Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) Sabah Branch will sponsor transportation and welfare arrangements for 1,000 students from rural schools across Sabah to attend Ideas Playground 2026 at the Sabah International Convention (SICC) on Nov 7 and 8.
MPMA Sabah Branch Chairman Liaw Hen Kong presented a mock cheque for RM5,000 to Ideas Playground 2026 organising chairperson Precilla Fong at the Daily Express office here on Wednesday.
Also present were MPMA Sabah advisor Datuk Alan Ang and secretary Stella Ho.
Precilla said the sponsorship would help cover the substantial logistical costs of bringing students from rural areas to Kota Kinabalu for the event.
“All the children and students, no matter what their background is, deserve the opportunity to discover whatever industry that is available in Sabah,” she said.
She said the support from MPMA and Daily Express, which is jointly organising Ideas Playground with OOZA, was significant because education required long-term commitment and contributions from different sectors.
“Not a lot of people can contribute with a generous heart, I express my appreciation for the organisations’ willingness to support students’ development.” she said Precilla noted that the sponsorships would help organisers bring rural students to attend and experience from the programme.
Ideas Playground is designed to connect young people with industry through practical activities and exposure to different career and entrepreneurship pathways.
Its programme includes hands-on activities with industry partners, the Junior Innovation National Competition, TEDx talks featuring local voices and an entrepreneurship zone where students can develop and sell their own products.
Precilla said collaboration between education and industry was important in helping students understand the opportunities available to them.
MPMA Sabah will also bring a portable recycling machine to demonstrate how plastic waste can be shredded, processed and turned into useful everyday items. Students will be able to observe the process and operate the machine under supervision.
Precilla said the demonstration would help students understand the importance of managing plastic waste responsibly and how discarded plastic could be given a second life through recycling.
Liaw said plastic remained widely used because of its cost efficiency and convenience, but stressed that it had to be handled responsibly.
“Indiscriminate disposal could cause plastic waste to accumulate in the environments, rivers, waterways and drains. Proper waste separation and the use of designated recycling bins were important in supporting recycling and reducing pollution” he said in a statement.
Besides sponsoring the students’ travel and welfare arrangements, MPMA Sabah will provide 1,000 goodie bags containing products from its members.
The association hopes its participation will raise environmental awareness among young people and encourage responsible waste management practices in their communities.
