An interview with Anugerah Hijau 2011, Wildly Creative Winner, Suraya Zairi

Details: Published on Wednesday, 16 November 2011

A month ago, the 4^th Anugerah Hijau competition came to an end at the Dewan Tunku Canselor of University Malaya, where the public saw this year’s finalist display their projects. About ten short videos and also ten sustainable eco-fashion designs were produced as a result of this year’s competition.

For the Wildly Creative (producing a sustainable fashion design) category, Suraya Mohd Zairi from SMK Bukit Jelutong bagged the winning title for the second time in a row. In the 2010 Anugerah Hijau competition, she won for the Best Creative Green Mural. This year, she emerged as the winner with the Best Sustainable Fashion Design. Suraya was also the youngest participant for this year’s Anugerah Hijau.

So we at EcoKnights took instant fascination for the 16-year-old lass and her amazing creative skills, and we managed to catch up with her, amidst the busy school holidays, for a brief interview. And here is what she has to say.

EK: Have you entered any competition such as Anugerah Hijau? What do you feel/think about it? Would this programme be interesting enough for other young Malaysians to be part of?

Suraya: I have actually. And ironically it is the same competition as last year's, Anugerah Hijau 2010. In last year's competition, I competed in designing a school mural that brings out a certain green message towards people about the environment. I had a friend, Nasirah Zulkifli, to work along with and we both enjoyed pretty much the whole journey in making our message clear to the public. To actually create awareness and wake people up from this environmental crisis we are experiencing is exhilarating, both to the body and soul. When i joined, i realized that i have an objective to achieve. This realization immediately changes my mind set towards what i am going to do and the changes that follow. My body then responds and does the work. It does not work just for the sake of working, or working for the sake of others. It works for the sake of wanting to save Earth. As for that, it brings me joy in return.Everyone here carries the responsibility in saving this planet of ours. With fresh ideas coming from the youths of Malaysia today, you all can make something happen. I tell you, be a part of this programme and be amazed. The wonder it brings to you is pleasantly interesting. (RIGHT: Picture of Suraya Zairi and her creation called "Blossom in the Meadow" worn by a professional model)

EK: Why do you care about environmental/sustainability issues?

Suraya: Sometimes, it made me wonder. Why do i care so much about the environment? I could list down other problems that are more important than the environment, more important than the Earth. Or could i..?

You see, we are trashing the planet. We are trashing ourselves. At the end of the day, do we all get any happier? No. Earth is our home, the place we reside in for as long as we live. Without Earth, there would be nowhere else to go to. You and i, we would not be breathing like we are now if we keep trashing our place. If i want a good place for the future generation, i have to do what it takes to make this place a better home. This is where the zoologist part comes in. The animals, they have to survive. They cannot be wiped out from the face of this planet. They too are like us, living and breathing but are unable to make decisions. It's never too late.

EK: What sustainable act do you do every day?

Suraya: I do composting with teabags (a little something i have learned after joining Anugerah Hijau 2011). I either remove the tea leaves out of the teabags or mix it up with soil or i just chunk the whole things into a potted plant. Both ways are the same, but i found out that when you chunk the whole teabag in, it decomposes slower. I also bring around containers whenever i go out to buy takeaway food and drinks. Especially my handy water bottle. (LEFT: Picture of Suraya, middle, with the other 2011 finalists and in the background from left, Tengku Chanela Jamida (Ultra), Daren Lee (Move Productions), Silas Liew, MIFA 2010 Winner, and Tengku Syahmi)

EK: What is your advice for youths out there who are keen to be part of the 2012 Anugerah Hijau competition?

Suraya: Do not think twice. Just submit the entry form and participate yourself in this competition. This is a place where you can out leash your mind blowing ideas and ramblings without getting judge by others on how you express yourself (except for the judges though). This is a solace for all expression of creativeness. This is where you all belong. Once you have sent in the entry form, just go with the flow and most importantly. Have fun.

Stay tune for more information about next year's competition (Anugerah Hijau 2012) soon!