AIESEC in Kedah-Perlis Launches “17 Horizon 1.0” Youth Development Project in Langkawi, Kedah
News and photos Raymond Bong Ik Lung
LANGKAWI, 7 December 2025: AIESEC in Kedah-Perlis carried out 17 Horizon 1.0, a youth development initiative focused on SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, recently.
The project brought together 14 volunteers from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) to collaborate with NGOs, schools, and community organisations across Langkawi. Inspired by the idea of limitless potential and growth, “Horizon” symbolises the project’s mission to empower youth through collaboration and meaningful community impact.
The initiative strengthened the capacity of local NGOs and grassroots organisations through four educational tracks: Sustainable Living, Ocean & Marine Life, Wildlife & Forestry, and Refugee Youth Education. In partnership with Kansha Life Project Langkawi, volunteers learned about waste segregation, composting, recycling, and the creation of Plabric—a fabric produced from recycled plastic. They later shared this knowledge with refugee children at The Tree House Society, conducting lessons on sustainability, creativity, and confidence-building.
Through collaboration with The Datai Langkawi, volunteers were introduced to marine conservation efforts, including coral rehabilitation and circular waste systems. They also gained hands-on experience at Underwater World Langkawi, where they assisted with animal care and operational tasks. These insights were later shared with students at SJK(C) Min Nam Langkawi, enriching their understanding of marine ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
Under the Wildlife and Forestry Education track, volunteers at Kebun Lisdtari took part in biodiversity mapping, compost-making, and eco-cleanser production. This knowledge was subsequently shared with students of SJK(C) Chung Hwa Langkawi, fostering greater awareness of ecological preservation. The project also included a beach clean-up conducted with Trash Hero and The Frangipani Langkawi Resort, followed by an awareness booth at Underwater World Langkawi on 30 August to showcase the project’s outcome.
Beyond educational workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, the project also championed hands-on environmental action. The beach clean-up, organised with Trash Hero and The Frangipani Langkawi Resort, highlighted the importance of community-driven environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, the awareness booth inside Underwater World Langkawi, provided an engaging platform for the public to learn about the environmental issues addressed by 17 Horizon 1.0.
While AIESEC acknowledges that sustaining long-term engagement in rural and coastal communities remains a challenge, 17 Horizon 1.0 reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to nurturing youth leaders who are environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and globally minded. By connecting young people in Kedah-Perlis with real societal issues, the initiative strengthens AIESEC in Kedah-Perlis’ mission to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive Malaysia.
As part of AIESEC Malaysia, the local chapter continues to develop young leaders through international exchange programmes and community impact initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
