UN Environment Day inspires community-led green solutions

In celebration of the United Nations (UN) Environment Day, the lush grounds of GCC Farm in Bentong played host to Sustainability Day 2025, a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia), and Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini. The event, held under this year’s UN theme “Our Land. Our Future. We Are #GenerationRestoration,” was more than just a green showcase—it was a working demonstration of how everyday Malaysians can contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration.

Participants were introduced to two sustainable and scalable solutions: aquaponics farming and organic composting. These methods provide low-carbon, community-friendly approaches to tackling food insecurity, climate change, and waste management.

“Sustainability Day is about more than awareness—it’s about action,” said Rebecca Lai, President of SIROM. “Aquaponics and composting provide scalable, low-carbon impact solutions to food waste, water conservation, and urban farming challenges. These practices demonstrate how communities can take charge of their own sustainability.”

From waste to wealth

The demonstrations were as educational as they were empowering. Aquaponics—an integrated system combining aquaculture and hydroponics—was showcased as a powerful farming method that uses up to 90% less water than conventional agriculture. At the same time, organic composting took the spotlight as a practical way to turn everyday kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, thereby reducing landfill dependency and boosting biodiversity.

The synergy of these two methods represents a future-forward model of food production that supports Malaysia’s broader sustainability agenda, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The event featured interactive stations, workshops, and community dialogues—providing hands-on learning and sparking conversations around sustainable living, especially in urban and semi-urban settings.

Partnerships that power progress

For HEINEKEN Malaysia, the event represented a continuation of its long-standing commitment to community resilience and environmental stewardship. Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, highlighted the significance of grassroots collaboration.

“At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe true progress begins at the grassroots,” she said. “Our partnership with Soroptimist International began in 2017 and has been a testament to the power of community-driven change, where food security, sustainability, and women’s empowerment come together to build resilient futures. Together, we’re not just growing crops, we’re cultivating opportunity and long-term impact.”

The company’s Brew a Better World strategy focuses on climate action and inclusive community development, making events like Sustainability Day vital touchpoints for real-world impact.

Sokong and SIROM

Puteri Afiqah Mazelan, Community & Marketing Manager of Sokong by Yayasan Malaysiakini, underscored the importance of linking grassroots efforts with wider community support. “At Sokong, we’re proud to connect changemakers and grassroots organisations who are doing the real work on the ground. Sustainability Day is a great example of how collective action—supported by strong partnerships—can spark long-term change.”

As a digital platform focused on fundraising and impact amplification, Sokong plays a crucial role in bridging civil society, donors, and advocacy groups with ground-level initiatives like those featured during Sustainability Day.

SIROM, a key organising force, has long advocated for women’s empowerment through sustainable development. Their presence at the event reaffirms their commitment to environmental education and inclusive progress.

Sustainability Day 2025 was more than a one-off event—it was a blueprint for the future. With practical solutions, engaged citizens, and cross-sector collaboration, the initiative demonstrated that building a greener, more resilient Malaysia is possible from the ground up

Hand in hand, HEINEKEN Malaysia, Sokong, and SIROM are helping plant the seeds of long-term transformation. Through aquaponics, composting, and sustained community involvement, they are proving that climate action doesn’t require monumental gestures—just committed hands, open minds, and shared purpose.