On Wednesday, 17 April 2013, more than a hundred students and people from different walks of life, gathered at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to kick off the ASEF Green Action initiative in Brunei Darussalam. Attendees exchanged around 700 plastic bags for 160 sustainable bags, of which limited numbers were autographed by Wu Chun, international singer, actor and Managing Director of Fitness Zone.
The Bruneian chapter of the ASEF Green Action initiative was officially launched by the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom for Brunei Darussalam, Mr Rob FENN. Ms Nursalwa BAHARUDDIN, participant of the 18th ASEF University (AU18) and co-ordinator of ASEF Green Action initiative in Brunei Darussalam, addressed the audience in her welcome speech saying “today’s programme is a multiplier of the AU18 awareness campaign on sustainable consumption. While many activities like beach clean-ups have been carried out, we should also try to reduce our use of plastic bags”.
Mr Rob VAN LEEUWEN, ASEF’s Project Officer from People-to-People Exchange, participated in this launch event. He highlighted, “ aims to raise awareness on the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. Through this Action we are trying to bring in active involvement of young people that will take place in seven Asia-Europe countries”.
On Wednesday, 22 May, more bag exchanges will be organised from 7 pm to 10 pm at First Emporium & Supermarket in Bandar Seri Begawan. All materials collected in April and May will be used to create a Giant Earth Ball that will be exhibited at the UBD Convocation in August 2013.