The IKHTIAR Foundation has officially launched the “Love Our Turtles: Call-to-Action” campaign, a month-long national conservation movement taking place across Penang from 15 August to 14 September 2025. This landmark initiative aims to galvanize Malaysians around a shared mission to protect endangered sea turtles and promote long-term environmental stewardship. Combining elements of education, sustainability, culture, and community engagement, the campaign positions Penang at the heart of a growing national and regional commitment to marine conservation.
The campaign will culminate in a symbolic Turtle Release Ceremony on 14 September 2025 at Kerachut Beach within Penang National Park. The event will be graced by His Excellency Tun Dato’ Seri Ramli bin Ngah Talib, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, whose presence underscores the importance of collective responsibility in biodiversity preservation and reflects the state’s strong stance on environmental protection. The campaign’s official launch ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 16 August 2025, at Penang Town Hall, Georgetown. It will be officiated by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang, and attended by government officials, civil society organizations, and members of the public.
The campaign is anchored by three flagship events. The first is the “Love Our Turtles: Exhibition,” taking place from 15 to 31 August 2025 at Penang Town Hall. This interactive and educational showcase will offer insights into sea turtle ecology, the threats of marine pollution, and the role of technology—including artificial intelligence and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks—in advancing conservation strategies. The second highlight is the International Sustainability Congress 2025, a two-day forum held on 3 and 4 September at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The congress will convene local and international experts, academics, and policymakers to explore key issues related to biodiversity, sustainable development, and environmental governance. Finally, the campaign will end with the dramatic and hopeful Turtle Release Ceremony, symbolizing a national commitment to restoring marine ecosystems.
In addition to these major events, the campaign will feature a diverse range of community-driven pocket programs that will run concurrently throughout Penang. These include beach clean-ups, mural art projects, sustainability workshops integrating AI, outreach programs involving trishaw and Grab riders, youth-led music nights, fun runs and walks, food truck festivals, and creative educational sessions aimed at families and school groups. This inclusive and hands-on approach is designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, turning awareness into action.
According to YBhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Jailani bin Muhamed Yunus, Founder of the IKHTIAR Foundation, “This campaign is not merely a series of events—it is a national movement of conscience and care. By harnessing the power of education, community, and innovation, we are sending a clear message: the time to protect our turtles and our planet is now.”
The “Love Our Turtles” campaign is also closely aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” It not only reinforces Penang’s reputation as a leader in conservation and eco-tourism, but also promotes ESG-led development as a blueprint for sustainable futures across Southeast Asia. As one of the most ambitious environmental campaigns of its kind in Malaysia, it invites every citizen to take part in safeguarding the natural heritage that belongs to all.