Sharing the Stage with Minister Grace Fu

Photo of Kavin (Chair of Sustainable Enterprise Consultants) on Panel with Minister Grace Fu

I recently had the incredible opportunity to speak on a youth sustainability panel, an experience that deeply impacted my understanding of environmental stewardship. Minister Grace Fu was a special guest at the event, and her words were both inspiring and motivating.

Minister Fu spoke about the essence of sustainability, emphasizing that it’s not about grand gestures but about making small, practical changes in our daily lives. She pointed out that focusing on these manageable actions can collectively lead to significant environmental improvements. This message really struck a chord with me, as it aligns with my belief that every little bit helps.

She also shared Singapore’s ambitious plans with the Green Plan 2030 and the 2050 net zero carbon emission targets. Hearing about the country's dedicated efforts to create a network of sustainable initiatives and its unwavering commitment was truly uplifting. Minister Fu also highlighted the importance of global collaboration, suggesting that sharing innovations and policies across borders can make a significant difference. Her reminder that even minor changes can have a profound impact was particularly enlightening.

During the panel, I was asked "How do you inspire your peers to actively participate in sustainability projects in your school?" Here’s what I shared:

One of my key strategies is promoting digital decluttering. By encouraging everyone to delete unnecessary files and emails, we can collectively save a lot of energy. For instance, deleting 1GB of unwanted data can save enough energy to charge 30,000 smartphones. This simple act, if embraced by many, can lead to considerable energy savings.

A small snippet of my response (Minister Grace Fu on the right)

Another important aspect is integrating sustainability into our daily surroundings. Humans naturally absorb information from their environment, so by embedding sustainable practices into everyday life, we can foster eco-friendly habits. Examples include setting up recycling stations, encouraging the use of reusable items, and incorporating green initiatives into school activities.

Leading by example is also crucial. I make a point of demonstrating sustainable practices in my own actions and sharing both my successes and challenges. This helps inspire my peers to follow suit. Additionally, raising awareness through social media and school platforms is highly effective. Organizing workshops and events to educate and engage students on the importance of sustainability can significantly boost participation.

After the panel, Fateh, I, and approximately 300 attendees toured the Razer SEA HQ. It was a fantastic addition to the experience as the entire office was integrated with sustainable elements including Razer’s sustainability mascot Sneki Snek. Capture a photo below!

This event was a powerful reminder that every small effort contributes to a larger goal. It’s essential to be mindful of our environmental impact and do what we can within our means. Supporting each other and sharing ideas is key to creating a sustainable future. Looking to future scientists and engineers for innovative solutions is also vital as our world continues to evolve rapidly.

I’m deeply grateful to Minister Grace Fu for attending and sharing her invaluable insights. A big thank you to UWCSEA for providing the platform to share my thoughts and ideas. Lastly, I’d like to commend Razer for organizing the event and for their outstanding sustainable initiatives.

Let's continue to push for change and make sustainability a core part of our lives! 🌱