Shielder celebrates Malaysian biodiversity in World River Day

Wastewater treatment specialist, Shielder Eco Waste Management is celebrating World River Day with two murals. 

As World River Day approaches, eco conscious individuals, corporations and nations across the globe step up their sustainability efforts through activities that raise awareness of the importance of rivers and their conservation.

Launched by the United Nations in 2005 under its 'Water for life decade', it continues to be celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of September as a reminder that the fight for pristine rivers is far from over.

Don't miss: ERL partners local artist Nas Suha for iconic Malaysia Day mural at KL Sentral

The murals show the symbiotic relationship between a healthy river ecosystem and life within and above ground and is created in partnership with creative agency Muma and students from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology. 

The first mural features highly detailed frescos to bring an element of fun and some of Malaysia's recognisable fauna such as the hawksbill sea turtle, mousedeer, tiger, sun bear, orangutan, Asian elephant and the flying hornbill. 

The second mural will be painted this Sunday (22 September) by a team of 10. While the message about clean rivers and ecological integrity remained, the two murals will feature slightly different styles and details to keep each artwork unique and fresh.

“While manufacturing is important to our economy, it should not be at the expense of our rivers which is our country’s key water source. At Shielder, we see ourselves as guardians of the river by educating local SMEs to prioritise river conservation and make it part of their best practices by using the right wastewater treatment," said Dragon Lee, co-founder of Shielder Eco Waste Management. 

Satisfied customers lent their support to the mural initiative by offering their premises for the murals where it would also educate their visitors, staff and factory workers on the importance of river conservation through responsible manufacturing effluent discharge. 

“The mural project involves multiple parties and is a true reflection of any conservation efforts where everyone has an important part to play. The students have worked tirelessly to produce amazing murals and I thank our customers Yamazaki Seiga and Mars Global for collaborating with us on this CSR initiative. Together as one we aim to create a long-term positive impact through awareness and sustainable solutions," added Lee. 

“The agency was working with Shielder on branding and visibility initiatives when we saw an opportunity to create an impactful and long-lasting programme in conjunction with the annual Word River Day. The biggest reward for any creative agency is to deliver an idea that works both for the client and the greater good. This mural initiative has the potential to grow year after year with further participation from students and companies who share the same passion towards conserving our rivers through awareness," said Choo Chee Wee, Muma co-founder and creative partner.

This isn't the only new mural around the block. 

Earlier this week, Express Rail Link (ERL) is celebrating Malaysia Day with a new mural by renowned doodle illustrator and mural artist Nas Suha.

The mural, titled "Buaian di Anjung" ('Baby cradle at the porch') will greet ERL passengers at the arrival hall of ERL at KL Sentral.  The 30 feet high mural celebrates the delicate craft of batik, a fabric and craft that is deeply rooted in Malaysian tradition and that tells the story of a time when it was used as a cradle to gently rock babies to sleep. 

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