ARC Challenge: 3 UK-Malaysia partnerships receive grants

THE British Council’s ARC Challenge Malaysia Grant aims to create dialogue and contextualise climate change. It is also offering solutions that create awareness among youth and cultural rights between the UK and Malaysia.

ARC stands for ‘Awareness, Resilience and Collaboration’ in response to climate change.

The organisation recently announced the recipients for the grant during its ARC Challenge Malaysia Forum 1 – Youth, Climate Change and Cultural Rights.

The three winners of the grant are:

• 'Weaving Hopes for the Future’ by Klima Action Malaysia and Students for Global Health from the UK. The project is an arts and culture response to climate degradation. It is focused on empowering Orang Asli (indigenous) youths about climate change and climate action.  
• ‘Visioning the Future & Story Telling for Climate Change’ project by neOOne Associates and SEA International CIC in Scotland. With a focus on communication and aligning their plans and goals for climate change through a virtual impact festival.
• ‘Ripple – Responsible Innovation Plastics Project for Life and Environment’ by Biji-Biji Initiative and Falmouth University. It is about finding meaningful design opportunities. The aim is to transform waste through new product innovation, behavioural shifts and novel manufacture.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia His Excellency Charles Hay, who was in attendance at the virtual event, said: “Whether it is through education, technology,  the arts, sciences or law – young people far and wide are tapping into their skills and wisdom to speak up for climate action.

“Climate change is not just the role of scientists and researchers. And not just the strategic priority of governments and policymakers, or the economic consideration of corporate players. We are all affected by the impacts of climate, and some more so than others.”

Also present was Professor Dr Joy Jacqueline Pereira from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, London-based charity Julie’s Bicycle director Alison Tickell, and representatives from youth groups, students, non-governmental organisations and the general public. It was moderated by journalist Sharaad Kuttan.

“The British Council, as the UK’s international cultural relations organisation, will continue to bring awareness around climate change issues, with more activities leading to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and beyond,” said British Council Malaysia Director Jazreel Goh.

“We will increase young people’s access to dialogues and debates on climate change beyond typical climate change circles and help global leaders and policymakers understand the needs and concerns of young people.”

The ARC Malaysia Challenge is part of the cultural programme activities in the build-up to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which the UK is hosting from November 1 to 12, 2021.

The three grant recipients will be presenting their projects at the second forum on March 25, 2021. For more information about the ARC Challenge, visit https://www.britishcouncil.my/arc-challenge-malaysia. – The Vibes, February 6, 2021