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The Journey

Driven by our shared belief in creating sustainable impact, we embarked on a transformative journey as Fellows and Champions from Malaysia to the prestigious One Million Leaders Asia (OMLAS) program.

This global movement aims to graduate 7,500 sustainable leaders and support 100 community projects worldwide. In 2024, the program's influence was evident with 17,000 registrations and nearly 8,000 submissions from 107 countries. From this remarkable pool, 420 Fellows were selected, including 170 young leaders from over 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific, who undertook a life-changing 9-month experience guided by NELIS (Next Leaders' Initiative for Sustainability).


Meet the OMLAS Leaders from Malaysia

The OMLAS Champions and Fellows, a dynamic group of 22 passionate individuals, have completed a transformative fellowship, equipping us with in-depth knowledge of sustainability. United by a shared vision, we are committed to driving impactful activities across Malaysia, inspiring awareness and changing hearts and minds to embrace the movement towards a sustainable future. Together, we aim to lead by example and empower others to join this critical journey. #SustainableMalaysia 

The Birth of Sustainable ARTivism

My name is Sugaanesh Ganesan, and I am from Melaka, a city renowned for its rich heritage and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Growing up amidst this cultural and historical tapestry, I have always believed that Melaka has more to offer to the world, a vision not just rooted in its past but inspired by its potential for a sustainable future.


During this journey, our Fellow Irwin Raj and I had the privilege to nominate and collaborate with 22 remarkable Champions. Together, we embraced the five pillars that underpin the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. Inspired by this framework, we envisioned a project that would not only raise awareness but also drive action and this vision materialized as Sustainable ARTivism.

The project is deeply rooted in Melaka’s identity and aspirations. Through 17 sustainable art installations, each representing one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to unite and inspire the people of Melaka. These installations will act as powerful symbols, fostering dialogue and instilling a sense of responsibility, particularly among younger millennials who are the future stewards of a sustainable Melaka.

Objectives

Sustainable ARTivisim aims to achieve the following objectives through the program, which will be conducted over several months.

  1. Raise Awareness: Sustainable ARTivisim aims to raise awareness through interactive art tools that will excite the participants and the community to learn and understand Malaysia's sustainability practices in biodiversity and circular economy areas.

  2. Inspiring Sustainability Intent:  Sustainable ARTivisim will allow participants to build a sense of appreciation, responsibility and accountability towards the environment and regenerative practices that will enable the future generation to experience the natural wonders in Malaysia.

  3. Designing Regenerative Solutions: By engaging local advocates and social enterprises, the projects aim to deliver collaborative initiatives in which the participants will participate, eventually become advocates themselves, and initiate further activities within their community. We aim for this program to be scalable and transferable beyond OMLAS.

  4. Executing Sustainable Action: We aim to promote sustainable practices inspired by the arts. The collective arts are open to interpretation by our participants, who will translate the meaning of sustainability into their daily lives.

  5. Sustainable Advocacy: We aim to work and partner with businesses that promote sustainability and for our participants to communicate their sustainability intents and achievements with the local community.

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Empowering the Future

Our vision extends beyond artistic expressions to establishing a Learning Centre for Sustainability. This center will serve as a hub where OMLAS, government organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions collaborate to make sustainable education abundant and accessible. It will inspire innovation, cultivate knowledge, and become a beacon for sustainability efforts that extend beyond Melaka’s borders. This Learning Centre has the potential to position the city as a global model for eco-tourism and sustainability, drawing attention to its forward-thinking initiatives.

We envision a space where young minds are nurtured, creativity is unleashed, and sustainability becomes a way of life. This dream is not merely an ambition but a tangible goal we are eager to achieve.

Collaborations with:

NGO: Heritage Melaka Youth Sustainable Leaders 

(Malay) (2)NGO Approval

Vision: 

To cultivate a sustainable and united youth community in Melaka that champions the preservation of cultural heritage.

Mission:

To empower Melaka's youth through initiatives that promote sustainability, strengthen unity, and preserve cultural heritage. This includes organizing impactful programs, fostering leadership, and managing heritage-focused events in collaboration with relevant authorities.