Illustration by Lim Zhen Ping

On 30 November 2025, AIESEC in Taylor’s University collaborated with Taylor’s Nature Club and Taylor’s Star Ambassadors to host the River Purification Workshop, a hands-on initiative that combined environmental action, community engagement, and youth empowerment. With support from Kelab Warisan Sungai Klang and the Leo Club of Victoria Heights, students stepped out to make a tangible impact on the Klang River while learning the science and significance of river conservation.
Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University.

Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University

Journey to Klang River
The day began at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus with registration and a casual meet-and-greet as students prepared for the workshop. Spirits were high as participants carpooled to the Klang River, excited for a rare opportunity to learn outside the classroom. 
Upon arrival, representatives from Kelab Warisan Sungai Klang welcomed the group and introduced the river’s rich heritage, its role in local communities, and its significance as part of the Royal Town. This session reminded participants that environmental conservation is deeply tied to culture, history, and identity.
Hands-On EM Mudball Workshop
The highlight of the morning was the Effective Microorganism (EM) mudball activity, where students were guided through the process of creating natural mudballs used for river purification. Facilitators explained how a simple mixture of water, brown sugar, and rice grains could develop into a powerful eco-tool once left to ferment for three months. During fermentation, beneficial microbes grow and produce enzymes capable of breaking down pollutants, improving water clarity, and restoring ecological balance. 

Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University

Students mixed ingredients with their hands, rolled the mud into shape, and worked together with plenty of laughter along the riverside. 

Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University

The moment they tossed the mudballs into the Klang River was both symbolic and impactful action toward rejuvenating a shared natural space.

Science Sidebar: How EM Mudballs Purify Rivers
EM mudballs introduce beneficial microorganisms into polluted water. These microbes consume organic waste, break down sludge, and neutralize harmful compounds. As enzymes produced during fermentation accelerate decomposition, oxygen levels improve and aquatic ecosystems regain balance. Over time, recurring mudball applications can significantly enhance water quality and river health.

Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University

Community Bonding
After the hands-on session, participants returned to Taylor’s University for a much-needed lunch break. Conversations flowed as students reflected on their first-time experience working with EM mudballs, discussed environmental issues, and bonded with peers from different clubs. The break provided a calm moment to digest not only the food, but the morning’s meaningful activities.

AIESEC Sharing Session and Leadership Remarks
The afternoon continued with an AIESEC sharing session led by Chean Forest Armamento as the emcee with help from AIESEC president Ananda Mulya Jaya. This session offered a deeper look into AIESEC’s ongoing initiatives and the values that guide their projects. Forest introduced ECHO, the initiative under which this workshop was organized, highlighting its commitment to SDG 13: Climate Action and its goal of empowering youth through practical environmental engagement. She also shared insights into Light a Refugee’s Dream (LARD), a project supporting refugee youth through mentorship and education, and Here 4 You (H4Y), a program focused on mental health awareness and student support. The session concluded with a short introduction to AIESEC’s Global Volunteer Program, encouraging participants to explore opportunities to serve communities abroad.

Club presidents Declan Chan Yew Xun of Taylor’s Star Ambassadors and Adeeb Naufal of Taylor’s Nature Club also shared thoughtful remarks. They emphasized the importance of youth leadership, cross-club collaboration, and the power of taking initiative in shaping a better environment and community. Their words reinforced the spirit of teamwork and collective change that defined the event.

Purpose & Impact: Beyond the Riverbank
This workshop was more than just a river purification. It was a hands-on demonstration of how environmental action, learning, and community collaboration can come together to create meaningful impact. Students not only contributed to the purification and restoration of the Klang River, but also gained practical knowledge, built new connections, and strengthened their understanding of sustainability. As part of the ECHO initiative, the event empowered participants to take climate action, encouraged active citizenship, and showcased how simple, collective steps, such as shaping and tossing mudballs, can breathe new life into nature.

We cleaned, we learned, and we proved that even the smallest actions can ripple into significant change. 

Photo by AIESEC in Taylor’s University

Follow the Organisers
AIESEC (@aiesecinmalaysia)
Taylor’s Nature Club (@t_natureclub)
Taylor’s Star Ambassadors (@tlsc.star)