Started in 2001, Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) is a joint effort by UMW Toyota Motor and the Ministry of Education, aimed to cultivate the importance of preserving the environment amongst the younger generation - so that they will consistently act responsibly towards the environment to ensure a sustainable future. To date, an impressive total of 146 schools comprising over 1,600 students, principals and teachers have participated in TEY. This programme is a major component of the organisation's annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which also encompass other CSR pillars such as road safety and philanthropy. Since the programme's inception, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM4 million in educating the future generation about the environment, and providing solutions to issues via Toyota's 'problem-solving, action-oriented approach'. This approach is actually an existing formula that is already widely used in Toyota, to ensure problem-solving is addressed as rationally, effectively and efficiently as possible. The themes for TEY focus on solid waste management, clean water, global warming and recycling - which are all topics close to the heart of Toyota's global and local environment issues. Participating schools are required to generate publicity about their green efforts, in their quest to create awareness and garner participation from their own communities. The grand prize winner of Toyota Eco Youth 2012 will receive a cash prize of RM7,000, while the second prize winner takes home RM5,000 and the third prize winner, RM3,000. Fourth and fifth prize winners will each receive RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively.