The inflation rate for food in Malaysia in 2023 is reported at 3.946%; however, this hasn't deterred the Malaysian tendency to waste food. According to a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report released in April of this year, Malaysians waste a staggering 8.3 million metric tonnes of food annually, with each individual contributing 259.82kg to this troubling statistic.¹

In response, the Integrated Sustainability & Urban Creative Centre (ISUC) of the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) collaborated with YTL International College of Hotel Management to organise a talk on "Food Waste Management" on October 26, 2023.

Aligned with UN Sustainability Development Goals 12 – Production and Consumption, the talk was attended by 50 students from Culinary, Event Management, Tourism, and Pastry programmes. ISUC Student Chapter Advisor Ms. Cynthia Mala Paul was the speaker, accompanied by the Chapter’s Project Management Team Leaders Khoo Lay Yang and Sai Htoo Myat Naing.

Earlier, guided by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between APU and The Lost Food Project (TLFP), both parties initiated a series of events to address the critical issues of food waste and hunger while fostering a sense of community and sustainability.

Conducted at the TLFP warehouse, these events witnessed an inspiring collective effort to sort and rescue surplus and overripe fruits and vegetables. Approximately 70 students and five lecturers from APU volunteered in food-rescuing activities from July to October 2023, showcasing a consistent commitment to the cause from both lecturers and students of APU.

Engaging with the passionate team members of TLFP and actively participating in the hands-on sorting and distribution of rescued food, APU’s ISUC Student Chapter emphasised the power of community and kindness in creating a positive impact on the responsible consumption of food for its members.

“The experience has fueled a renewed determination among participants to actively support The Lost Food Project. The recognition of the crucial role played by them in our community underscores the need for ongoing support. The call to action extends beyond the events themselves. Whether through volunteering time, making donations, or simply spreading awareness, everyone can contribute to this incredible journey,” called Ms. Cynthia Mala Paul.

1. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/961381/malaysia-needs-tackle-its-staggering-food-waste-problem-teresa-kok