NUS partners STEP to nurture future champions of environment protection
Over 150 students from Singapore and across Asia converged at annual programme to examine issues of biodiversity conservation and sustainability
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Technologies Endowment Programme (STEP) today kicked off the second STEP-NUS Sunburst Environment Programme to nurture environmental leaders among the youths of Singapore and across Asia. More than 150 students from Singapore and eight countries across Asia took part in this year's programme.
The opening ceremony of this year's programme was graced by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, as the Guest-of-Honour.
Launched in 2013, the STEP-NUS Sunburst Environment Programme is an annual event organised by STEP in partnership with the NUS Climate Change and Sustainable Environment Research Initiative hosted by the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) at NUS. This year's programme challenges the students to examine the conflicting demands of biodiversity conservation and urban development.
Professor Leo Tan, Director (Special Projects) at the NUS Faculty of Science and Chairman of STEP, said, “Rapid urbanisation, population growth and economic progress have given rise to challenges in conserving our natural environment. Through this programme, I hope that the students can develop a thorough understanding of the issues affecting the future of our planet. In time to come, I hope that they can, in one way or another, play a role in improving the environment of their own school, community and society.”
Over a period of five days, from 17 to 21 November 2014, the participating students, aged between 13 and 15, from Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand will attend lectures delivered by leading scientists in the fields of biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. International scientists who are involved in the programme include Dr Dennis Gordon from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand, Emeritus Professor Edgardo D. Gomez from the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines and Associate Professor Reuben Clements from Kenyir Research Institute of the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. In addition, NUS researchers will be sharing their experiences in developing thought leadership for environment issues in Asia.
The students will also participate in workshops and environmental study visits, including nature walks conducted by NUS staff at Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, MacRitchie Forest Adventure and St John's Island.
To demonstrate their awareness of green issues, participating students have been organised into teams and they will compete through written essays, oral presentations and poster presentations. The winning teams will win prizes sponsored by STEP.
