Curtin Malaysia students explore eco-tourism potential and sustainability practices at Eye 1 Recycle

Miri, Sarawak – 2 October 2024 – In a strong demonstration of Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) commitment to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Business and Tourism students of its Faculty of Business went on an educational field trip to Eye 1 Recycle (Miri), Miri’s leading recycling centre. The visit offered students a firsthand look at how sustainable practices can drive both environmental stewardship and innovative tourism opportunities in the region.

This field trip was part of Curtin Malaysia’s strategic approach to experiential learning, embedding sustainability into its curriculum while encouraging students to engage directly with real-world challenges. It reflects the university’s focus on sustainability in education, equipping students to not only understand but actively contribute to achieving the SDGs.

Led by Dr. Ho Jie Min, a lecturer in the Department of Management and Marketing, and Discipline Lead for Marketing and Tourism Programmes at the Faculty of Business, the visit centred around exploring how environmental sustainability can align with eco-tourism to transform local economies.

“This visit allowed our students to witness how businesses like Eye 1 Recycle are addressing environmental issues through sustainable practices while also creating eco-tourism potential for Miri. It’s critical for our students to see how such innovations can shape both the business and tourism sectors,” said Dr Ho.

The students toured the facility and engaged in activities ranging from observing recycling machinery in action to exploring secondhand items and antiques. However, the most impactful part of the visit was a hands-on demonstration of the Eco Bricks initiative, an effort that has not only earned recognition for sustainability but could set a Guinness World Record for the number of eco-bricks produced.

Bryan Chia, owner of Eye 1 Recycle, spoke about the synergy between plastic waste management and tourism, shedding light on how sustainability can elevate Miri’s eco-tourism potential. “Plastic pollution directly impacts the image of a city, and our goal is to show how recycling can turn waste into opportunity. We also want students to see how corporate social responsibility initiatives like ours, which focus on hiring disadvantaged communities, are vital to creating a sustainable future,” said Chia.

He also unveiled plans for a proposed Green Park in Miri, a future hub for eco-friendly recreational activities that will highlight the importance of environmental preservation while boosting tourism.

For Curtin Malaysia, the field trip was not just an academic exercise but a crucial learning experience that aligns with the university’s dedication to the SDGs, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The university’s ongoing efforts to create sustainability-conscious graduates ensure that these future leaders will have the tools to integrate environmental considerations into business and tourism practices.

This initiative further cements Curtin Malaysia’s role as a leading educational institution promoting sustainability-driven learning, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to a more sustainable future, both locally and globally.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Students actively participate in a sharing session, gaining insights into plastic pollution, eco-tourism, and Eye 1 Recycle’s CSR efforts

Students explore sustainable business practices and eco-tourism opportunities during their visit to Eye 1 Recycle