Vegan Club Launched In Malaysian High School Aims To Create A Sustainable Future

If we are to change the world, change the old ways of exploiting nature in order to survive, we
must start with the new generation, who can be taught the new ways of sustainable living, which
have never been forgotten but also rarely followed.

The Jit Sin SMJK High School (JSHS) which is based in Penang, Malaysia did just that, by introducing a vegan club in its campus.
9 th January 2020 marked the start of the new vegan club at the Penang based High School. This
school has set an important benchmark in the History of Veganism by launching the first vegan
club in Malaysia which sincerely adheres to the United Nations’ 17 SDGs (Sustainable
Development Goals).

The club was started by Jennifer Tan, the Chair and Ambassador of World
Vegan Organization, Singapore, who is a passionate vegan for the past 36 years.
When Jennifer Tan addressed the morning assembly of students at JSHS on 8 th January, 2020,
about the countless health and environmental benefits of the plant-based diet. The students
were inspired by the session, and the Principal approved the establishment of the vegan club at the
school. This initiative by Jennifer Tan made Jit Sin SMJK High School is the proud recipient of
the first Green Award for School Building in Malaysia.

The club received an immediate sign up from more than 40 students and many more followed. This
Vegan Club is a voluntary, self-funding project and managing finance to operate the club have
been the single greatest challenge. However, the support from the Principal and enthusiasm of
the students has driven the mission forward.

Picture Credit: Jenniffer Tan

The club has organized several events over the
past two months by explaining the concept of veganism, hosting a sample tasting of vegan food,
hosted an art contest for students to express their ideas and also watched many movies and
documentaries on the benefits of veganism. The club has future plans to have an excursion to
vegan enterprises, conduct a vegan nutrition and food preparation program and host live talks
on veganism with reputed vegan personalities.

The club believes in the ideology that every living thing on Planet Earth has the right to live
freely and naturally. The main reason for the club’s success has been the proactiveness of
students, they are the future leaders of the nation and the champions to save Mother Earth, they
can bring a change.

Picture Credit: Jenniffer Tan

Have you started a similar club at your school? We'd love to highlight that in our Youth Segment. Email us your story hello@veganfirst.com