Jennifer Asing showing the Langkawi Award for Environmental Sustainability. – Bernama photo
LANGKAWI (Oct 22): The principal of SM St Michael in Penampang, Sabah, who has been a driving force behind her school’s numerous environmental awards, was surprised to receive an award herself Monday.
Jennifer Asing said she had not expected to be chosen as the recipient of the Langkawi Award for Environmental Sustainability (ALKAS) during the National Environment Day (HASN) 2024 celebrations.
“I was genuinely surprised when I received news of this award. Perhaps it recognises not only my contributions at St Michael and other schools, but also at the state, national and international levels,” she said when met after the national-level HASN 2024 opening ceremony Monday night.
“At school, we have been actively implementing environmental-based innovations, many of which have won national and international awards,” she said.
The ceremony was officiated by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin.
As the ALKAS winner for the individual category, Jennifer took home a certificate, a plaque and RM50,000 in cash, presented by Tengku Sarafudin.
Jennifer said SM St. Michael has set 12 records related to environmental initiatives, including this year, in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR), through various environmental programmes and innovations.
“This year, we carried out the largest school-wide ginger planting project, involving students, parents and the local community, which was recognised by MBOR.
“All our records in MBOR were achieved consecutively each year, except during the Covid-19 period and last year, when the school was severely affected by floods,” said Jennifer, who has been serving at the school for nearly 30 years.
She also expressed her gratitude to the teachers and students of SM St Michael, as well as to the parents and local community, for their cooperation in carrying out environmental sustainability programmes at the school.
“This award is not only an honour for me, but also for the people of Sabah,” said Jennifer, who has been in the education field since 1996.
In addition to Jennifer as the individual recipient, two other recipients received the same award: Tenaga Nasional Bhd in the organisation category and the Beaufort District Council in the Special Recognition category of the Langkawi Award Panel.
ALKAS is the highest national recognition from DOE awarded to individuals and organisations in Malaysia that have made significant contributions in the field of environmental sustainability, whether in management, business, scientific research, academia, writing, or other related fields. – Bernama
