In a distinguished feat of environmental advocacy and journalistic excellence, UTAR students Sew Yun Qian and Tan Jie Ying secured second place at the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) International 2024–2025 Competition. The award, presented in June 2025 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, recognised their video campaign titled Medication Disposal, which highlights the importance of proper disposal practices.
The two second-year students from the Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Honours) programme at the Faculty of Creative Industries represented Malaysia on the global stage, contending with submissions from youth across 20 economies. Their entry, shortlisted alongside 37 winning projects globally, stood out for its compelling exploration of the environmental hazards posed by improper medication disposal—a frequently neglected issue with far-reaching consequences for water quality and public health.
The campaign, developed under the mentorship of UTAR Mass Communication lecturer Ms Khor Gee Khing, employed field interviews and expert insights to shed light on the dangers of flushing or discarding expired medicines incorrectly. Through engaging storytelling and evidence-based reporting, the students offered practical solutions to a problem that affects both individual habits and broader environmental safety. Their work not only earned them first place nationally in Malaysia’s 2024 National Young Reporters for the Environment (NYRE) competition but also propelled them to international recognition, where their success was reaffirmed.
Reflecting on their journey, the students shared, “We joined this competition because we believe in the power of awareness. While taking medicine is part of our daily lives, many are unaware of how their disposal habits could harm the environment. Winning internationally has been an immensely rewarding validation of our message and commitment to responsible journalism.”
The NYRE competition, administered locally by the Green Growth Asia Foundation, serves as Malaysia’s platform within the global YRE programme. It encourages youth aged 10–24 to use journalism, photography, and videography to spotlight environmental challenges and inspire change. Sew and Tan’s success exemplifies the essence of this mission by empowering youth to be both storytellers and solution-seekers.
In addition to their international recognition, the students received national-level prizes including trophies, e-certificates, YRE-themed apparel, and an eco-tourism experience at The Datai, Langkawi from 14 to 16 July 2025. At the international level, they were awarded certificates by FEE, joining a celebrated cohort of young changemakers from around the world.
Commending her students’ initiative and diligence, Ms Khor said, “Their project reflects not only strong academic values but also a deep sense of civic and ecological responsibility. This achievement highlights the calibre of our students and the transformative role of education in advancing sustainable practices.”
This accomplishment stands as a testament to UTAR’s commitment to nurturing ethical communicators and environmentally conscious leaders. It reinforces the University’s mission to foster critical inquiry and social accountability through quality education. As UTAR students continue to champion impactful narratives, their voices echo far beyond campus, reshaping perspectives, inspiring action, and affirming the power of informed youth leadership.
Tan Jie Ying (left) and Sew Yun Qian with their certificates
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