In June 2008, eight Republic Polytechnic (RP) students from the Conservation Interest Group (Zeng Huiqi, Yvonne Chang Hui Xian, Loh Peiyu Meryl, Chew Shyh Shyurng Derek, Tay Jit Ling Jackeline, Sabrina Choo, Soh Zhi Hao, Jasper and Muhammad Fareezal Bin Mohamed Idros) submitted their environmental related proposals to Bayer South East Asia Pte Ltd. Six of them were eventually shortlisted to attend a three day Eco-camp held in July this year at the National University of Singapore.

During the camp, thirteen shortlisted envoys from various Junior Colleges and tertiary institutes visited Sungei Buloh and the Tropical Marine Science Institute on St. John’s Island. Different environmental issues were shared and discussed by various distinguished speakers, after which, the envoys presented their individual project ideas on promoting environmental protection in Singapore to the panel of distinguished judges for their consideration.

The RP envoys impressed the judges with their commitment and passion for the environment and eventually two out of the six RP finalists were selected to represent Singapore at the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy- Germany (Nov 2008) and the 3rd Eco-Minds Asia Pacific Forum to be held in Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand (May 2009). On 30 September 2008, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resource presented the awards to the finalists at the Awards ceremony held at The Fullerton Hotel.

Winners for Bayer Young Environmental Envoy to Germany:

1. Soh Zhi Hao, Jasper from Republic Polytechnic (right)

2. Rebecca Yong Jiahui from Hwa Chong Institution (College Section)

3. Zhang Yi Tao from Raffles Junior College

Winners for the 3rd Eco-Minds Asia Pacific Forum in Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand:

1. Tan Jit Ling Jackeline from Republic Polytechnic (right)

2. Lim Ren Hui from National University of Singapore (NUS)

3. Tan Hui Ling from Hwa Chong Institution (College Section)

Read more about the winners here: http://www.eco-minds.bayer.com/News_Detail.aspx?id=6789

Once again, congratulations to the winners, as well as the finalists of the BYEE and Eco-Minds 2009.

We would also like to thank the following SAS staff (Dr Priscilla To, Dr Amy Choong, Dr Chua Hwee Chuan, Ms Serena Seah & Ms Grace Tan) for their kind support and advice to the participants in the last few months.

RP Finalists (left to right): Sabrina Choo, Tan Jit Ling Jackeline, Yvonne Chang Hui Xian, Chew Shyh Shyurng Derek and Soh Zhi Hao, Jasper and Muhammad Fareezal Bin Mohamed Idros (missing from picture)

RP Finalists, Conservation IG members and RP staff together with Mr Marcus Yim,

Managing Director of Bayer (South East Asia).

Here’s a summary of proposals presented by the six finalists:

Yvonne Chang Hui Xian, first year SAS Diploma in Biomedical Sciences student

Project title: Bring you own utensils and containers day.

The campaign will reinforce the message of re-using and reducing the use of non-biodegradable materials.  Other by encouraging students to use their own lunch boxes and metal utensils, ishe suggested that a surcharge can be imposed by canteen operators to students/staff requesting for disposable containers and utensils. Alternatively, discounts can be given to those bringing their own containers or utensils.

Sabrina Choo, second year SAS student, Diploma in Biotechnology

Project Title: Bring your own utensils day.

Her project focuses on education through poster and having a reward system for those who bring their own utensils.

Muhammad Fareezal Bin Mohamed Idros, second year SAS student, Diploma in Biomedical Sciences

Project Title: “waste” to “wow”.

Make use of recyclable materials from trash to make something creative and innovative.

Chew Shyh Shyurng, first year SAS student, Diploma in Environmental Science

Project Title: The old one how?

He suggested promoting the reuse and recycling of old electronic items to prevent them from ending up in landfills. The mode of publicity would be by reaching out to general public and schools to spread the message of recycling electronic items.

Soh Zhi Hao, Jasper, second year SAS student, Diploma in Environmental Science

Project Title: The 100,000 plastic bottles challenge.

He proposed to co-operate with schools in Woodlands region through a competition to collect 100,000 recyclable plastic bottles. After the collection, the plastic bottles will be transformed to into an art display piece before recycling it.

Tan Jit Ling Jackeline, second year SAS student, Diploma in Material Science

Project Title: Republic Polytechnic’s Eco picnic

The project aims to educate the public on recyclables and non-recyclables in a fun picnic and bazaar which also brings the community closer to nature.

About BYEE & Eco-Minds

Bayer is the first company in the world to enter into long-term partnership with the United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) in the area of youth and environment. Each year, youth leaders from all over world, including Singapore, are selected for the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy (BYEE) and are given the opportunity to travel to Germany on an all expense paid trip to learn more about environmental best practices and at the same time form networks with like-minded young people.

Every two years, Bayer and UNEP organise Eco-Minds, an Asian Pacific forum which brings 27 tertiary  participants from nine Asia Pacific countries (the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Korea) to work on solving sustainable development issues relevant to the entire region.

Words by Chew Shyh Shyurng, Derek, Conservation IG Management Committee Member , first year SAS student, Diploma in Environmental Science, Edits by Grace Tan (Conservation IG advisor).

additional photos :

Yvoone Chang

Derek Chew

Sabrina Choo

Jasper Soh

Jackline Tay

http://www.rp.sg/articles/20081010001.asp