First poly-industry sustainability festival set to advance efforts in developing an eco-friendly future
Post Date: 08 Nov 2023
Temasek Polytechnic (TP) organised the first poly-industry sustainability festival in November, to elevate green and sustainability practices in Singapore and beyond. The festival signifies TP's commitment in inculcating a sustainability culture through industry partnerships, providing a holistic overview on sustainability issues, as well as opportunities for Singaporeans to take collective action on sustainability matters.
A range of eco-activities helmed by TP and our partners were held in November.
TP-ECOllab Symposium
The festival was anchored by the inaugural TP-ECOllab Symposium – Enabling Green Resilience on 7 November 2023. 500 sustainability industry partners and eco-enthusiasts gained knowledge on practical solutions for them to directly apply in their sustainability journeys. Participants also got the opportunity to network, engage in dialogue with experts and learn from other sustainability initiatives.
The symposium included a Sustainability Showcase where alternative protein refreshments and sustainability projects specially developed by TP students, staff and partners such as battery recycling were featured. This is part of TP’s efforts to provide advanced sustainable solutions in the areas of food and technology through reduction of waste and carbon emission in alignment with the SG Green Plan.
Fostering sustainable solutions with partners
TP forges close partnerships with different industry sectors to support their varied needs whilst keeping our students and staff close to their latest practices. To underscore our commitment in fostering sustainable solutions together, TP formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the event with key partners such as City Developments Limited, KPMG Services Pte Ltd and the Singapore Environment Council. The collaborative endeavours will span multiple domains, including ongoing education and training, capability enhancement, and knowledge sharing. To signify the partnership, 8 trees were planted on 3rd November dedicated to our MOU partners.
In addition, TP signed a separate MOU at the TP-ECOllab Symposium with ITE and key partners such as Link Capital (Forestry Project Owner) and REDEX (Renewable Energy Certifier) as a shared commitment to nurturing global citizenship and developing the green economy in ASEAN countries.
Prior to the Symposium, an MOU had been signed with the Singapore Environment Council with the intent of developing a range of joint programmes in the area of environmental sustainability.
Galvanising Awareness on Sustainability
To augment the Symposium, a slew of other eco-initiatives in collaboration with other TP partners also took place in November, to promote an eco-friendlier mindset among students. The Ecofest: Celebrating Sustainability event comprised activities for students related to various aspects of environmentalism, while TP’s School of Business conducted a series of webinars ranging from green innovation, technology & sustainability, sustainable practices as well as facilitating industry eco-visits to provide students with a holistic overview and understanding of sustainability and environmentalism.
In addition, a sustainability talk as part of the Learning Without Boundaries series was held to inspire students to learn more about sustainability. The talk is held in collaboration with TP’s student interest group (Green Sustainability Team), TP’s Chemical Engineering alumni and NTU.
Encouraging Sustainable Action
Advancing our commitment to sustainability, TP also joined forces with Mapletree for a landmark tree-planting event that enriched TP’s Triangular Garden with 60 new trees planted by TP students and staff from TP and Mapletree on 3rd November.
Another event saw TP’s Green Interest Group (GIG) and the People’s Association (PA) jointly organising a Kayak and Klean event aimed to keep our environment clean. The GIG members picked up litter at the side of Bedok Reservoir, and on the reservoir on kayaks.
