Penang, Malaysia – Around 250 young people gathered at the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) this week to document how people and nature coexist, capturing stories of biodiversity, daily life, and sustainable livelihoods through their phones.
Held from April 25 to 26, the initiative is organised by the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with support from UNESCO and Vivo. Malaysia is among a select group of countries chosen for the global rollout of the initiative, reflecting PHBR’s standing as a model site for the intersection of community life and conservation.
Youths from Penang Vocational Colleges, Form Six students, undergraduates from USM as well as members of the Penang Youth Development Corporation took part in a two-day workshop designed to transform them from observers into impactful visual storytellers
A Living Classroom for Sustainability
Set within one of Asia’s most celebrated examples of urban life and ecological conservation, PHBR is used as a learning space where participants could directly observe the relationship between communities and their environment.
Through guided sessions, participants explored how to structure a story, capture images with purpose, and communicate environmental issues in ways that are clear and relatable. They were supported by mentors from Vivo, including imaging specialist, ZEISS mobile imaging ambassador, and content creators, who provided practical guidance on how to strengthen both the technical and creative aspects of their work.
Madam Fadzilah Fadzil, Secretary-General of MNCU, representing H.E. Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education as President of MNCU, officiated the event. The Key Remarks highlight youth storytelling as a powerful means to shape perspectives, protect nature, and connect communities. It was further emphasised that education should extend beyond academics to nurture critical thinking, confidence, and real-world engagement, linking the initiative to Malaysia’s national education agenda, particularly its commitment to sustainability.
This collaboration gives young people the tools to tell stories from their own communities. By combining creativity with environmental awareness, it helps bring attention to Malaysia’s natural and cultural heritage in a way that others can understand and appreciate.
Maki Katsuno-HayashikawaDirector and Representative to Malaysia, UNESCO
“At Vivo, we value the unique perspectives of young creators and are dedicated to supporting their visual storytelling through our imaging capabilities,” noted a Vivo representative. “Our goal is to provide the necessary tools and mentorship to help youth capture the authentic, everyday moments of harmony between people and nature, turning individual observations into impactful global narratives.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Stage Awaits
This workshop is part of “Capture the Future,” a global youth visual storytelling initiative focused on biosphere reserves.
UNESCO and Vivo are inviting young people aged 18 to 35 worldwide to participate in a global open call for visual storytelling submissions.
The submission deadline is 31 May 2026. Selected winners will earn the opportunity to participate in the Global Youth Visual Storytelling Co-Creation Camp in Europe later this year.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-mncu-phc-usm-and-vivo-join-forces-amplify-youth-visual-storytelling-penang-hill-biosphere?hub=701
