Exercise 1: Research_Fedor Demenov 0138450.

 

EcoKnights

1.  Who are EcoKnights?

EcoKnights is a non-governmental environmental organization that focuses on working with key stakeholders to drive and empower sustainable actions for a better planet.

2.  How was the idea of EcoKnights born?

According to Yasmin Rasyid, the idea was formed at dining table, she was keen to drive sustainability initiatives with communities.

3.  When did EcoKnights start?

EcoKnights were established in 2005.

4.  What was the original goal of EcoKnights?

Originally Founder and President of EcoKnights, Yasmin Rasyid wanted to enrich the lives of mothers and children on sustainable living.

5.  What are EcoKnights core values?

EcoKnights core values are Creativity, Innovation, Sustainability, Passion and Respect.

6.  What are the SDG of EcoKnights?

They work across four pillars: Sustainable Community Development, Policy Advocacy, Corporate Partnerships, and Youth Engagement, aiming to empower communities and promote sustainable practices.

7.  What is EcoKnights vision?

EcoKnights vision is to empower people to live sustainably.

8.  What is EcoKnights mission?

EcoKnights mission is to empower people to live sustainably.

9.  How do EcoKnights plan on achieving their mission?

EcoKnights aims to work with relevant authorities on environmental justice in accordance to national, international and/or global agenda. They also want to build stronger and more resilient youths who will fight for climate actions. EcoKnights try to create a community that is independent, sustainable and able to contribute back to the environment. And finally, they want to mainstream the concept of sustainability in Malaysia through strategic and effective communication.

10.                    What are the strengths of EcoKnights?

Their strength is their community; they were able to build community of people who believe in sustainable future and help them achieve greener Malaysia

11.                    What are the weaknesses of EcoKnights?

EcoKnights lack manpower, and are actively looking for talent to help them organize events

12.                    What are the opportunities for EcoKnights?

EcoKnights have opportunities to make their campaigns even bigger and more influential, they have the connections to right partners and fundraising opportunities

13.                    What are the threats for EcoKnights?

One of the threats for EcoKnights is lack of good talent. Secondly, political uncertainty. Finally, outbreak, as an example: Covid-19 Pandemic

14.                    What supports EcoKnights through all these years?

One of the main components that consistently supported EcoKnights is their group of passionate and talented staff, interns and volunteers.

15.                    What are recent events that EcoKnights hosted?

They have ongoing programs such as:

·        Tree4Us – tree planting programme, they planted over 5000 trees nationwide

·        Guardians Against Garbage – they’ve collected around 8 tons worth of waste from clean-ups at beaches and rivers

·        Old Soles New Life – first such programme in Malaysia, they collected an estimate of 7 tons; in which some would be upcycled into rubber blocks for playground mats, and some were given away as pre-loved shoes.

16.                    What to look forward to with EcoKnights?

They will continue their efforts to ensure greener Malaysia with variety of events, collaborations and fundraisers.

17.                    How do EcoKnights encourage changes?

The EcoKnights^® programs and activities act as catalysts for positive change. The positive results seen from small changes encourage further change, and thus, their participants and beneficiaries are inspired following their EcoKnights^® experience and approach. Through their programs, EcoKnights^®‘ participants are empowered with the attitudes, skills, and behaviours they need to make sustainable changes and thrive on a daily basis.

18.                    How does collaborating with others help EcoKnights grow?

Throughout EcoKnights 20-year journey they partnered with wide varieties of partners, ranging from corporates to government agencies and fellow NGOs. This helped EcoKnights expand, deepened their impact, and create synergies that drive real progress.

19.                    How will EcoKnights sustain their vision going onwards?

Through their journey they were focused on collaborating and acting right away, however now they will organize fundraiser for anyone willing to help

20.                    What is the message of EcoKnights?

Founder and President of EcoKnights, Yasmin Rasyid said “Be empowered. At EcoKnights, we are always in the lookout for driven and determined individuals to be part of our aspiration, as well as seeking out partnerships to contribute to positive social, environmental and economic change. Our vision is simple; To empower people to live sustainably and protect the environment. And we do this with one individual at a time.”

 

 

Personal Reflection:

This research helped me discover previously unknown fields for me. I learned a lot about EcoKnights and their activities, how they were created and what goals they have in mind. I am inspired by them, and even if I’m not Malaysian, I want to contribute to the great cause of EcoKnights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Dhakshaan. (2020, April 22). How EcoKnights Is Sustaining And Restoring Resources For Tomorrow Through Volunteers. Augustman.

https://www.augustman.com/my/people/the-voluntary-efforts-of-ecoknights-sustaining-restoring-resources-for-tomorrow/

Chin, W. L. (2025, January 18). Empowering community and shaping a sustainable environment. The Edge Malaysia.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/740244

Nabila, N. (2025, April 24). 20 Years of EcoKnights: Growing Change, Together. EcoKnights.

https://ecoknights.org.my/ek20-launch/

EcoKnights. (n.d.). About EcoKnights.

https://ecoknights.org.my/about-ecoknights/