In a world where gadgets are replaced faster than New Year resolutions, electronic waste has quietly piled up in our homes, offices, and drawers. Old phones, tangled cables, and outdated laptops often sit forgotten, even though their environmental impact lingers long after we stop using them.
Recognising this growing challenge, the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) decided it was time to move beyond classroom discussions and take action. This led to the launch of From Waste to Worth: Community-Driven E-Waste Responsibility.
This is a campaign carried out in partnership with TechWaste Recycling Malaysia to provide a structured and responsible avenue for staff, learners, and the wider community to dispose of electronic waste safely.
The campaign kicked off on 17 December 2025 at Menara OUM, marking its first phase. At the launch, OUM Vice President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal, highlighted the increasingly short lifespan of electronic devices and the importance of responsible disposal. Staff and surrounding communities were invited to participate through a dedicated e-waste collection bin made available at Menara OUM.
The momentum continued into the second phase on 17 January 2026 at the OUM Bangi Learning Centre, where the campaign was officially launched at the community level.
The event was officiated by Datuk Dr Budiman Mohd Zohdi, a member of the OUM Board of Governors. He highlighted the serious environmental and health risks posed by improper e-waste disposal, stressing that meaningful change requires collective effort.
The launch involved OUM President/Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, senior management and industry partners. The strong turnout also included representatives from the OUM Chancellor’s Foundation, METEOR Academy students, FBM academics, staff, alumni, local authorities, mosque committee members, and local residents’ associations.
The programme featured an E-Waste Awareness Forum, with panellists from Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, TechWaste Recycling Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and ICT Zone Asia Bhd. They shared practical tips on managing e-waste responsibly. It was followed by a lucky draw.
FBM Dean, Assoc Prof Dr Zahir Osman, shared his long-term vision for the campaign – for it to grow beyond a one-off initiative. He hoped to help embed a culture of sustainability within FBM and OUM.
Sometimes, building a better future starts with something as simple as letting go of an old device.
