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History rolls into Expo on three wheels

Feb 24, 2022
Malaysia’s past helps inspire a more sustainable future
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A quick history lesson: In the early 20th century, before the arrival of taxis and buses, the beca (pronounced betch-a) – a three-wheeled, pedal powered trishaw – shaped Malaysia’s transportation system. But with the arrival of more modern public transportation, their use gradually declined.

In the historic, UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka, the beca remains a local transportation icon.

Bringing beca back: At Expo 2020 in Dubai, the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) is reviving the legacy of beca to draw attention to sustainable transportation solutions. Featured in the Malaysia pavilion are eight custom-made trishaws, proudly delivered by UPS.

Watch the video to see the trishaws, and UPS, in action.

Why it matters: Together with mobility and opportunity, sustainability is one of three core pillars around which everything at the Dubai expo revolves. The Malaysia pavilion depicts a rainforest canopy and was the first expo pavilion to adopt a net zero carbon approach.

From the star of the show: “I hope the trishaws can help to attract visitors to the Expo, and that they will be able to witness the uniqueness of the Melaka beca which has been preserved across many generations,” said Encik Rosli, trishaw maker.

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