UTAR team shines on global stage at EDUtech Planet Protectors Challenge 2025

Three innovative members from UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS)—Master of Philosophy (Social Science) student Goon Jae Ann and Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations graduates Ms Chen Zhi Shan and Ms Rachel Lim Zhi Qian—made Malaysia proud when their team, S.U.P. Tracker, emerged as second runner-up in the Judges’ Choice Category (Higher Education) at the EDUtech Planet Protectors Challenge 2025.

Held in partnership with Google for Education, this regional competition attracted over 200 teams from across Asia, reflecting the region’s growing creativity and commitment to sustainability. Centred on this year’s theme, Conquering Overconsumption, the challenge highlighted the urgency of addressing modern consumer habits and their environmental impact.

Team S.U.P. Tracker stood out with their forward-thinking solution — an interactive mobile app designed to tackle the overconsumption of single-use plastics (SUPs). The app addresses the escalating problem of SUP pollution by empowering individuals to track, reduce, and rethink their plastic consumption. It provides practical tools to help users build sustainable habits, encouraging personal accountability for environmental impact. With main features such as daily SUP and SUP alternative consumption tracking through photo uploads, peer support systems, and real-time eco-rewards, S.U.P. Tracker encourage users to become more mindful of their everyday choices and their consequences for the planet. At its core, the team’s ideology is simple yet powerful: “To know how much harm one has brought to the environment is to know how much SUPs one has consumed.”

Their innovative solution earned them a place in the EDUtech Planet Protectors Grand Finale, held during EDUtech Asia 2025 on 5 and 6 November 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore. There, they presented their concept through a live demonstration, poster showcase, working prototype, and teaser video, receiving strong recognition from global educators, technologists, investors, and sustainability advocates.

Beyond the competition, EDUtech Asia 2025 gathered over 8,000 educators, innovators, and technology leaders for two days of collaboration and discovery. The event featured more than 200 EdTech providers unveiling cutting-edge educational tools, and over 100 educators sharing classroom innovations, and immersive experiences in AI, XR, and gamified learning, further highlighting the transformative role of technology in education and sustainability.

UTAR FAS lecturer and Project Advisor, Dr Diong Fong Wei, shared her pride and optimism, “Having the opportunity to present our idea and innovation on an international stage is truly a dream come true for me and my students. Securing the second runner-up position at such a prestigious event signifies not just international recognition, but also a tremendous boost of confidence. It inspires us to continue striving for excellence and to champion environmental sustainability. We want to tell the world that the climate crisis is real, and we are serious about saving our planet.”

Project Leader Goon added, “I must say the event has transcended a simple pitch, becoming a valuable exchange of groundbreaking ideas and instrumental dialogues with key industry players. The journey has been inspiring, demonstrating how tackling sustainability issues can be powerfully amplified in this era of AI. This has reinforced our conviction that our generation can be the change. The S.U.P. Tracker is our direct response to this call. It is more than an app; it’s our pledge to turn conviction into action and empower everyone to become part of the solution.”

Meanwhile, Chen reflected, “I still can’t believe that an idea we came up with just eight months ago has turned into a real application. Building on my previous campaign, ‘We Want No Plastic: We Are Fantastic Without Plastic’, I’ve always been passionate about tackling plastic overconsumption and creating lasting change. Representing Malaysia on the international stage is an incredible honour, and I hope our journey inspires other young people to dream boldly, stay committed, and see that even small actions can spark meaningful change in their communities. It was truly inspiring to witness the creativity and dedication of institutions from other countries. Each participating team had its own meaningful mission, addressing issues from the overconsumption of textiles, food, and cosmetics to digital excesses on the internet. I am deeply grateful for all the support we have received throughout this journey. Feedback from industry professionals has given us fresh perspectives and motivated us to reflect, refine, and explore the future possibilities for our ideas.”

Lastly, Rachel Lim said, “It is an honour that our team truly challenged ourselves and achieved a milestone at the international level competition. Throughout the exhibition, we had the opportunity to meet professionals and experts from the education, technology, and business industries. This experience has broadened my perspective and strengthened my passion for becoming a better communicator and PR professional in my career.”

The team also extended their appreciation to Dr Aun Yichiet from UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) for his invaluable guidance, expertise, and technical support in helping bring the prototype to life. Their heartfelt thanks also go to Persatuan Pencinta Kelestarian Alam Kampar Perak and Mr Daniel Wa, whose generous support and belief in the team made this achievement possible.