UTAR launches From Clutter to Clarity – A Bargain Basement Project 2025
UTAR, in collaboration with Bargain Basement, successfully launched the From Clutter to Clarity awareness campaign at the Bargain Basement Store at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event, held on 25 March 2025, was graced by Datin Joanne Wong, founder of Bargain Basement, alongside UTAR staff and students. A similar launch event was also held at UTAR Kampar Campus on 17 April 2025. The aim of the initiative was to promote responsible consumption, reduce waste, and foster a circular economy. By educating individuals on mindful decluttering and second-hand shopping, the campaign aimed to encourage a sustainable and socially responsible lifestyle.
UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted the role of education in shaping responsible individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute to society. He highlighted that the Bargain Basement Project is a prime example of how small lifestyle changes such as donating and buying preloved items can have a significant positive impact on the environment and those in need. “At UTAR, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. It is about fostering a culture of giving, environmental awareness, and social impact. This initiative embodies these values by encouraging the responsible reuse of items, reducing waste, and ensuring that preloved goods find new homes,” he said.
Datin Joanne Wong expressed her appreciation for UTAR’s continuous support and shared the inspiration for Bargain Basement. “Many of us accumulate things over time that we no longer need, but these same items could be valuable to others. Through this initiative, we are not just clearing clutter—we are creating opportunities for generosity, sustainability, and positive change,” she said.
Representing Prof Dato’ Ewe at the Kampar ceremony, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong enthused, “This initiative is a call to action for all of us—students, faculty, and community members alike—to rethink our consumption habits and move away from the prevailing culture of waste. These acts also challenge the notion of disposable culture and align us with a more circular, sustainable economy.
With UTAR’s deep commitment to sustainability, its partnership with the IOI Foundation has expanded the reach of the Bargain Basement initiative across the Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses. These outlets are more than just places where items are sold and bought; they also serve as real-life learning platforms for students. Through the management of these outlets, students gain valuable hands-on experience in business operations, customer service, and project management. An important lesson imparted is that businesses are not just about maximising profits, but also about making a positive difference in the community, promoting sustainability, and helping those who are less fortunate.
The From Clutter to Clarity campaign directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which encourages second-hand shopping to reduce waste and extend product life cycles; SDG 13: Climate Action, which highlights how buying preloved items helps lower carbon footprints by reducing manufacturing emissions and waste disposal; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which promotes decluttering and reusing goods to create cleaner and more organised living spaces while reducing urban waste; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which supports local thrift stores and second-hand businesses, promoting a sustainable and inclusive economy.
Through the Bargain Basement Store, visitors can donate, shop, and support charitable causes while embracing a more sustainable and minimalist lifestyle. Every item sold not only prevents unnecessary waste but also contributes to fundraising efforts for underprivileged communities.
