SABIC “Lights of Our Future” Program Marks 10th Anniversary In China, Empowering Youth Education On Sustainability

SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, celebrated the 10^th anniversary of its “Lights of Our Future” program in China together with JA China, a non-profit organization specializing in student education in work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The celebration was held alongside the sixth “Lights of Our Future” Sustainable Development Design Competition and the SABIC Shanghai Plant Open-to-Public (OTP) Day.

The sixth “Lights of Our Future” Sustainable Development Design Competition and SABIC’s Open-to-Public Day held in Shanghai.

Justin Wang, SABIC Vice President and Regional Head, Greater China; Huang Feng, President of Shanghai Association of Foreign Investments; and Wang Xiaolei, President of JA China attended the event, encouraging young talents to embrace innovation, broaden their horizons, and contribute to sustainable development.

“Since its inception, the ‘Lights of Our Future’ program has enjoyed a decade-long journey in China. As a community member with focus on practicing corporate social responsibility over the long term, SABIC not only creates positive impacts in the communities we operate through diverse programs, but also nurtures the young generation’s passion for protecting our environment and promoting sustainability,” said Justin Wang. “Looking ahead, SABIC will continue to act on ‘Chemistry That Matters™’, and work closely with all stakeholders to explore new pathways for advancing sustainability and shaping a brighter future.”

“Lights of Our Future” is a global CSR program initiated and first launched in Asia by SABIC. In partnership with JA China, the China edition of the program aims to enhance awareness of sustainability among young talents, encouraging them to adopt a more innovative mindset for environmental protection through a series of customized lessons and activities. Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 SABIC employees have volunteered approximately 13,000 hours to design the curriculum and teach courses. More than 19,000 students from over 80 schools across the country have participated in related courses, activities, and competitions, learning the long-term significance of sustainability from an economic perspective and exploring the practical applications of theoretical knowledge.

As an extension of the “Lights of Our Future” program, the Technology Empowers the Sustainable Development Design Competition gathered fourteen teams from nine schools in Shanghai. The teams explored the theme of “The design of sustainable urban public spaces”, with the goal of achieving balanced and sustainable development between the environment and the economy. The teams presented a wide range of forward-thinking solutions emerged from their surrounding urban contexts, showcasing diverse possibilities for urban space design. The panel of judges, comprised of representatives from SABIC and JA China, as well as education experts, evaluated the proposals based on a set of comprehensive criteria assessing their environmental, economic, social benefits, their enforceability, on-site demonstrations and the application of technological innovation. Eventually, Shanghai New Huangpu Experimental School’s “Innovation” team, who presented Smart Green Parking Lot Project, won the first prize.

The students presented a wide range of forward-thinking solutions under the theme of “The design of sustainable urban public spaces”.

Shanghai New Huangpu Experimental School's “Innovation” team, who presented Smart Green Parking Lot Project, won the first prize.

In parallel with the competition, SABIC also hosted the SABIC Shanghai Plant OTP Day, fulfilling its role as a member of the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) and deepening young students’ understanding of the chemical industry. SABIC volunteers led students on an immersive tour of the plant’s production lines, workshops, and laboratories, providing a closer look into chemical production processes, operational safety procedures, and the close collaboration among different departments. In the well-designed “Innovation Space” and “Engagement Space” spaces at the plant, students also learned more about SABIC’s innovative solutions and excellent practices in sustainability and the circular economy.

In parallel with the competition, SABIC hosted the OTP Day at its Shanghai Plant.

SABIC strives to continue to deliver its commitment to cultivating young talents with a global and sustainability-oriented outlook through programs such as “Lights of Our Future”, OTP Days, and a range of other community initiatives, while joining hands with partners to contribute to a more sustainable future.