Langkawi: Starting as a post-pandemic pilot programme to reignite Pulau Tuba's children's motivation towards learning and remaining in school, the Allianz Eco Quest ('Initiative') has grown into a long-term effort to ensure that no child is left behind in their educational journey. Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), through its corporate social responsibility arm, has expanded its flagship environmental and education initiative to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Langkawi, Pulau Tuba, broadening its reach to support students at the secondary school level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the expansion was officially launched on Jan 15 by Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Sean Wang, alongside Allianz Malaysia Chairman Zakri Mohd Khir, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Assistant Manager Mohammad Shauqi Md Rezali, board members, teachers, and students of SMK Langkawi. Zakri highlighted that Allianz Malaysia's engagement with the island community in 2018 revealed academic struggles and significant dropout rates among students.
In response, Allianz Malaysia launched the Initiative in 2022 at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pulau Tuba, in collaboration with Incredible Hearts PLT, a social organisation focused on customised education and gamification approaches. The Initiative employs project-based learning with interactive methods, incorporating gamification, digitalisation, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and performing arts to enhance students' academic performance.
The Initiative initially targeted primary school students, tracking their progress over two and a half years. Those students, who were in standard four, five, and six, have now transitioned to secondary education, and Allianz Malaysia is committed to continuing their educational journey until they complete their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Wang emphasized that the extension to SMK Langkawi aligns with Allianz's belief in sustainable community impact through continuity and ownership. The Initiative aims to empower alumni as mentors and role models, fostering values of environmental stewardship, resilience, and lifelong learning within the community.
Incredible Hearts PLT Chief Executive Officer Nurul Asna Hidayah Mior Abdul Rahman outlined the Initiative's focus on capacity building for secondary school participants from 2026 to 2028. Students will mentor younger peers at SK Pulau Tuba, with a stronger emphasis on leadership, facilitation, and practical life skills.
Asna noted that secondary school students exhibit greater autonomy and leadership desire. The Initiative supports their development through co-curricular activities, character development, and positive behavioral change, preparing them to lead the Initiative post-graduation.
Participants will design and create their own games with facilitator guidance and tools and will be organized into clubs such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Sports and Expression, with plans for additional clubs.
Asna shared that the Initiative has led to academic and behavioral improvements, with students becoming more socially adept and environmentally aware. Parents have also been involved, contributing to school environment maintenance and setting up small libraries.
Nadziah Mohd Nor, whose son is an alumnus, praised the Initiative for boosting her child's confidence and social skills. Ahmad Nazri Ramlim, another parent, supports his son's participation to break the cycle of following parental trades, hoping for advanced education and better career prospects.
For 12-year-old Muhammad Zakhwan bin Mohd Fikri, the programme has enhanced his scientific understanding through interactive learning methods, such as games and innovation projects, making complex concepts like the solar system and photosynthesis more accessible and engaging.