2026 October THINAI Programme Engagement in Kedah State, Malaysia

As part of the THINAI programme exploration and community engagement initiative in Malaysia, we visited Kedah State and held three important meetings with educational institutions, community organisations and individuals who have demonstrated an interest in sustainability initiatives.

These interactions were encouraging and indicated a strong willingness among local stakeholders to collaborate with JOBA in implementing the THINAI programme.

1. Meeting with Saraswathi Tamil School, Sungai Petani

We visited Saraswathi Tamil School in Sungai Petani and met school Principal Mr. Jeyandaran Marimuthu and two teachers, Ms. Sarasu Chelvam and Ms. Anita Lethimoney

- The school has received the prestigious Eco-School Green Flag in recognition of its environmental initiatives.

- The teachers have already implemented several environmental and sustainability projects within the school.

- When we introduced the THINAI programme, particularly its integrated approach to sustainability education and community engagement, both teachers immediately understood its vision and objectives.

- They expressed their willingness to join the THINAI initiative and become Sustainability Master Trainers (SMTs).

Their existing experience in environmental education provides a strong foundation for expanding THINAI activities from the school to the wider community.

2. Meeting with Lions Club of Alor Setar

Our second meeting was held in Alor Setar with Ms. Carmen and Ms. Lithitia  Teh, Sustainability Program in-charge of the Lions Club of Alor Setar Central.

The Lions Club has already been actively involved in several sustainability initiatives, including:

- Cleaning and restoring rivers.

- Engaging local communities in environmental activities.

- Contributing professional expertise and volunteer support to address community needs.

During the meeting, Mr. Manoharan introduced the THINAI programme and explained its community-centred approach to sustainability education and action.

Ms. Carmen, who also runs a yoga centre that attracts people interested in health, well-being and community activities, showed interest in the programme. The Lions Club Ms. Lithitia  Teh, also recognised the potential for collaboration.

This meeting highlighted an opportunity to connect existing community service networks with THINAI's Sustainability Master Trainer model and community-led initiatives.

3. Meeting with Madam Shanti

Our third meeting was with Madam Shanti, who previously served as the Director of Human Resources at Al-Bukhary International University (AIU) and was associated with the Al-Bukhary institutional complex.

She is also the daughter of the renowned Malaysian Tamil poet, Kavignar Karikizhaar, who has made significant contributions to Tamil literature in Malaysia.

During our interaction, we introduced the THINAI vision and its emphasis on integrating traditional wisdom, contemporary knowledge, sustainability values and community participation.

Madam Shanti expressed interest in joining the initiative as a Sustainability Master Trainer (SMT) and contributing to its development.

Overall Observations and Outcomes

The three meetings in Kedah provided encouraging indications of the growing interest in THINAI among individuals and organisations with different backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Some important observations are:

1. Existing sustainability experience: The school and Lions Club have already undertaken environmental and community-oriented activities. THINAI can help strengthen and integrate these efforts.

2. Readiness to become trainers: The teachers and Madam Shanti expressed interest in becoming Sustainability Master Trainers.

3. Community networks: The Lions Club and Ms. Carmen's yoga centre offer potential networks for mobilising volunteers and community participation.

4. Cross-sector collaboration: The meetings demonstrated opportunities to connect schools, voluntary organisations, professionals and individuals through a common sustainability education framework.

Conclusion

The Kedah visit reinforced our understanding that THINAI does not need to begin by creating entirely new activities in every community. Instead, it can identify, connect, strengthen and integrate existing good practices while encouraging people to take greater ownership of local sustainability challenges.

The interest shown by the teachers, Lions Club representatives and Madam Shanti is a positive step towards developing a network of Sustainability Master Trainers in Kedah.

The emerging direction is to move beyond sustainability awareness and training towards community-led education and action, where individuals, institutions and communities work together to build a sustainable way of life for people and the planet.

This is precisely the kind of collaborative foundation that JOBA hopes to develop through THINAI.

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