Transforming Waste Into Wonders

PEKAN, 1 August 2024 – In a significant effort to support the Ekosistem Kondusif Sektor Awam (EKSA) week at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) held a one-day innovation exhibition focusing on upcycling waste materials into functional wonders. 

The saying ‘Want not, waste not’ has never been more apt as we witnessed how versatile waste materials can be, through creative repurposing and innovative thinking.

The event took place at the CML’s Faculty Meeting Room in Pekan campus and was designed to encourage sustainable practices by showcasing the creative repurposing of waste materials. 

“We aim to demonstrate that the materials we often consider waste can be transformed into functional and aesthetically pleasing items through innovative thinking and creative design, “The possibilities are limitless” Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi said. 

The exhibition featured two main categories: individual and group, each with its thematic focus.

Individual Category: Office Decoration

The individual category was dedicated to transforming recycled materials into creative office decorations. Participants were encouraged to design items that not only enhance office aesthetics but also utilise waste materials effectively. 

The entries included:
Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali: Cranes of Craccum – This project featured intricately crafted cranes made from recycled paper. The cranes, displayed in various poses, added a touch of elegance to office spaces while highlighting the beauty of repurposed paper.

Shamsul Harbi: Multifunctional Bag – Shamsul’s entry was a versatile bag constructed from recycled fabric. Designed to cater to multiple uses, it demonstrated practical solutions for carrying office essentials in an eco-friendly manner.

Hanisah Bon (Kasbon): Nisah's Glass Garden – Hanisah created a mini-garden within recycled glass containers. This charming display brought a touch of greenery indoors, enhancing the office environment with a bit of nature and creativity.

Associate Professor Dr. Zuraina Ali: DeskPro – Dr. Zuraina’s desk organiser featured compartments and sections made from repurposed materials. The design aimed to improve desk organisation while promoting the use of recycled resources.

Jamilah Bebe Mohamad: Organisation Chart for CML's Dahlia Zone – Jamilah’s entry was a visually engaging organisational chart made from recycled materials. It served as both a functional tool for workplace organisation and a decorative piece.

Suriayati Sidek: A Vase of Roses – Suriayati designed a decorative pot and rose arrangement using recycled materials. This entry added a touch of elegance to office tables and showcased how waste materials can be transformed into beautiful decor.

Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi praised the entries for their innovation and creativity, noting how each project successfully turned waste materials into works of art, not only functional office decor.

Group Category: Independence Day-themed Innovation
The group category, featuring teams of three to five members, focused on the theme of ‘National Independence’. Participants were challenged to create items that symbolised independence, in line with the upcoming National Independence Day celebrations on 31 August 2024 to show our patriotism, love and pride for our country. The group category which aimed to reflect the essence of national independence through innovative yet patriotic designs indeed did just that! The entries showcased a blend of creativity and patriotism, contributing to a broader understanding of national history and identity. 

The entries included:
Quad-cycle: Quiz Tower – This interactive tower, made from recycled materials, was designed for educational quizzes and games. The Quiz Tower aimed to engage users in learning activities while promoting recycling.

Eco Crew: Eco Cable Organiser – The Eco Crew’s entry was a practical organiser for cables and wires, made from repurposed materials. This solution aimed to reduce clutter and improve efficiency in managing electronic accessories.

ReCycle Visionaries: Eco-Craft Buddy Organiser – This versatile organiser was designed to hold crafting supplies. Constructed from recycled materials, it supported creative activities and demonstrated the practical use of waste materials.

Serikandi Merdeka: Rumah Merdeka PBM (Independence House) – This decorative photo backdrop was created to celebrate Independence Day. It featured elements made from recycled materials and provided a vibrant setting for commemorative photos.

The exhibition not only showcased the aesthetic and functional potential of recycled materials but also aimed to inspire a culture of sustainability. Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi highlighted that the office decorations offered cost-effective ways to personalise workspaces, while the independence-themed innovations allowed participants to reconnect with their national heritage. In addition to the main categories, the exhibition included competitions for the best room, best workspace, best restroom, and best CML zone. These awards recognised exceptional contributions to creating a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment. The winners in these categories will be announced in August 2024.

To ensure a fair evaluation, PBM appointed a panel of judges from various UMPSA departments. Sariyati Nayan from the Registrar’s Department praised the participants’ creativity and commitment to sustainability. She noted that the exhibition highlighted the innovative use of recycled materials and supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malaysia’s vision of becoming a sustainable nation by 2030. Additional judges included Dr. Fatimah Ali, Deputy Dean (Academic and Student Affairs), Associate Professor Dr. Hafizoah Kassim, Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate Studies), and Ts. Rosmalissa Jusoh, Senior IT Executive from the Digital Technology Centre. Their diverse expertise ensured a thorough evaluation of the participants’ entries.

Overall, the innovation exhibition by CML provided a valuable platform for creative expression and sustainable practices, reinforcing the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship within the university community.

By: Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali, Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi and Jamilah Bebe Mohamad