Nestlé Malaysia continues to make strides in supporting young students from underprivileged communities through its enhanced Nationwide Back-to-School programme. This year, the initiative goes beyond providing essential school supplies by incorporating the MILO® Energy for Good programme, which focuses on donating durable, eco-friendly classroom furniture and sports equipment made from recycled materials. These efforts specifically target the East Coast regions of Malaysia, which frequently face challenges during the monsoon season. Collectively, this initiative is expected to benefit approximately 4,000 students across the nation.
A Milestone for Kelantan Schools
An official handover ceremony was held at SK Panggong in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, marking it as one of the first schools on the East Coast to receive these essential supplies. Other schools in the region, such as SK Tengku Ampuan Intan, SK Kampung Buloh in Kuala Terengganu, and SK Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, are also set to benefit from this initiative. Notably, SK Durian Burung in Terengganu was the inaugural recipient of these items during a pilot project initiated in October 2024. The programme’s expansion reflects Nestlé’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts for students in vulnerable areas.
Sustainability and Education: A Unified Mission
Speaking at the event, Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized the importance of education and sustainability.MILO Energy “Every child’s education is vital, and we are keenly aware of the unique challenges faced by communities on the East Coast due to floods that disrupt normal school activities. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable solutions can create a meaningful impact in vulnerable communities,” he stated.
The MILO Energy for Good programme, integrated with this year’s Back-to-School initiative, exemplifies this approach. By transforming used UHT beverage cartons into recycled materials, Nestlé has created durable school furniture and sports equipment designed to better withstand flooding. These innovative materials are produced through the CAREton Project, a collaboration between Nestlé Malaysia and Tetra Pak. Since its inception in 2012, the project has successfully recycled over 5,400 tonnes of used beverage cartons—equivalent to more than 420 million UHT packs.
“By combining our Back-to-School programme with sustainable innovation, MILO Energy we are committed to improving the learning experience of students. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to supporting Malaysian communities in ways that foster lasting positive impact while contributing to environmental sustainability,” Aranols added.
Community Collaboration for a Brighter Future
The initiative has garnered strong support from local leaders and educators. Tuan Hj. Silmi Bin Tuan Ismail, District Education Officer of Pasir Puteh, expressed his appreciation for the programme, saying,MILO Energy “The contributions from Nestlé Malaysia reflect a collective commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, ensuring that our children have the necessary tools to thrive. MILO Energy Furthermore, the durability of the sustainable furniture provided will assist schools in managing resources effectively, as well as demonstrating to students how innovation can address community challenges.”
School Headmaster Encik Nai’m bin Ibrahim echoed these sentiments. MILO Energy “We are incredibly grateful for Nestlé Malaysia’s generous donation. MILO Energy These supplies and sustainable furniture will enhance our students’ learning environment while inspiring them to appreciate the importance of sustainability. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children,” he remarked.
Expanding the Reach of Support
Building on previous years’ efforts, the 2024–2025 Nationwide Back-to-School programme by Nestlé Cares is designed to address the needs of approximately 4,000 students, many of whom come from low-income families, single-parent households, and flood-affected communities. MILO Energy The support includes essential items such as uniforms, socks, shoes, and stationery to ensure students have a bright start to the new academic year. Additionally, food and beverage products are provided to nourish their families.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability and Education
Nestlé’s initiative goes beyond immediate educational support by promoting environmental sustainability.MILO Energy By recycling used materials to create durable furniture and sports equipment, the programme addresses waste management while providing practical solutions for schools. The CAREton Project, a cornerstone of this initiative, underscores Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable innovation. Since 2012, this collaboration with Tetra Pak has made significant strides in reducing waste and repurposing materials, setting a benchmark for corporate environmental responsibility.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The integration of sustainability into the educational framework also serves as a powerful tool to inspire the next generation. By showcasing how everyday materials can be transformed into valuable resources, the programme encourages students to think critically about environmental issues and develop innovative solutions. This aligns with Nestlé’s broader mission to create shared value for both society and the planet.
Strengthening Community Resilience
The programme’s focus on the East Coast regions highlights Nestlé’s understanding of local challenges. The monsoon season often disrupts school activities in these areas, leaving students and educators struggling to maintain a stable learning environment. By providing durable, flood-resistant furniture and essential supplies, Nestlé aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure that students can continue their education without unnecessary interruptions.
Read more: Nestlé Introduces MILO Energy for Good in Kelantan to Support Young Students
