Visit Report: Tzu Chi Recycling Centre, Seremban, Malaysia

3 hours ago

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Date: 22 October 2026

Time: Approximately 10:30 a.m.

1. Introduction

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Mr. Uthi from Seremban accompanied us (Mr. Manoharan and Uyirmeiyyar) on a visit to the Tzu Chi Recycling Centre. The visit provided an opportunity to understand Tzu Chi’s community-based humanitarian work, structured volunteerism, recycling initiatives and educational activities, as well as to explore potential collaboration with JOBA’s THINAI programme.

2. Understanding Tzu Chi’s Mission and Activities

During the visit, Mr. Lee and Mr. Chao introduced us to the history, philosophy and activities of Tzu Chi. Founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi has grown into an international humanitarian organisation guided by the principle of compassion through service and relief.

Its major areas of work include education, healthcare, emergency and disaster relief, and environmental protection. The organisation’s well-structured volunteer network is a notable strength. Its activities are supported significantly by public donations and community participation, demonstrating a strong commitment to self-reliance and collective responsibility.

3. Recycling Centre as a Living Laboratory

We explored the recycling centre, where various discarded materials are collected, sorted and processed for recycling and reuse. The centre also has a dedicated educational space where students can learn about environmental sustainability, the relationship between people and the planet, and responsible resource management.

The centre functions as a living laboratory, providing practical, experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. It demonstrates how environmental awareness can be translated into everyday action through community participation, responsible consumption and resource conservation.

4. Introducing JOBA’s THINAI Programme

We introduced JOBA’s THINAI programme and the THINAI app, highlighting our shared commitment to sustainability, education and community engagement.

We emphasised the importance of engaging children and families in nature-centric education. THINAI promotes experiential learning, encouraging learners to understand sustainability through practical activities at home, in schools and in their communities.

We also discussed the possibility of THINAI learners becoming volunteers with Tzu Chi, enabling them to contribute their time and skills to humanitarian service, recycling activities and environmental initiatives. Such collaboration could connect sustainability education with meaningful community action.

5. Collaboration and Sustainability Master Trainer (SMT) Opportunities

The Tzu Chi representatives appreciated the THINAI programme and its emphasis on experiential learning, family participation and sustainable living.

We encouraged Tzu Chi members to consider becoming Sustainability Master Trainers (SMTs) through JOBA. This would provide opportunities to share their practical knowledge and experience, strengthen sustainability education, and inspire more individuals and communities to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles.

6. Conclusion and Way Forward

The visit was informative and encouraging, revealing strong common ground between Tzu Chi’s humanitarian philosophy and JOBA’s nature-centric sustainability education.

Both organisations recognise the importance of compassion, community participation, environmental responsibility and practical learning. Potential areas of collaboration include student and family engagement, recycling education, volunteer exchange, community sustainability projects and Sustainability Master Trainer development.

The visit marked a valuable step towards building a meaningful partnership between JOBA and Tzu Chi, connecting education, compassion and environmental action to create a more sustainable future for people and the planet.