Philips and Cetree Kick Off Second Phase of ‘A Simple Switch’

Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome to visit

Petaling Jaya, May 22^nd, 2008 – Philips and Cetree today launched the second phase of its A Simple Switch campaign, the latest chapter in the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome collaboration which last year brought the education of energy efficiency to rural areas nationwide.

With a call to action to make a switch to a more energy-efficient lifestyle, the next phase of this campaign will utilise the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome as an educational tool, bringing information and tips on energy conservation and alternative energy sources to primary school children across Peninsular Malaysia.

This campaign was launched in conjunction with the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome visit to PhilipsMalaysia’s office at Menara Axis, Petaling Jaya where Philips employees made a pledge to switch to a more energy efficient lifestyle by signing the A Simple Switch banner.

“As a multinational corporation, we take our social responsibility to the local community very seriously,” said Dr. R. Kumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Malaysia Sdn. Berhad said, “We focus on simple technologies that help people save energy and money, and are constantly looking for platforms and touch points which are meaningful and sustainable for our communities in the long run.”

He added that last year, the Mobile Showhome was brought to villages in Muar (Johor), Jitra (Kedah), Setiu (Terengganu) and Tanah Merah (Kelantan), all of which received positive feedback from the villagers. At these roadshows, participants were able to experience various renewable energy sources firsthand and hear and see how simple changes can help save energy.

“The success of our roadshows in 2007 has led us to the second phase, where we will be showcasing energy efficiency to primary schoolchildren and highlighting the benefits. This effort is simple and straightforward, but effective in cultivating awareness on the benefits of energy efficiency, particularly among the young. Furthermore, this effort is in-line with the government’s 2008 Budget initiative to promote the education of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.” said Dr. Kumar.    

At the school roadshows, the Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome will be acting as an ambassador to showcase renewable energy sources and simple tips on how to save energy on a daily basis. The children will be able to participate in specially designed games such as energy-focused versions of ‘Monopoly’ and ‘Snakes & Ladders’.

There will also be an exchange activity where students can bring an incandescent lightbulb to be exchanged for a Philips energy saving lightbulb, and a ‘pledge wall’ for students to pin their energy-saving resolutions to lead an energy-efficient lifestyle.

With the demand for electricity growing faster than the country’s economy, ways have to be found to conserve energy. The Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome contains five knowledge kiosks – General Knowledge on Renewable Energy, Energy-Efficient Electrical Equipment, Solar Thermal, Solar Electric and Biomass – comprising of simple activities that give practical experience. Believe it or not, the engine is designed to run on 100% palm oil.

“It is important that awareness on energy efficiency is cultivated at a young age, as the efficient use of energy should begin at home and in the classroom, which can then expand to businesses and communities. This will reduce the need to use up natural resources, and preserve the environment for generations to come,” said Cetree Task Manager (Mobile Exhibition Unit) & Chief Secretariat, Badrol Hisham bin Mohd Nowani “Therefore, it is important that we drive awareness on the benefits of using energy-efficient items or equipment, which we will continue with the aid of the Mobile Showhome.”

The Philips-Cetree Energy-Efficient Mobile Showhome will be traveling to various schools in Selangor, Melaka, Pahang and Penang over the next few months. Some of the roadshow locations include Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang Gate Gombak (Selangor), Sekolah Kebangsaan St Frances (Melaka), Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Bahagia Temerloh (Pahang) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent Bukit Mertajam (Penang)

For more information on Philips’ A Simple Switch Campaign, please visit www.asimpleswitch.com