Final-year students from the Strategic Communication programme from the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), organised the seminar Environmental Awakening: From Fear to Fuel as part of their final-year project under the course Seminar on Issues in Strategic Communication.
Fostering deeper sense of responsibility, purpose
Forty-five final-year students from the Strategic Communication programme from the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), organised the seminar “Environmental Awakening: From Fear to Fuel” as part of their final-year project under the course Seminar on Issues in Strategic Communication. The students, known as Youth for Earth and Sustainability (YES) and led by seminar director Radin Nasuhakamar Radin Shamsulkamar, spearheaded this initiative as a bold effort to address climate anxiety among youth.
Supervised by Dr Dayang Aizza Maisha Abang Ahmad as the programme advisor, the seminar embraced the theme “From Fear to Fuel”, aiming to transform participants’ climate-related fears into motivation for proactive change. The programme, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), offered a platform for dynamic discussions on sustainability. It sought to equip participants with the knowledge, resilience, and sustainable practices needed to embrace their roles as agents of change. One participant shared, “Understanding how the community plays a role can help us become more aware of climate change and sustainability.”
The seminar, aimed at addressing today’s complex global challenges, was officially launched by Dr Noratikah Mohamad Ashari, deputy dean of the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC). Held to emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the event brought together diverse fields such as education, language, and communication to foster meaningful discussions on critical issues. A highlight of the seminar was the powerhouse panel, featuring Associate Professor Dr Sopian Bujang, director of the Human Resilience and Potential Centre at the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (HRPC, FCSHD) UNIMAS; technologist Dr Yonis M. Yonis Buswig, head of Green Renewable Energy at the Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISuRE); and Gill Raja, a representative from the Mental Health Association Sarawak (Kuching Branch).
The panellists shared their expertise on resilience, renewable energy, and mental health in the context of climate change, underscoring the importance of youth-driven initiatives. Their discussions highlighted how the younger generation can raise environmental awareness and drive sustainable solutions.
The seminar opened with a focus on the powerful role of community collaboration in combating climate change. Dr Sopian affirmed the transformative potential of community unity, stating that when communities come together, they can turn climate anxiety into a catalyst for positive change. Dr Yonis reinforced this message, highlighting the essential role of community involvement in the transition to sustainable energy. “Without the knowledge and participation of the community, sustainability and energy efficiency cannot be achieved,” he noted.
One participant shared their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint by cutting back on plastics, saving energy, and supporting eco-friendly businesses. They also wanted to inspire others in their community to adopt green practices and engage in local environmental initiatives. The seminar underscored how collective action, whether through recycling, reducing carbon footprints, or supporting sustainability efforts, can empower communities by fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and purpose.
A significant point made during the seminar was balancing emotional reactions to climate change with proactive measures. Gill, a representative from the Mental Health Association Sarawak, discussed how collaborating with mental health professionals can aid climate activists in managing the psychological effects of this crisis. She highlighted that initiatives encouraging sustainable living empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action to decrease their environmental footprint. She noted that this sense of purpose is vital in combating the climate crisis, as it builds resilience and inspires positive behavioural changes.
Human resilience, a vital component in combating the climate crisis, can be nurtured through education and development. Dr Sopian emphasised that resilience begins with awareness. “Human resilience is achieved through awareness. Awareness creates a sense of responsibility, and it begins with education,” he said. He shared an example from the United Kingdom, where the Bradford Recycle Group, a community-based initiative, helped address illegal dumping of furniture by repairing and repurposing discarded items, giving them a second life. This model, he noted, could be replicated in Padawan, where the local council faced similar challenges with illegal furniture dumping.
Such efforts provide practical solutions and foster a culture of awareness that can lead to lasting change in local communities. As Gill stressed, integrating mental health support into climate strategies is essential for ensuring sustained engagement among activists. She also pointed out the importance of establishing norms at the start of projects and encouraging constructive debate, all of which contribute to a balanced and practical approach to activism.
Reflecting on the session, one participant remarked, “There’s so much more to explore beyond this sharing, but small steps can lead to bigger goals, and that’s how I’ll start.” Gill echoed this sentiment, advising, “You’re not going to change everything overnight. Start within your university community.” She said that advocating for sustainable practices begins with small, actionable steps within one’s immediate environment. Dr Sopian motivated participants further by stating, “Being an advocate for SDGs is not a choice; it is an obligation.” He urged everyone to recognise their responsibility to protect the environment.
The programme also hosted various engaging exhibitions and activity booths to educate participants on climate anxiety and sustainable living. A standout was a thrifting booth run by Vanessa Denise Giang, a final-year Strategic Communication student. This activity highlighted how second-hand fashion can foster a more sustainable wardrobe while reducing textile waste.
Another creative display featured a hand-drawn Hornbill decorated with repurposed food packaging, symbolising the importance of embracing sustainability in addressing climate change. The use of recycled materials in the decoration highlighted the theme of sustainability, encouraging participants to think about how everyday items can be repurposed to reduce waste. Participants snapped photos at the display, showing their support for eco-friendly lifestyles and the movement toward a more sustainable future.
Interactive booths provided participants with the opportunity to explore sustainability through creative outlets. A colouring bottle station and a bottle-cap shooting activity enabled participants to artistically repurpose water bottles, illustrating that eco-friendly initiatives can be meaningful and enjoyable. A 3D block station particularly stood out, where egg cartons were transformed into three-dimensional representations of the SDGs, connecting the seminar’s theme to broader global objectives. The anxiety head sculpture drew attention, symbolising the duality of fear and growth in the face of environmental challenges. Repurposed items, such as glass bottles turned into elegant flower pots and paper bags transformed into tissue holders and mini pouches, showcased innovative ways to embrace sustainability in daily life.
The involvement of Sarawak Eco Warriors added depth to the seminar, offering practical insights into conservation efforts that align with the SDGs. Mark Liao Jun, president of Sarawak Eco Warriors, highlighted the organisation’s mission: “Our main focus in the community is to provide opportunities for people to volunteer and step into leadership roles in conservation. We aim to inspire, educate, and empower communities to lead the charge in nature conservation.”
Their contribution featured the importance of collective action in addressing climate challenges. A dedicated information and quiz booth further supported the event’s goal, boosting participants’ environmental literacy and transforming awareness into actionable steps.
Education is pivotal in driving climate action, and academic institutions like UNIMAS are taking significant steps to lead the way. During the seminar, Dr Yonis highlighted the UNIMAS Low Carbon Campus Roadmap 2030 (ULCC), an initiative aligned with Sarawak’s green economy goals. The primary aim of ULCC is to equip students for Sarawak’s green growth economy while nurturing sustainability experts. “ULCC aims to raise sustainability awareness among at least 20 per cent of our staff and students,” Dr Yonis shared, adding that events like the seminar contribute to this broader mission.
Dr Yonis also encouraged active participation, suggesting that students explore the ULCC roadmap, which outlines 22 sustainability activities. “Be proactive,” he urged, highlighting that collective efforts are essential to driving meaningful change. The seminar underscored the interconnectedness of climate action, mental health, and community collaboration. As global citizens, we are responsible for protecting the planet and creating a sustainable future. By turning fear into fuel, we can transform challenges into opportunities and inspire a generation to take action.
**This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
