Sustainability is as much about education as it is about innovation.
I lead upcycling workshops, give sustainability talks in Malaysia and mentor young designers, makers and entrepreneurs.
The 3R approach as a foundation for learning
The 3R approach means reduce, reuse and recycle. It helps us look at the options before something is thrown away: can its use be reduced, can it be reused, or does it need to be sent for recycling?
Upcycling workshops give hands-on experience of reuse and design. Participants learn to see the value in materials and make useful products. This makes environmental sustainability easier to understand through real action.
Mentoring the next generation
I mentor young designers, artisans and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in sustainability. Through workshops and one-to-one guidance, I help them understand responsible sourcing, sustainable craftsmanship and why innovation matters in the green industry.
I also train and mentor our in-house employees, apprentices and interns. Working closely with my team lets us go deep into each process, from material selection to product development, and I encourage them to sharpen their critical thinking by tackling design and production challenges head-on.
In 2022 I led an introductory carpentry and upcycling workshop for Dignity Foundation youth aged fifteen, with a factory tour, an upcycling talk, pallet dismantling and hands-on crafts with reclaimed materials.
Public speaking and knowledge sharing
I regularly speak at universities and industry events, focusing on sustainable entrepreneurship, ethical manufacturing and innovation in design.
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Education Week: NetCon with Alumni (panel). Shared insights on sustainable entrepreneurship and green careers with 200+ students.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Furtech
Career Talk: Exploring career opportunities in the woodworking industry (speaker).
Taylor’s University
Taylor’s KUAT Community Sharing Session: Shifting mindset and scaling up for entrepreneurs (speaker).
Multimedia University (MMU Cyberjaya)
Design Day Marathon: Designing a sustainable wellbeing (panelist). Broadcast live on YouTube and platforms in China.
Industry collaboration and academic contributions
Beyond guest lecturing, I contribute to academic research, industry panels and knowledge sharing, including a collaboration with Exim Bank.
In 2025 I was appointed a Member of the Industrial Advisory Panel for the Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design (Honours) at the University of Technology Sarawak, to help shape future-ready graduates in sustainable product design.
The Green Factor Podcast
The COVID-19 lockdowns sparked a wave of online discussion, and I launched The Green Factor Podcast to explore sustainability across industries and connect thought leaders. Each episode aims to educate, inspire and challenge conventional thinking about green business.
- Sustainable entrepreneurship and business strategy
- Material innovation and circular economy insights
- Ethical manufacturing and responsible sourcing
- Real-world experience from industry leaders
Sustainable design and circular design
Harith teaches sustainable design through real work. Students see how a material is chosen, how waste is designed out, and how a product is made and finished. Circular design means planning a product so its materials can be reused again. He covers it in guest lectures, panels and advisory work with universities.
Visit The Green Factory
The Green Factory in Ampang welcomes school groups, students, companies and the public. It has held an open factory day every year since 2019. A factory visit shows sustainable manufacturing in action, from reclaimed timber to finished products. Tours and talks can be arranged through The Green Factory's tours and talks page.
Frequently asked questions
How can students learn about sustainable design in practice?
By seeing real projects and making things. Harith mentors young designers, gives guest lectures at universities and leads hands-on workshops. In 2022 he led a carpentry and upcycling workshop for Dignity Foundation youth, with a factory tour and pallet dismantling.
Can companies or schools visit a sustainable factory in Malaysia?
Yes. The Green Factory in Ampang welcomes visitors, and it has held an open factory day every year since 2019. Visitors have included students from the Malaysian National Gifted Centre and more than 100 Maybank leaders. Tours and talks can be arranged through The Green Factory's tours and talks page.
What is an upcycling workshop, and who is it for?
An upcycling workshop is a hands-on session where participants turn wood offcuts and reclaimed materials into useful products. It is beginner-friendly and suits school groups, youth and company teams of 10 to 60. At The Green Factory, sessions run 2.5 to 3.5 hours and include wood painting, pallet dismantling and woodworking, with materials, tools and guidance included, from RM80 per person. Harith has also run workshops for Dignity Foundation youth, for guests at The Datai Langkawi and for children at the UPM farm park with Majalah Kuntum. See the workshop packages.
How do you teach circular design to design students?
With real industry practice. As a member of the Industrial Advisory Panel for the Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design (Honours) at the University of Technology Sarawak, Harith helps shape the curriculum, skills and industry links. He also joins design panels, such as MMU's Design Day Marathon in 2021.
Interested in guest lectures or workshops?
Get in touch and be part of the journey toward a greener future.
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