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The School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, in collaboration with Soroptimist International Club of Bangsar and community partners, continued the Sustainable Eco Action through Campus and Community initiative, under the theme “From Awareness to Action” by organising its second phase; a beach clean-up at Pantai Kelanang on 20th June 2026.

This activity builds upon the first phase of the initiative, which commenced with the environmental awareness talk titled “Talking Trash” held on 12th June 2026. (This article is also available to read on our website HERE.)

Led by Ms Gurdip Kaur (Senior Lecturer, SoF at APU), the beach clean-up aimed to provide students with an opportunity to apply their understanding of environmental sustainability through hands-on participation, while fostering greater awareness of coastal conservation and responsible environmental practices, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, 11, 12, 13, and 17 (SDG 4, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 17). 

Setting the Foundation for Meaningful Action

Before commencing the clean-up, students attended a comprehensive briefing covering safety procedures, proper waste collection techniques, and waste segregation practices.

The session provided them with a better understanding of responsible waste management, while ensuring they were prepared to carry out the activity safely and effectively.

Students were also introduced to the importance of separating recyclable and non-recyclable waste to support proper disposal practices, maximise recycling efforts, and minimise environmental impact.

Equipped with litter pickers, gloves, and separate collection bags for different types of waste, students were then divided into teams before making their way along the shoreline to begin the clean-up.

Working Together for a Cleaner Coastline

Working collaboratively, students successfully collected 73.29 kilograms of rubbish and recyclable materials from the beach, demonstrating their commitment towards protecting the coastal environment through collective action.

The collected waste included plastic and glass bottles, aluminium cans, food containers, fishing nets, discarded footwear, and various forms of marine litter that threaten coastal ecosystems and wildlife.

Following the collection, all waste was carefully sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, reinforcing the practical application of responsible waste management principles introduced during the first phase of the initiative (environmental awareness talk). 

Moving Forward with a Commitment to Sustainability

The beach clean-up at Pantai Kelanang served as a meaningful continuation of the Sustainable Eco Action through Campus and Community initiative, demonstrating how environmental awareness can be transformed into tangible action.

Through this hands-on experience, students not only contributed towards preserving the cleanliness of the beach, but also strengthened their understanding of the importance of responsible waste management, teamwork, and community involvement.