Canon launches children’s environmental book for Earth Day 2023

In conjunction with the upcoming Earth Day, Canon Marketing Malaysia (Canon) joined hands with the Department of Environment (DOE), Selangor, and Canon Opto Malaysia to maximise their advocacy for environmental awareness among the younger generation and inspire eco-consciousness. 

Canon’s collaboration with Malaysian author and illustrator, Nor Azhar Ishak, on the book, “A Kid’s Guide to Save Planet Earth”, is a show of the company’s enthusiastic support for the local creative community on top of its commitment to environmentalism.

The event, which was held at the Raja Tun Uda Library, Shah Alam, was also attended by representatives from the Selangor Education Department, Selangor District Education Office, Selangor Public Library Corporation and selected students from schools around Selangor.

Five hundred copies of the newly launched book will be distributed to selected schools within the state of Selangor which puts homegrown creative talents such as Nor Azhar at the forefront while cultivating sustainable lifestyles and inspiring the next generation to actively participate in the conservation of the planet. 

This book is aimed at empowering children to understand the impact of human actions on the environment and highlights actionable yet poignant steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle through vivid illustrations and whimsical storytelling.

“Canon is thrilled to launch this campaign as we take sustainability and the education of it very seriously. Last year, we adopted 35 trees at Taman Tugu as part of our 35th anniversary. For this campaign, we explored a more creative way to embody our ongoing commitment to the ‘Kyosei’ philosophy. We are also honoured to have the Department of Environment, Selangor as a collaborative partner of this book launch to help enlighten the younger generation about eco-consciousness,” added Shunji. 

Environmental awareness advocacy

There to officiate the event was Nor Aziah Jaafar, Director of the Department of Environment, Selangor. As a prominent figure in environmental advocacy, Nor Aziah’s presence is a testament to the significance of the monumental event and emphasises Selangor’s commitment to promoting the sustainable practices while highlighting the role of every individual in conserving the environment.

“We are grateful for this collaboration with the Department of Environment, Selangor and Nor Azhar as it personifies Canon’s ‘Kyosei’ philosophy of the importance of living and working together for the common good while contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of carbon neutrality. This project, which is part of our Canon Young Readers Programme, is aimed at promoting low carbon footprint lifestyles in line with the government’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,” commented Shunji Yoshikai, the President and CEO of Canon Marketing Malaysia. 

Nor Aziah has also officiated the 2023 Earth Day celebrations at the Selangor state level, which is celebrated on April 22 every year by people around the world.

Yang Berhormat Hee Loy Sian, Chairman of the Selangor tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs committee, said, “As we celebrate Earth Day, it is heartening to see Canon’s commitment to environmental conservation through its latest book campaign which is a significant effort to inspire eco-consciousness and cultivate sustainable lifestyles among the younger generation. The union of education for the next generation, along with support for local creative talents and the promotion of environmentalism is a commendable effort by Canon.”

The book is just one example of Canon’s environmental awareness advocacy among its other green initiatives. Canon Opto Malaysia has been recognised as the DOE’s Strategic Environmental Partner for having worked hand-in-hand on many environmental awareness-focused programmes in secondary schools and universities such as mini carnivals, tree planting, and e-waste recycling programmes.

Through this collaborative effort, the book offers valuable insights for the younger generation to reflect on our collective responsibility to safeguard Mother Nature.