Winston Chung, an inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has been championing environmental sustainability for over 30 years, has become the inaugural winner of the United Nations Social Entrepreneur & Philanthropist of the Year Award.

The award was presented at the organisation’s annual gala on October 13. The award recognises innovative and exemplary social entrepreneurship and is to be presented annually to an individual of global stature.

In announcing this new award the UN committee stated: "The choice of Mr Winston Chung as the first recipient of this important award recognises his extraordinary commitment to sustainable energy solutions, thereby helping achieve the seventh of the eight UN Millennium Development Goals regarding environmental sustainability."

Mr Chung said; "In comparison to the overall environmental challenges facing the world today, my contribution is very small.

"I hope that by my example, and the example of many others who are also working to meet the world’s need for a cleaner environment and more energy, that the leaders and the entrepreneurs of the world will focus on the need to fundamentally change the way we create, deliver, and store energy."

Congratulations Mr Chung. Let’s hope others do follow your example. We can all do our bit to save energy, no matter how small; it all adds up.

If you do your bit, you might not get recognised by the UN, but you do get a great big thank you from all of us here at BigGreenSmile.

[Image: *Muhammad*]