In the heart of AIU, five second-year Bachelor of Business Administration students, Fazlina (Malaysia), Annisa (Malaysia), Muhamad Izzat (Malaysia), and Zaliha (Malaysia), together with Ousman Ceesay (Gambia), embarked on a transformative journey. Their shared passion for sustainability and innovation led to the "E-ProTech" project, a venture dedicated to reducing electronic waste and promoting responsible recycling and upcycling of electronic items.
A startling reality confronted the team where the average cell phone user replaced their device regularly, contributing to a mounting electronic waste crisis. Most are ended up in landfills, releasing toxic substances like mercury and lead into the environment. Fueled by a determination to address this issue, E-ProTech emerged with a mission to rewrite the story of electronic waste, saving landfill space, and preventing environmental pollution.
E-ProTech drew inspiration from the urgent need to combat improper disposal of electronics, driven by a desire to mitigate climate change's impact and foster responsible technology use. However, E-ProTech aimed for more than recycling; their vision extended to breathing new life into discarded electronics. They aim to craft beautiful and functional products from broken items, aligning with their commitment to sustainability.
With a clear vision, E-ProTech is setting out to make a difference. They have engaged their community by establishing e-waste collection points and knocking on doors to raise awareness of responsible disposal. These efforts yielded a collection of electronic items and a growing understanding of the importance of proper waste management. The team designed e-waste collection boxes around the university, encouraging students to contribute their broken electronics. Despite setbacks and a lack of sponsors, their dedication and progress fueled their determination to create lasting change for the environment and the community.
E-ProTech envisions partnerships with local government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and technology companies to amplify their impact. They aimed to continue educational initiatives, fostering environmental consciousness. E-ProTech's aspirations soared. They dreamt of a world where electronic waste is significantly reduced, contributing to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future. They aimed to inspire others through dedication and innovation, proving that even a small group of determined individuals can profoundly impact the world around them.