Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome arrives at First Stop in Jitra

Jitra, Kedah, June 29, 2007 – Philips and Cetree today reached the first 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 Kampung Wang Tepus was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Abdul Mutalib Ismail. “Philips and Cetree have done a wonderful job in bringing this one-of-a-kind mobile showhome to the Jitra community,” he said. “We hope that by allowing the locals to have a hands-on experience with this showhome, those in rural areas will become more aware of the benefits as well as the need for 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 are very pleased to see the Jitra community’s response to the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome, and we hope that people in rural areas will see the benefits – both environmental and economical – of using renewable energy sources.”

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 Jitra, the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome will be making its way to Kampung Parit Medan in Muar (Johor). Other locations for the roadshow include 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 Associate Professor Dr Haslan Abu Hassan, Dean, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia. “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.”

On a separate note, Philips also announced that they are the Global Lighting Partner for Live Earth, and are already campaigning together with the lighting industry, NGOs, energy suppliers, governments and retailers to switch to energy-saving lighting in streets, offices, buildings and homes as soon as possible. Live Earth is a 24-hr, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7 July (07.07.07) that will bring together more than 100 music artists and two billion people to inspire a global movement to take action against the climate crisis and lead a more energy-efficient lifestyle.