Now on its seventh stage, the “Join the Porsche Ride” Taycan made a stop in Malaysia as part of its worldwide initiative working with local to provide solutions for current societal challenges. Specifically, in Kulim, in the state of Kedah, in the north of Malaysia, “Join the Porsche Ride” Malaysia seeks to empower through education, teaching youths about environmental awareness and waste management.
Together with Porsche AG, Porsche Malaysia represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, and Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, Porsche Asia Pacific launched an environmental protection program for school children at a local public elementary school.
“As with the previous stops of Join the Porsche Ride, our goal is to foster empowerment through education. We encourage our students to be the agents of change within their families and communities,” said Hannes Ruoff, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific.
The focus of the program, implemented with the support of the Malaysian NGO Free Tree Society and named “Sahabat Lestari”, is not only on environmental protection qualification but also on establishing responsible behavior and integrating it into everyday school life.
Heinz Alexy, Vice President Supply Chain Management and External Production, was also delighted: “We have created a social project that not only inspires future generations but also empowers and prepares them for future challenges.”
In workshops, the topics are initially introduced to the students in an age-appropriate manner. The heart of the program, among other things, includes the planting of a school’s own mini jungle, which will then be maintained and cared for by the school community.
Further, as part of a 30-day challenge, the students are challenged to recycle various materials from everyday school life, such as paper and plastic. After participating, the students will receive a certificate as an “Eco-Ambassador.”
“Together, we aim to make a tangible difference by striving to generate positive environmental and social impacts while fostering change through collective efforts,” added Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
Anchoring the activities in the school allows the children not only to integrate what they have learned into their personal lives and families but also aims to expand the elementary school into a recycling hub for the community.
Sui Keng Huat, Managing Director of Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, also praised the program: “The multi-stage approach not only creates a special learning experience but also a connection to the community and society.”
It is also planned to expand the program to various locations across Malaysia in 2025. Carolyn Lau, Managing Director of Free Tree Society, is already looking forward to further collaboration: “Together with all partners, we will achieve measurable results and successes and thus make a valuable contribution to environmental protection in Malaysia.”
