KUCHING, 13th January 2005 Winners of the inaugural Sarawak Anugerah Sekolah Rakan Alam Sekitar 2004 (Environmentally Friendly School Award) or SERASI were rewarded for outstanding environmental initiatives at a presentation ceremony held at a leading hotel here today. Fifteen primary and secondary schools were short listed for the Shell Malaysia sponsored competition, which was open to all schools in Sarawak. Winners received cash prizes, trophies and certificates from YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu ak Numpang, Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communication and Minister for Rural Development. Prior to the prize presentation, Jabu also symbolically launched the environmental recognition programme for Sarawak. Representing Shell at the event was Shell Malaysia Gas and Power Managing and Executive Director, Idris Jala. Datuk Michael Manyin ak Jawong, Minister of Environment and Public Health, and Nicholas Patrick, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Public Health and organising chairman of the competition, department heads, community leaders, school principals and students also attended the ceremony. Commending the winners and participating schools, Idris said, “Shell Malaysia is firmly committed to the conservation of the natural environment through our sustainable development policy - environmental care and management is a key component of this. To ensure we fulfil our corporate social responsibility in Sarawak, we are also fully committed to working with the State government and key agencies to progress this. Our participation in the SERASI programme is yet another manifestation of this commitment.” The environmental programme was organised as part of last year’s state-level Malaysian Environment Week 2004, which was launched in Mukah by Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri (Dr) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. SERASI is jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment and Public Health, Education Department, Department of Environment, Health Department, Information Department, Broadcasting Department, Kuching District Office and Shell Malaysia, the main sponsor for the programme. It aims to promote greater environmental awareness and conservation among students throughout Sarawak and to give recognition for the efforts by schools in their environment programmes. Key to the program is the fostering of positive attitudes and care for the environment using environmental education and activities as tools. Winners were judged on various factors, such as programmes or activities that romote environmental awareness and demonstrate commitment to "green" practices with bonus points for public involvement. “We are proud to be a key partner in youth-focused projects like SERASI, which aim to impress on the young the importance of environmental conservation. We hope these awards will further motivate schools, students and the local community to enhance environmental conservation and awareness,” concluded Idris. Shell Malaysia has worked actively with like-minded NGOs and government agencies in social, educational and environmental sustainability programmes. These included nature and science camps in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri. Since last year, Shell has supported UNIMAS students and researchers on projects related to sustainable development, health, safety and environment . In an extension of their target areas, Shell Malaysia recently launched a project to sponsor special classes at SMK Datuk Patinggi Kedit in Betong for a five-year period. The RM150,000 project is designed to promote interest in Science and Mathematics by enhancing their English language skills. The event was held in Betong last Saturday 8th January and was attended by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu and Shell Malaysia Chairman Datuk Jon Chadwick. For further information contact Abang Azahari Abang Zen, General Manager, HR and Corporate Affairs, Shell Malaysia Gas and Power 086-292400 | 
