Students from INTI International College Penang introduced a practical sustainability effort to the local community through the “Take a Bag, Leave a Bag” project at Sunshine Central in Air Itam. The initiative encourages shoppers to borrow or donate reusable bags, reducing single-use plastic while supporting Penang’s environmental goals. It also gave students direct experience in planning, organising, and running a community project.
INTI students sort and display reusable bags as part of the “Take a Bag, Leave a Bag” sustainability project.
The team was led by School of Business (SOBIZ) student Lim Yong Jie, who previously worked with Clarivate on the Ikat Tepi CSR project. Building on that experience, the students shifted their focus this round to eco bag sharing and public awareness.
Yong Jie said the initiative’s meaning kept the team committed.
“When we heard about this project, we felt it was meaningful because it helps the public and benefits the community,” he said. “Besides that, this is also our second collaboration with Clarivate and Mr Shaun, so we saw this as an opportunity to further strengthen our partnership.”
Students prepare hundreds of reusable bags for the eco bag sharing station at Sunshine Central in Air Itam.
To start the project, the students collected reusable bags from their homes before widening the donation drive within the INTI community. They also designed posters, a signboard, and the Recycle Bag Corner to create visibility at the venue.
He explained that the team quickly learned how much thought goes into creating a resource for long-term community use.
“I learned that when creating something meant to be used long-term by the community, we must consider many practical factors such as durability, possible misuse, and hygiene issues,” he said. “A project of this scale can never be completed by one person alone.”
Public response shaped one of the team’s most meaningful moments.
“An auntie approached our setup, and after we explained the project, she smiled and praised the initiative. Later, we noticed people returning bags after using them. That truly showed the spirit and success of this project.”
Project supervisor and lecturer Ang Wei Zhi said the effort allowed students to strengthen their understanding of sustainability through direct involvement.
He noted that he wanted them to see the real impact of simple behavioural changes, especially in reducing single-use plastic.
“Through planning and running the eco bag station, I wanted them to practise project management, improve teamwork and communication, and engage with the community as part of a real CSR initiative,” he said.
He added that the team faced early challenges.
“One of the main challenges was securing enough reusable bags at the start,” he said. “They overcame this by promoting the project to classmates, staff, and friends, preparing digital posters, and creating a duty roster to coordinate schedules efficiently.”
Looking ahead, Ang hopes future efforts will incorporate stronger measurement and continuity.
“In future sustainability projects, I would like to see stronger elements of continuity, measurement, and education,” he said. “Involving more stakeholders and exploring additional sustainability themes could help create longer-term community impact.”
Clarivate Senior Director Lee Ching Weun (Shaun) said collaborations like this give students room to contribute meaningfully while bringing new ideas to sustainability work.
“Collaborating with students brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to sustainability initiatives,” he said. “It empowers the next generation to take ownership of environmental responsibility while creating real-world learning experiences.”
Shaun highlighted the outcome of the students’ contribution.
“Their efforts helped us exceed our initial goal of one thousand bags, reaching two thousand one hundred contributions,” he said. “This is a clear demonstration of their commitment and influence.”
The Reusable Bag Corner at Sunshine Central, where shoppers can take or return eco bags as part of the initiative.
He added that the students showed strong potential for future work together.
“The students demonstrated passion, reliability, and strong teamwork. We see great potential for future partnerships to drive impactful green initiatives together.”
INTI International College Penang Chief Executive, Hemalatha Murugiah, commended the team for leading a meaningful community-driven effort.
“We are proud of how our students stepped forward to lead this initiative with purpose and accountability,” she said. “Projects like this bridge classroom learning with real community impact, showing that even small actions can spark long-term behavioural change. Their dedication reflects the values we hope to instil, including leadership, social responsibility, and a mindset for sustainability.”