By UOW Malaysia 

In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, UOW Malaysia (UOWM) students have found a creative way to turn discarded technology into wearable art. Their project, “E-Legance: Jewellery from E-Waste”, carried out on 11 October 2025 at the School of Business, UOW Malaysia Selangor Campus, showcased how sustainability and innovation can coexist beautifully.

Led by Associate Professor Ts. Dr Yong Shee Mun (Associate Professor, School of Business), with Lo Min Wei (Senior Lecturer, Creative Media Department), Ts. Dr Goh Thing Thing (Academic Department Head, School of Engineering), Gee Chia Chen (Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering), Stephanie Lee Yoke Lai (Program Leader, Department of Communication and Media Studies), and Muhammad Naim Arman bin Mohd Ashari (Executive, Student & Alumni Centre), the initiative saw 14 students converting old circuit boards, cables, and computer parts into unique handcrafted jewellery pieces. These were later showcased during Global Climate Action 2025 and the Entrepreneurship Week Bazaar in November, where all 50 pieces were sold out.

The idea originated from UOWM’s winning entry at the Young Technopreneurs Challenge (YTC) 2025, organised by the Association of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI). What began as a competition concept has evolved into a real-world initiative promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and hands-on learning.

Students from engineering, business, and creative arts disciplines collaborated closely. William Tan Chong Hee contributed his engineering expertise, while others such as Tafara Mavhunga, Sim Shu Yi Elisabeth, Jesslyn Gricelda Tjandra, Bernice Lim Xin Yu, and Marcus Yung M’ng Zhe focused on design and marketing. The result: vibrant accessories with a purpose.

Proceeds from the sales are being reinvested as seed funds for future student-led initiatives, including CSR projects for single mothers and sustainable start-ups. The team also hopes to grow the project into a social enterprise, offering income opportunities for underprivileged communities.

This initiative reinforces UOW Malaysia’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — notably SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). It’s more than jewellery; it’s a statement — proof that sustainability can be stylish, and that innovation can be both ethical and empowering.