mentorship needed to take meaningful action within their communities. In conjunction with its 25th edition, the programme continues to empower young changemakers to transform ideas into tangible and measurable projects that create lasting impact.
From the pool of submissions, 30 schools have been shortlisted to take part in the workshop and project implementation phase. Each selected school will receive a grant of RM3,000, amounting to a total of RM90,000, to support the execution of their projects. This reinforces TEY’s “learning by doing” approach, where students are encouraged to test and refine their ideas through hands-on application in real-world settings. In addition, TEY 2026 offers RM80,000 in prize money, bringing the total programme funding, including grants, to RM170,000. The top prize includes RM30,000 for the champion, followed by RM20,000 for second place and RM10,000 for third place.
During the workshop, students and their teacher-advisors receive hands-on guidance and mentorship to refine their project ideas, establish implementation plans, and monitor progress. This phase emphasises experiential learning, encouraging participants to apply problem-solving skills while fostering teamwork, creativity, and environmental responsibility. Following on-site evaluations and project progress reviews, the top 15 schools will advance to the final stage at the Toyota Eco Youth 2026 Convention and Exhibition, scheduled from 2 to 4 November 2026, where they will compete for the programme’s top awards.
Toyota Eco Youth continues to inspire Malaysia’s next generation of eco-leaders by providing structured support, practical experience, and recognition for students committed to driving sustainable change. For more information and registration details, please visit https://www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth/.
