Aimed at fostering innovation, knowledge, and expertise in the field of environmental and climate change, UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) in collaboration with the Tzu Chi Foundation of Malaysia, and Lions Club of Tanjung Putra New Century, Penang held the UTAR Environmental Education E-Sports World Cup III for Kampar District on 9 December 2023.

The E-Sports was held online via Zoom and it was moderated by Organising Chairperson ChM Dr Wong Lai Peng, an academic at UTAR FEGT. The Environmental Education E-Sports World Cup III is an international tournament. It was first introduced as the Tzu Chi, PaGamO Environmental Education E-Sports.

The E-Sports aimed to enhance students’ awareness of environmental and climate change issues by combining online learning and offline experimental interactive learning, which converts into actual actions. The event also encouraged the participants to acquire knowledge by answering the questions via online games and build up their right understandings, skills, attitudes and values on environment and crisis defences.

The Organising Chairperson, Dr Wong enthused, “We are indeed glad to become the host for this year’s online tournament. This year, FEGT with the assistance from UTAR Department of Student Affairs has taken the initiative to organise the competition in the Kampar district. The tournament serves as a promotion event in Kampar district for the Tzu Chi, PaGamO Environmental Education E-Sports which will be organised from 1 March to 14 April 2024 including the Online Preliminary Round (1-5 March 2024), Malaysia Final (31 March 2024) and World Cup Final (14 April 2024).

Commencing with a registration session, the event unfolded with a warm welcome speech by UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, representing UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat. In her speech, she said, “UTAR has always been at the forefront of innovation, seeking to provide our students with not just an education but an experience that prepares them for the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Today, we gather to launch a unique initiative that connects environmental consciousness with the digital ability of E-Sports.” She added, “In a world where the pressing issues of climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainability require urgent attention, we believe in leveraging the power of education to make a positive impact. Environmental education is not merely a subject in our curriculum; it is a commitment to fostering a generation that understands, values, and actively contributes to the well-being of our planet. Concurrently, we organise the transformative potential of E-Sports. Gaming is not just a pastime; it is a global phenomenon that brings people together, transcending geographical boundaries. It fosters collaboration, strategic thinking, and resilience – qualities that are not only crucial in the virtual arena but are also highly relevant in addressing real-world challenges.”

Echoing Dr Au Yong’s sentiment, Mr Siow Eik Kwang, on behalf of Mr Koay Ji Yuan, the CEO of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society enthused, “I am very honoured to join hands with UTAR to host this Environmental Education E-Sports World Cup III, a popular E-Sports where participants, compete to solve a variety of environmental-related challenges. This challenge encourages participants to use their skills and knowledge in areas such as environmental science and more to enhance their expertise in a friendly and competitive setting. I would also like to thank UTAR and its organising committee, sponsors, and participants as well as the FEGT academics, staff and students who have made this challenge a success.”

The UTAR Environmental Education E-Sports World Cup III ended with a closing ceremony and a prize-giving ceremony.

“Congratulations to all winners, and to the rest, I congratulate you for your effort and hard work in this challenge. All participants have taken up the challenge and that was a very good effort,” said FEGT Deputy Dean Dr Tan Kok Tat.

The list of winners is as follows:

Champion: Mr Tee Ing Hern
Second Prize: Mr Tee Jia Kiat
Third Prize: Mr Kok How Meng

The Champion from the Faculty of Science walked away with a cash prize worth RM150. The second prize winner from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) won a cash prize of RM100. Last but not least, the third prize winner also from FICT walked away with a cash prize worth RM50.