tudents from SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, Sungai Nibong, Penang, have emerged as national champions in the VIA Safe Mobility program, winning a €5,000 grant to improve road safety at their school. The program, launched by TotalEnergies Malaysia and Arus Academy, empowers students to create innovative solutions for road safety challenges.
The team, led by Primary 6 students Tan Jie Ling, Low Zi Ning, Oon Xin Jie, Tai Chee Ying, and Tan Zhi Ling, identified issues such as traffic congestion, high vehicle speeds, and pedestrian safety around their school. Their proposed solutions include the installation of an automatic barrier gate to manage traffic flow and the painting of an orange zone to alert drivers about the school zone.
The students' efforts were supported by their teacher mentor, Chan Hui Lee, and two other teachers, as well as the school principal, Madam Leong Sook Luan, who encouraged the team's participation in the program. They also collaborated with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and local representatives to refine their ideas and seek the necessary approvals for implementation.
Following their national victory, the team advanced to the regional competition, where they were crowned regional champions and secured a place in the global finals, competing against teams from Angola, Brazil, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Morocco.
TotalEnergies Malaysia's Managing Director, Jennifer Li, emphasised the importance of youth education in fostering safer roads, while Alina Amir, CEO of Arus Academy, praised the students' creativity and problem-solving abilities. The €5,000 grant will allow the students to bring their road safety solutions to life, benefiting both their school and the local community.
