Enterprise Speaker Series: “Why We Should Solve E-Waste First?”

On the 22nd of May 2025, Enterprise@APU hosted another insightful session of the Enterprise Speaker Series, featuring Mohamed “Mo” Tarek, the inspiring founder of ERTH (E-Waste Recycling Through Heroes). As a Finnish-Egyptian serial entrepreneur, his current mission is to tackle the growing crisis of electronic waste through innovative and inclusive recycling solutions.

During the session, Mo Tarek shared his entrepreneurial journey, including how ERTH scaled from a simple idea into a regional leader in e-waste collection and recycling. With support from Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Impak initiative, ERTH has expanded its operations, including the recent launch of its operation in Jakarta. His story captivated the audience, as he shared findings from the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, offering a stark reminder of the growing urgency to address e-waste worldwide., He explained how ERTH collects discarded electronics such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones, by empowering local “heroes” to take part in the recycling movement. Mo Tarek also spoke about his collaboration with Panasonic, as well as partnerships with public schools to repair or recycle old computers—underscoring the social impact of ERTH to the community.

In the Q&A segment, Mo Tarek emphasized that internship opportunites at ERTH are open to those with strong attitudes and skills, regardless of their academic background. He welcomed future collaborations with students and offered personal insights into overcoming challenges, including challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shared his recent accomplishments, including being ranked among the Top 9 at NUS Enterprise and participating in the Alibaba Digital Platform Program.

In wrapping up, Mo Tarek further motivated the students with the notion that meaningful impact stems from persistence, innovation, and a drive to solve real-world problems. As Mo Tarek emphasized, it’s not just about building a business, it’s about creating value for people and the planet. Those who are driven by purpose and willing to act will be the ones shaping the future of sustainability.