JOHOR BAHRU: The Iskandar Malaysia Ecolife Challenge (IMELC) continues to strengthen Johor’s position as a pioneer in low-carbon education and climate leadership through innovative partnerships that unite government, academia, industry, and communities.

The initiative complements the Iskandar Malaysia Low Carbon Society Blueprint Climate Action Plan 2030, reinforcing Johor’s vision of a resilient, green regional economy under the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) framework.

“IMELC is not merely a competition—it is a journey of mindset transformation and collective action,” said Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)

“Through education and partnership, IMELC cultivates low-carbon values, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship from a young age. This effort ensures that Johor’s future workforce will not be just skilled but also sustainability minded.”

Since its inception in 2013, IMELC has expanded to all 909 primary schools across Johor, engaging more than 750,000 students through practical sustainability modules that promote low-carbon lifestyles, energy efficiency, and responsible waste management.

Over the years, IMELC has evolved to provide comprehensive exposure to both climate change mitigation and adaptation through modules on 3R awareness (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and natural asset preservation.

Its curriculum further includes school gardens, biodiversity education, and awareness of Ramsar sites and forest reserves, ensuring a holistic understanding of environmental stewardship.

Since 2015, IMELC has successfully reduced some 12 million kilogrammes of carbon emissions, while fostering long-term behavioural change among students and schools. The 2025 cycle saw SK Taman Suria Johor Bahru emerged as the overall IMELC Champion for the fourth time (2016, 2018, 2023, and 2025) – a testament to sustained dedication in implementing low-carbon practices.

While initiating such efforts may be simple, sustaining the momentum and embedding them as a culture represents a far greater achievement.

To further nurture green talent and leadership, IMELC introduced new award categories to celebrate student excellence and initiative. Following months of preparation through school website submissions and project reports, 20 finalist schools competed for the IMELC 2025 Championship Title during the Karnival Iskandar Puteri Rendah Karbon from 24 to 25 October, 2025. The event drew over 6,000 visitors, reflecting the strong interest and commitment of Johor residents in advancing a low-carbon lifestyle.

Students took the lead as presenters, demonstrating their understanding and application of low-carbon lifestyles through interactive challenge stations. Among the highlights were the Best Booth Presenters and Wira Tindakan Iklim Station awards, which assessed students’ spontaneous speaking skills on low-carbon topics, as well as the Low-Carbon Expert Station Champion, where participants were evaluated through problem-solving discussions guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Wheel.

These activities encouraged students to analyse real-world issues and propose actionable solutions aligned with specific SDG targets, demonstrating IMELC’s commitment to cultivating practical and inclusive climate leadership among youth.

Participation from Special Education students, rural schools, and low enrolment schools further reinforce IMELC’s core principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or location has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to climate action and sustainability learning.

This inclusiveness embodies the SDG spirit of “Leaving No One Behind”, making IMELC a model of equitable environmental education that empowers all learners to participate in Johor’s low-carbon journey.

Jointly led by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), IMELC stands as a leading model of how partnerships can drive tangible behavioural change toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Its impact has been amplified through collaborations with strategic partners including Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri (MBIP), SWM Environment Sdn. Bhd., Ranhill SAJ Sdn. Bhd., Majlis Perbandaran Segamat, Heng Hiap Industries Sdn. Bhd., and UNICEF Malaysia.

A study by UTM confirmed that IMELC significantly enhances students’ and teachers’ environmental awareness and green practices, underscoring the transformative role of education in shaping sustainable behaviour and developing the next generation of green leaders.

In recognition of its inclusive and collaborative approach, IMELC was acknowledged as a finalist under the “Power of Partnership” category at the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies and C40 Cities Local Leaders Climate Awards.

This recognition highlights IRDA’s leadership in fostering partnership-driven climate solutions at both regional and international levels.

“We believe meaningful climate action begins with strong partnerships,” Mohd Noorazam added.

“IMELC reflects IRDA’s role in connecting policy with people—linking education, innovation, and community action to advance Johor’s low-carbon ambitions.”

Iskandar Malaysia’s leadership in climate action extends beyond IMELC. The region, which spearheaded Malaysia’s first Low Carbon Society Blueprint in 2012, has since completed a full decade of implementation and earned global recognition as a four- time CDP A List City for climate leadership.

These achievements reaffirm Johor’s position as a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

As Johor transitions toward a greener economy, this collective enthusiasm—driven by education, collaboration, and innovation—strengthens the foundation for cultivating a low- carbon generation of future professionals, doctors, engineers, educators, and leaders who embody sustainability in all that they do.

It also opens new pathways for green employment, nurturing roles such as AgriTech Stewards, Circular Resource Champions, and E-Mobility Pilots who will sustain Johor’s growth as a resilient, low-carbon region and a regional model for sustainable development.

Two participants explaining their project to the judges