Photo credit: Canva
Green practices must start from young—and SMK Kampong Kastam in Seberang Perai is a shining example of how environmental education can transform lives. Once known as a notorious school, it has undergone a remarkable transformation and now attracts more students, with enrolment continuing to rise each year. Named the 2024 Penang Green Council’s Green Schools Award winner, the school is celebrated not only for its academic improvement but also for its strong commitment to sustainability.[1]
Instilling green practices in schools is essential, as it lays the foundation for environmentally responsible behaviour from an early age. When students are actively involved in hands-on sustainability efforts—such as gardening, recycling, and conserving resources—they develop a deeper understanding of ecological issues and learn to become proactive problem-solvers. Green education also nurtures values like responsibility, collaboration, and innovation, which benefit students well beyond the classroom.
Under the leadership of principal R. Sugumaran, SMK Kampong Kastam has introduced impactful initiatives such as the ‘One Class, One Garden’ programme and the ‘Own Water Bottle’ policy. These programmes not only teach students about sustainability but also engage them in meaningful activities that foster creativity and environmental awareness. Each club and class maintains its own garden using recycled materials and cultivates edible plants. The school also champions energy and water conservation, earning recognition from the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).[2]
In 2024, the school secured second place in the national-level Edible Garden contest at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) and hosted the International Best Practices Sharing Session (IBPSS), connecting with schools across Asia. As teacher Lydia Lirek noted, “Taking care of the environment has become a way of life.”[3]
The success of SMK Kampong Kastam offers important lessons on how education and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand. More than just a school initiative, it highlights how students can come together to shape a greener future. Activities such as composting, tree planting, and practicing sustainable living not only enhance environmental awareness but also foster teamwork, life skills, and a shared sense of purpose.
These student-driven green efforts support the Penang2030 vision of creating a “family-focused, green and smart state.” They offer valuable hands-on learning experiences that increase awareness of food security, environmental stewardship, and basic financial literacy—essential skills for future urban farming and eco-enterprise ventures. By embedding these practices into both school and community life, we can nurture a culture of sustainability that benefits both current and future generations.
Ultimately, SMK Kampong Kastam shows what is possible when a school becomes more than a place for academic achievement. It becomes a living, breathing example of sustainability in action; empowering students to grow into responsible, environmentally conscious citizens who are ready to make a difference.
Footnotes
- Lim Min Jun & K.H. Ong. (2025). SMK Kampong Kastam’s journey from struggles to success.
https://www.buletinmutiara.com/smk-kampong-kastams-journey-from-struggles-to-success/ - See Footnote 1.
- See Footnote 1.