Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome

Arrives at Southern Stop in Muar

Muar, Johor, August 5, 2007 – Philips and Cetree today reached the southern stop of their rural roadshow with the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome, a vehicle that is designed to educate people, especially those in rural areas on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Believe it or not, the engine is designed to run on 100% palm oil.

The roadshow stop, hosted at Sekolah Menengah Agama Shamsuddiniah in Kampung Parit Medan was officiated by the village chief, Tuan Haji Khairuddin bin Abu Talib and the headmaster of Sekolah Menengah Agama Shamsuddiniah, Tuan Haji Mohd Samsi bin Hussin. “We’re delighted that Philips and Cetree have brought this one-of-a-kind mobile showhome to the Muar community,” said Tuan Haji Khairuddin. “This mobile showhome is a creative yet useful way of spreading awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.”

The uniquely-designed Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome contains five knowledge kiosks – General Knowledge on Renewable Energy, Energy-Efficient Electrical Equipment, Solar Thermal, Solar Electric and Biomass – comprising of simple activities that give practical experience.

“Studies have shown that simple steps taken to use energy efficiently could save the country up to RM6billion over the span of five years,” said Ms Christina Celestine, Manager of Corporate Communications, Brand Management & Sustainability Management of Philips Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “We were very encouraged by the response we got from the first rural stop in Jitra, and we hope that the Muar community will also reap the benefits – both environmental and economical – of using renewable energy sources.”

Over 400 people attended the first roadshow stop in Jitra, Kedah to see the mobile showhome and participate in educational activities. With the demand for electricity growing faster than the country’s economy, ways have to be found to conserve energy. The Mobile Showhome acts as an ambassador by showcasing renewable energy sources and tips on how to save energy in our daily lives. The mobile exhibition unit even has its own solar energy system.

Some of the other activities held during the roadshow included colouring contests for children, a gotong-royong to clean up the area as well as family quizzes on a special energy-focused version of ‘Monopoly’ and ‘Snakes & Ladders’. A lucky draw was also held at the end of the day which saw some of the residents returning home with prizes that were in line with helping them to conserve energy.

After Muar, the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome will be making its way to Kampung Guar Ipoh in Tanah Merah (Kelantan) and Felda Cheneh in Kemaman (Terengganu). At the roadshows, participants will be able to experience various renewable energy sources firsthand, and hear and see how simple changes can help save energy.

“The efficient use of energy begins in homes, and expands from there to businesses and communities, which in turn will reduce the need to use up our natural resources, and preserve the environment for generations to come,” said Badrol Hisham, Task Manager & Chief Secretariat of Cetree. “Therefore, it is important that we drive awareness on the benefits of using energy-efficient items or equipment, which we aim to achieve with the Mobile Showhome.”