AdminFrom 14 to 18 May, 1 Mont Kiara transformed into a hub of climate creativity as the H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Planet Everyday) event brought together families, children, and sustainability advocates for a week-long celebration. Among the highlights was the Eco Story-Telling Contest held on 18 May, where young participants captivated audiences with original tales under the theme “The Magic of Sustainability.”
The contest showcased children aged 12 and under, whose stories included talking pandas, enchanted forests, and everyday eco-heroes. Their performances brimmed with imagination and heartfelt messages about the environment. Eight-year-old Felice Cheng Yok Yuan emerged as the champion with a powerful story promoting the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Dressed in a safari-themed outfit and wielding a bright orange reusable tote bag, Felice impressed both judges and the audience with her poise and clarity, earning RM500 worth of cash and prizes.
Other winners included Jaseena Mirsab (First Runner-up) and Xavier Chisom Ming Umeh Ang (Second Runner-up), while five others received consolation prizes for their spirited contributions.
Recycled art showcase
The spirit of sustainability extended beyond words into the realm of visual art. At the heart of the mall’s atrium, 30 selected entries from the H.O.P.E. Recycled Art Exhibition captivated visitors with their ingenuity. Artists of all ages transformed discarded items into stunning creations — from whimsical dioramas to intricate figurines and sculptures.
Winning top honours was 39-year-old Tang Wai Yee, whose piece “Together We Recycle for a Better Future” featured a turtle and whale constructed from cardboard, newspaper, and plastic. The marine-themed display highlighted the dire consequences of ocean pollution, earning Tang RM500 in prizes and the admiration of onlookers.
First and second runners-up, Muhammad Darwisy bin Mohd Azizi and Leong Ee Ten Ethan, also impressed with their thought-provoking works, while five other participants were awarded consolation prizes for their innovative use of waste materials.
Community comes together for climate action
Beyond competitions, the five-day event fostered real-world climate action through interactive workshops and public engagement initiatives. Visitors were invited to drop off their old electronic devices at the E-Waste Collection Corner, and many participated in EcoCraft and Upcycled Leaf Arts & Crafts sessions, learning how to repurpose household items creatively.
Adding a fun twist to the educational experience was Mr Plasticman, the event’s cheerful mascot, who traded reusable tote bags for single-use plastic ones during his walkabouts — a symbolic act promoting sustainable consumer habits.
“H.O.P.E. was created to show that sustainability can be approachable, creative, and community-led,” said Ooi Wai Sheng, Executive for Advertising & Promotions at 1 Mont Kiara. “We were thrilled to see so many families and individuals participate — not just to learn, but to contribute ideas, art, and stories that remind us of our shared role in protecting the planet.”
A greener future on the horizon
The event concluded with a festive award ceremony celebrating the efforts of both young storytellers and eco-artists, underscoring the message that change begins with creativity, conversation, and community.
Organised with the support of partners including the Lions Club of Sunway Damansara Metro, PJ Eco Recycling Plaza, LIFE Initiatives for Environment (LIFE), Project Careton, and Tetra Pak Malaysia, the event encouraged practical steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
Encouraged by strong public interest and positive feedback, 1 Mont Kiara announced its commitment to continuing the H.O.P.E. initiative in the future. Plans are already in motion for upcoming editions aimed at deepening public awareness and engagement on environmental issues.
Jimmy Tan
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