Kuala Lumpur, September 03, 2008 – The Philips-Cetree Energy Efficient Mobile Showhome Campaign with primary schools has garnered over 800 signatures on its campaign banner. The banner is signed by students at the various schools as a mark of their pledge to lead an energy-efficient lifestyle. In conjunction with this milestone achievement, the Philips-Cetree Mobile Showhome made a courtesy visit to Sekolah Sri Sedaya where a total of 600 students were educated on Energy Management habits. For this initiative, Philips also invited the Malaysian Dutch Business Council members to join in this pledge to make a simple switch. The A Simple Switch campaign, which was launched in June 2008 at Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang Gate Gombak by Tuan Haji Zulkifly, Director of Schools, Ministry of Education, has seen the Philips-Cetree Energy Efficient Mobile Showhome visit several schools in the Klang Valley and Penang states to date, and will be brought to schools in Pahang and Melaka as well. With a call to action to make a switch to a more energy-efficient lifestyle, the A Simple Switch school roadshow campaign is aimed at educating students on the various renewable energy sources, while providing simple tips on how to save energy on a daily basis. The children learn about these the importance of energy efficient practices by participating in specially designed interactive games such as energy-focused versions of ‘Monopoly’ and ‘Snakes & Ladders’. In addition to the fun and games, students are also encouraged to participate in a light bulb exchange activity where they can exchange an incandescent light bulb for a Philips energy-saving light bulb, and sign the campaign banner. They are also encouraged to visit the A Simple Switch website (www.asimpleswitch.com) for tips on how to save energy. “We’re very encouraged by the support we have gotten from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications, as well as the schools so far. It is important that awareness on energy efficiency be cultivated at a young age to instill the right responsible behavior and practice as they become adults. In this particular event today, I am pleased that we have also engaged with an important stakeholder, the Malaysian Dutch Business Council and encourage them to make an important pledge towards the environment,” said Dr R. Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Group of Companies, Malaysia. He also added that the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome is an effective learning tool for the students, as it provides a hands-on experience to educate them on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Mobile Showhome contains five knowledge kiosks – General Knowledge on Renewable Energy, Energy-Efficient Electrical Equipment, Solar Thermal, Solar Electric and Biomass – all comprising of simple activities that give practical experience. Believe it or not, the engine is designed to run on 100% palm oil. Last year, the Mobile Showhome was brought to rural areas nationwide to raise awareness and showcase energy efficiency as well as various renewable energy resources, which was well-received by the villages. The need for greater awareness and education on energy efficiency and alternative energy sources today is as important as ever. A testament to this can be seen in the energy related issues that Malaysians are facing of late with the recent increase in the cost of fuel as well as electricity. “We hope this initiative will plant the seed for a mindset that will reduce the need to deplete natural resources, and preserve the environment for future generations. With the undeniable energy crunch the world over, energy efficient lighting solutions combined with simple daily responsible practices are one of the key actions for Malaysian households to manage their usage rates,” added Dr. Kumar. Some of the schools visited included Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang Gate Gombak (Selangor) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent Bukit Mertajam (Penang). The Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome will be traveling to various schools in Pahang and Melaka over the next few months including Sekolah Kebangsaan St Frances (Melaka) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Bahagia Temerloh (Pahang). For more information on Philips’ A Simple Switch Campaign, please visit www.asimpleswitch.com |