AkzoNobel launches fifth year of China Student Sustainability Award

AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company, has announced the launch of the 2016 China Student Sustainability Award. Celebrating its fifth year, the Award recognizes Chinese university student groups making a positive impact on local communities through diverse educational activities.

The China Student Sustainability Award is the first award in China to recognize university student groups' contributions to communities. Since 2011, it has received more than 1,000 entries from 185 universities in 77 cities and engaged more than 10 million people across China.

Interested university student groups are encouraged to submit their community education programs to AkzoNobel by June 30, 2016.

Dr. LIN Liangqi, President of AkzoNobel China and Managing Director of Decorative Paints, China and North Asia, said: "Youth is the source of vitality and they have a crucial role to play in the sustainable development of society. Through our Student Sustainability Award, AkzoNobel is committed to recognizing and inspiring younger generations who innovate and make positive contributions to their communities. Combining education and service to society complements AkzoNobel's Human Cities program, which aims to make urban life more energizing, inspiring and vibrant."

This year, AkzoNobel is going to to continue its partnership with the School Department of the Central Committee of the China Communist Youth League (CCYL). Under the guidance of CCYL, AkzoNobel, the Executive Committee of the China Education Support Project and the China Youth University of Political Studies will launch a special project; the National University Students' Social Practice Research. The research will analyze Chinese student's current approaches to community service and develop a tool to help universities better coordinate community service opportunities for students going forward.

Mr. LI Ji, Deputy Director of the School Department of the Central Committee of CCYL, said: "AkzoNobel has set an example of how businesses can enhance the holistic development of Chinese college students and has played a significant role in helping the CCYL unite youth and serve China. With this year's special study, we can get a deeper understanding of how Chinese students engage in community service to improve future programs and help students further expand their horizons."

This year's Award includes continued support from AkzoNobelh's business areas. AkzoNobel Powder Coatings is sponsoring a special Interpon eco-magination award to collect creative ideas for the Interpon eco-video script campaign to raise student awareness of environmental protection.

Eddie Wang, Regional Director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, North Asia, said: "AkzoNobel's mission is to create everyday essentials that make people's lives more livable and inspiring. As a global leader in sustainability, we focus on doing more with less through our Planet Possible™ approach. We welcome young students to work with us to create more value for society."