Alam Fest: A showcase of Perak’s sustainable initiatives

In a significant leap towards fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable practices, the Biji-biji initiative is thrilled to present the Environmental Accelerator Programme Showcase, Alam Fest: A Celebration of Sustainability. This event will shine a spotlight on the commendable efforts of 31 environmental organizations from Perak, showcasing their achievements and projects as part of the larger Environmental Accelerator Programme.

Scheduled for March 9, 2024, from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Alam Fest will unfold at the iconic Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee venue in Ipoh. The event is open to the public, and admission is free, offering an invaluable opportunity for individuals to witness and engage with groundbreaking initiatives dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability.

The Environmental Accelerator Programme, launched officially in April 2023, received pitches from organizations across Perak, aiming to identify and support innovative projects contributing to a greener future. Juliana Adam, CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, expressed excitement about the success of the programme, stating, “The project has been a roaring success, and we hope to expand our footprint in potentially future iterations of the programme.”

Showcasing Environmental Excellence

The Alam Fest Showcase will feature 31 organizations that participated in the Environmental Accelerator Programme from 2022 and 2023. The event seeks to facilitate connections and collaborations within and beyond the programme, offering a platform for the public to learn about each organization’s environmental projects. Attendees can explore interactive booths, attend workshops, and engage in talks aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing sustainable practices.

Biji-biji Initiative aims to provide real-life, visible examples of how individuals can contribute to environmental preservation. The showcase aims to inspire Malaysians to become environmental champions by highlighting the dedication of these organizations.

Empowering Sustainability

The Environmental Accelerator Programme focuses on empowering sustainability efforts in Perak by offering tailored support to selected organizations. Launched in April 2023, the programme invited environmentally-focused organizations to submit proposals for a chance to receive seed funding, mentorship, access to talent, and the integration of new technologies.

Supported by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance, the initiative signifies a collective commitment to addressing environmental challenges while fostering sustainability across various sectors in Perak.

Visible Impact and Key Achievements

To date, 31 environmental programs have been shortlisted, covering diverse themes such as food waste management, sustainable farming, environmental conservation, plastic management, pollution prevention, and historical conservation. These programs were selected based on criteria such as organizational capacity, commitment to collaboration, impact potential, track record, and experience.

The Environmental Accelerator Programme, backed by RM400,000 seed funding from 20 organizations, has achieved significant progress in sustainability and community development. Notable accomplishments include the formation of 74 partnerships, empowerment of 5043 participants through 26 workshops, and management of 13,108kg of plastic waste and 4,822kg of food waste.

The programme has also contributed to the creation of four websites, the planting of 5,150 trees, and a 1.15% contribution to building development. Additionally, it increased social media followers by 5,266 and generated RM3,900 income for the Orang Asli community.

Inspirational Stories of Transformation

Liyana Farhanah, Director of Cemerlang Tani, expressed gratitude for the program’s support, stating, “I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from the programme, which has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.”

The showcase will highlight several projects, including The Kenyang Project by Remnant Social Enterprise, Cemerlang Tani, and Nova Liquids, showcasing how these initiatives address food insecurity, empower farmers, and mitigate environmental concerns related to oil palm mill wastewater discharge.

Juliana Adam, CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, expressed joy in witnessing the growth of these organizations, stating, “It’s truly inspiring to see how much these organizations have contributed to their own spaces in sustainability and ultimately the journey to bettering the environment and creating a sustainable future.”

Register Your Interest

For those eager to witness the transformative impact of these environmental champions, the public is encouraged to register their interest to attend the Alam Fest: A Celebration of Sustainability Showcase. More information and registration details can be found here. Join us in celebrating Perak’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.