Innovation in sustainable education and entrepreneurship through the UKM recycling center operations

Abstract

Sustainable education and entrepreneurship through practical learning activities are necessary for students in higher education institutions. Students must experience real situations to develop an attitude and personality of caring for the environment, and they can acquire entrepreneurship education by managing transactions with recyclables. The research group for the initiative for a zero-waste UKM campus has recognized the need for students from all levels to become involved in the management of UKM Recycling Center operations. The MegaGreen Solution company, established by five master"s students from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, has operated the UKM Recycling Center with the help of 69 undergraduate students from the general university courses Self-Development (ZT1052) and Users" Behavior (EPPM3113). The UKM Recycling Center operations provide students with experience to trigger their creativity and entrepreneurship knowledge and to increase their awareness of recycling activities. This article discusses the problems that occur in UKM Recycling Center operations and how these problems are improved by students" involvement. The percentages of recyclables in the first three years of operations (April to July 2010 to 2012) were 1.68% in 2010, 2.18% in 2011, and 2.38% in 2012, with increasing numbers of users of the center, to eight persons per week. This is an early indicator of accomplishment for the students" management operations. A pioneering survey showed that the majority of students involved in the program have been encouraged to think more creatively, innovatively and critically.