Youth Ecosperity Dialogue (YED) 2022

"Without environmental sustainability, economic stability and social cohesion cannot be achieved."

Phil Harding

The Schedule

5
JUNE 6
JUNE 7
JUNE 8
JUNE 9
JUNE 10
JUNE

5 June

5:00pm - 6:30pm

BRIEFING & ICE BREAKER ACTIVITIES

Facilitated by

SMU Student Ambassadors

6:30pm - 8:00pm

WELCOME DINNER

6 June | ACCELERATING CHANGE AT SCALE

9:00am - 9:30am

OPENING ADDRESS

Dr. Lily Kong

President,
Singapore Management University

WELCOME REMARKS

Dr. Elvin Lim

Dean, College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

WELCOME REMARKS

Mr. Lim Hock Chuan

Head of Programmes,
Temasek Foundation

9:30am - 10:15am

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
“ACCELERATING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION TO AVERT A +2°C world”

Dr. Winston Chow

Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society,
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

The recent news from a series of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports paints a gloomy picture of a world affected by climate disruption, with increasing risks driven by compounding and cascading climate hazards across natural and human systems, and difficult challenges in addressing the root causes of climate change. Even though the world is slowly – but surely – taking belated action to stop the climate emergency, much more tangible work is needed lest we end up with more paralysing “blah, blah, blahs” as Greta Thunberg notes; the outcome of which likely leads to a warming world well in excess of the Paris warming limits of 2 °C with disastrous consequences to the most vulnerable natural ecosystems and human populations. In this keynote, the speaker intends to focus on one blueprint to avert this outcome – that of climate resilient development – which leads to outcomes in which a sustainable transition of human systems occurs while keeping to warming to 1.5 °C. He will elaborate on what does such a development entail (e.g. on adaptation to climate risk, mitigation of climate emissions through behavioural and infrastructural changes, and a focus on sustainable development); on why it is needed urgently and extensively (e.g. how ad hoc approaches that do not include but exclude stakeholders that lead to maladaptation and mitigation failures from unintended consequences); and conclude by stressing that climate resilient development requires an inclusive approach in which youth delegates have an outsized role in both enabling and maintaining the sustainability impacts in the years to come. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. Justin Tse

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

10:15am - 11:45am

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS PANEL
“PEOPLE, PLANET, AND PROFIT: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN CLIMATE ACTION”

Using Business as a Force for Good Mr. Robin Pho

Founder & CEO,
Right People Renewable Energy

The speaker will share his journey of starting his renewable energy company, Right People Renewable Energy (RPRE) and how it became the only certified B Corp providing renewable energy in SEA. In addition, he will relay his key insights about how his company focuses on achieving a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit, and using Business as a Force for Good. Synopsis ›

Of Doughnuts and Doldrums: the Built Environment and Climate Change Mr. Szue Hann Tan

Chairman of Sustainability,
Singapore Institute of Architects

The built environment accounts for about 40% of the world’s energy consumption – and can be attributed as a major contributor to climate change. This talk looks at the best modes of architectural practice and sustainable development in mitigating climate change, turning buildings into agents of recovery, while respecting the social foundation and ecological ceiling limits posited by the model of Doughnut Economics. Referencing the Singapore Institute of Architects’ 7 EDGs (Environmental Design Guidelines), themselves adapted from the UN SDGs, the talk looks into a future where the built environment becomes a solution for, rather than a contributor to, climate change. Synopsis ›

Creating an Enabling and Collaborative Environment to Drive Food Security and Sustainability Mr. Clement Yang

Business Development Manager,
Innovate 360

As a food start-up accelerator and venture capital, food security and sustainability form the core of our DNA. The ability to reconcile the common good and business success should form the core of our business strategy. Innovate 360 focuses on helping food start-ups to grow and scale while focusing on food security and sustainability. We have always believed in providing an enabling environment where ecosystem stakeholders can come together to support innovation and drive food sustainability. Through collaboration, we can deliver maximum impact. This is even more so for lean start-ups who may not necessarily have the resources to scale on their own more than they would like to despite their know-how. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. Emily Soon

Lecturer of Humanities,
College of Integrative Studies & School of Social Sciences,
Singapore Management University

11:45am - 1:00pm

Lunch break

1:00pm - 2:00pm

ACCELERATING CHANGE PANEL
“FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION: GRASSROOT INITIATIVES IN CLIMATE ACTION IN ASIA”

‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ - The Fight for a Sustainable Future Ms. Cassandra Yip

Founder & CEO,
Earth School Singapore

The power of simple ground-up environmental initiatives driven by local eco-communities is often overlooked in favour of complex, scientific "smart solutions”. However, both natural and social sciences are necessary in building an effective solution that strives for ecological sustainability. This sharing presents the idea of common but differentiated local solutions towards solving the problem of global climate change, and also discusses other challenges: In what ways can we meaningfully engage an increasingly pluralistic society for collective environmental action? How do we create active allies for the environment out of passive ones, and even out of opposition actors? Navigating these social challenges can help progress sustainable development from the very baseline of any society, creating pathways to prosperity for both people and planet. Synopsis ›

The Plastic Project - Closing the Plastic Loop as a Community Ms. Amber Soong

Founder & Project Director,
The Plastic Project

Not many have had the opportunity to go underwater and experience a whole new world; and fewer have watched manta rays and other marine animals choke on bags of potato chips and diapers. Amber will talk about how plastic affects not only animals but also how it directly affects every single person as well. Underwater photos, The Plastic Project's beach clean ups in the mangroves and waterways of Singapore, and even trips to our wet markets will evidently show how much plastic is destroying our natural world. This talk will establish how one person's action can lead to a bigger movement. Synopsis ›

Food Waste and the Ecosystem Mr. Augustine Tan

Founder,
UglyFood

In this talk, Augustine will discuss why we're in this situation of surplus food today. After the talk, you will understand the upstream and downstream supply chain issues, how it impacts us in our everyday lives, and what you can do about it and ultimately walk away with some knowledge on how to distinguish edible vs inedible fresh produce, plus cool storage tips! Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. George Wong

Adjunct Faculty,
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

2:00pm - 3:00pm

YED CHALLENGE LAUNCH

Facilitated by

Start-Up X

Click here for more information on Start-Up X.

3:00pm - 3:45pm

WORKSHOP
“WHAT CAN THE YOUTH DO TO ACCELERATE CHANGE AND MOVE FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION”

Facilitated by

Dr. Justin Tse

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

3:45pm - 4:00pm

Tea Break

4:00pm - 6:00pm

TEAM BUILDING & AMAZING RACE

Facilitated by

SMU Student Ambassadors

6:00pm

Closing remarks

Dr. Elvin Lim

Dean, College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

7:00pm

DINNER AT PENANG PLACE

7 June | ACCELERATING THE ENERGY REVOLUTION

9:00am - 10:40am

LIVE STREAMING TELECAST OF ECOSPERITY WEEK 2022

China’s Energy Transition: Unlocking the Green Advantage
Overcoming the Hurdles of a Renewable Revolution

10:40am - 11:10am

Tea Break

11:10am - 12:00pm

FACILITATED DISCUSSION

Moderated by

Dr. Justin Tse

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch break

1:00pm - 2:40pm

A FILM SCREENING OF “BIGGER THAN US”

Bigger Than Us tells us the story of Melati and fellow activists across the globe, a new generation rising up to fix the world. The film touches on topics of human rights, the climate, freedom of expression, social justice as well as access to education and food. At a time when everything seems to be or has been falling apart, these young people show us how to live and what it means to be in the world today.

2:50pm - 3:30pm

PICK UP FROM SMU TO SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

3:45pm - 6:00pm

LEARNING JOURNEY
SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

In this session, Singapore Discovery Centre’s Sustainability Department will share the aims that Singapore Discovery Centre had when starting out on its sustainability journey. The company aims to become a net zero energy building; harvesting all the energy it requires by sustainable means. The department will also share the successes and challenges faced during this journey, as well as the future plans Singapore Discovery Centre has.

6:00pm - 6:30pm

PICK UP FROM SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

6:30pm

DINNER AT TAMBUAH MAS

9 June | REIMAGINING ECOSPERITY: BEYOND BUSINESS

9:00am - 10:00am

“CLIMATE ACTION: PITFALLS, PROSPECTS, AND THE WAY FORWARD”

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Fatalism, Polarisation and Greenwashing: One Perspective on Climate Conversations and Climate Action Mr. Jaime Ho

Partner,
Finsbury Glover Hering

This session explores the diverse and growing challenges in addressing and communicating climate action. From fatalism to fatigue, to greenwashing and unfulfilled promises, the challenges to meaningful action will likely sharpen together with the real day-to-day threats of climate change to communities around the world. How best to identify and avoid these pitfalls? Is it possible to create broad-based societal movements on climate action, which can address long-standing issues such as climate justice, while avoiding the larger trends of polarisation in political debate today? What role will the youth of today play? This session will hope to provoke discussions on the necessary next steps forward. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. Darlene Machell de Leon Espena

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

10:00am - 10:30am

Tea Break

10:30am - 12:00pm

“POWER TO THE PEOPLE: EDUCATING FOR ECOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT”

Ms. Diana Fu

Environmental planner, Educator, Poet & Playwright

In this virtual talk, Diana Fu will talk about her experiences as a young person educating communities that have been marginalised by race, gender, and class to take power over the ecological situations that they face so that they can prosper collectively. Her nonprofit work has situated her as a teacher in Black, Latinx, and Asian American communities in the Bronx and the Bay Area, where she has also used her practice of creative writing and the arts to highlight how everyday experiences of ecology are central to ordinary people understanding what they can do for their own communities and their relationship to the natural environment. In her current position at the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, she enacts public projects that scale out her educational and environmental work in ways that connect California to the Pacific Rim. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. Justin Tse

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch break

1:00pm - 2:30pm

“ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZENSHIP AND THE GEOGRAPHIES OF RESPONSIBILITY"

Dr. Aidan Wong

Assistant Professor of Humanities (Education),
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

Debates surrounding climate change often involve an element of attributing blame for the state of the environment; often this blame is outward, with an (un)known “other” taking the fall for our declining condition. Several governments and NGOs have gone to great pains to emphasise the importance of individual responsibility for the environment, otherwise known as environmental or ecological citizenship. But how successful has this been in changing social behaviour and perceptions of responsibility? This presentation draws on some preliminary studies on social behaviour related to the management of electronic waste in Singapore, and posits that much more needs to be done to nudge people towards becoming active environmental citizens. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

SMU Student Ambassador

2:45pm - 3:00pm

PICK UP FROM SMU TO LEARNING JOURNEY LOCATIONS

3:00pm - 6:45pm

LEARNING JOURNEY
MARINA BARRAGE

Marina Barrage will showcase the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. The gallery experience is a modern and interactive gallery that provides on overview of Singapore’s sustainable development. Comprising of 6 different learning zones, each zone delving into different topics related to sustainability including climate change, water management, energy efficiency, and zero waste. Through interactive multimedia and multi-sensory technologies, the gallery will provide a highly immersive experience for all.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Gardens by the Bay will feature a “Kingfisher Wetlands Augmented Reality Tour”. The Kingfisher Wetlands is a unique freshwater wetlands in the city centre, situated along the waterfront promenade of Gardens by the Bay, near the open-air food court Satay by the Bay. It was opened last year to promote an interest and appreciation among the wider community on the diversity of wildlife in Singapore. As part of Gardens by the Bay’s latest sustainability efforts, more than 200 native mangrove trees and mangrove associates were planted as part of a pilot study to understand the potential for urban wetlands in storing “blue” carbon. Participants will get to enhance their visitor experience in the Gardens and discover the biodiversity and sustainability features of the Gardens through a pilot Augmented Reality tour.

7:00pm - 8:30pm

DINNER AT SATAY BY THE BAY

10 June | WALK THE TALK: FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION

9:00am - 10:30am

CLIMATE ADVOCACY IN SINGAPORE AND BEYOND: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Waste & Climate Action Mr. Kelvin Wong

Director, Organisation Development & Partnerships,
Terra SG

In this talk, the speaker will explore the impact of consistent and enormous waste production and its repercussions and effects on Singapore. By demonstrating examples of severe wastage in our community and our lifestyles, we can find solutions and alternatives to secure a more sustainable future for our nation. Debunk the myths of upcycling & recycling and know the difference as well as how individuals can play a part to advance sustainability agenda for Singapore and the world. Synopsis ›

(Climate) Change is the Only Constant? Ms. Tan Hui Leng

Executive Director,
Zero Waste Singapore

The speaker will share about her experiences navigating the environmental space in Singapore, as well as Zero Waste SG’s public outreach and advocacy efforts. This will include the opportunities and challenges that the organisation has faced and continues to face. To end, she will discuss some of the key trends that allow us to remain hopeful that human action can mitigate the waste crisis (and climate change!), as much as it has been the cause of it. Synopsis ›

Acting Together on Climate Change Ms. Tok Xinying

Co-founder & Director,
Climate Conversations

Systemic change starts from the ground up. How do we build broad based support for the difficult systemic change that needs to happen in order to prevent the worse effects of climate breakdown? Climate Conversations has run 160+ conversations in the 3.5 years and we understand that tackling climate breakdown is too big for an individual, and have know that doing it together means building lasting connections and a strong community for change. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

SMU Student Ambassador

10:30am - 10:50am

Tea Break

10:50am - 12:00pm

YED CHALLENGE - PLANNING

Facilitated by

Startup X

Click here for more information on Start-Up X.

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch break

1:00pm - 4:00pm

YED CHALLENGE – PRESENTATIONS

Moderated by

SMU Student Ambassador

4:00pm - 4:30pm

Tea Break

4:30pm - 5:30pm

INSPIRING CHANGE DIALOGUE PANEL

THE POWER OF HOPE: MY 11 YEARS JOURNEY IN THE SUSTAINABILITY SCENE AND COUNTING Ms. Joline Tang

Founder,
Sustainability Project

Being sustainable is not as easy as ABC kind of task in Singapore. Having been into sustainability for the past 11 years, the speaker has faced many rejections in her life and discouragement about sustainability. “You cannot save the earth.” “Why are you trying so hard?”. “It is for the next generation to worry about, not us.”These are phrases she encountered or you might have heard them yourself when you are trying your best to be sustainable and be in this low waste journey. Without a doubt, there is still so much to work on within Singapore's environmental scene and change is still a work in progress. Yes, sometimes it gets slightly depressing when you see all the climate disasters happening around us, with everyone not taking action. In her sharing, Joline will share her journey of how facing these obstacles led her to start The Sustainability Project and how she continues to overcome these obstacles. Synopsis ›

Create Your Own Wave of Change Ms. Kathlyn Tan

Director,
Rumah Group & Rumah Foundation

The ocean is this planet’s life support system, yet for decades our actions have caused incredible harm. With business as usual no longer an option, Kathlyn shares about her experiences underwater, discovering her passion for conservation, and pivoting an unsatisfying career. Explore how a clean and vibrant ocean links to climate change and how they view maximising resources to scale impact. Kathlyn is a firm believer that anyone can use their skills for purpose and hopes to convey the importance of creating opportunities. Synopsis ›

Create the next generation of food for the good of the world Mr. Max Rye

Chief Strategist,
TurtleTree

In this talk, the speaker will be sharing his journey in the food tech industry and how he co-founded TurtleTree to tackle some of the most pressing climate issues with cell-based food solutions. He hopes his sharing will empower and inspire youth environment leaders to pursue innovative and creative ways to contribute to the alleviation of the climate crisis. Synopsis ›

Moderated by

Dr. George Wong

Adjunct Faculty,
College of Integrative Studies,
Singapore Management University

5:30pm - 6:00pm

YED CHALLENGE – AWARD CEREMONY

6:00pm - 6:10pm

CLOSING REMARKS

6:10pm - 8:30pm

The Schedule

BRIEFING & ICE BREAKER ACTIVITIES

Facilitated by

WELCOME DINNER

OPENING ADDRESS

WELCOME REMARKS

WELCOME REMARKS

KEYNOTE ADDRESS “ACCELERATING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION TO AVERT A +2°C world”

Moderated by

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS PANEL “PEOPLE, PLANET, AND PROFIT: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN CLIMATE ACTION”

Moderated by

Lunch break

ACCELERATING CHANGE PANEL “FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION: GRASSROOT INITIATIVES IN CLIMATE ACTION IN ASIA”

Moderated by

YED CHALLENGE LAUNCH

Facilitated by

WORKSHOP “WHAT CAN THE YOUTH DO TO ACCELERATE CHANGE AND MOVE FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION”

Facilitated by

Tea Break

TEAM BUILDING & AMAZING RACE

Facilitated by

Closing remarks

DINNER AT PENANG PLACE

LIVE STREAMING TELECAST OF ECOSPERITY WEEK 2022

Tea Break

FACILITATED DISCUSSION

Moderated by

Lunch break

A FILM SCREENING OF “BIGGER THAN US”

PICK UP FROM SMU TO SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

LEARNING JOURNEYSINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

PICK UP FROM SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

DINNER AT TAMBUAH MAS

LIVE STREAMING TELECAST OF ECOSPERITY WEEK 2022

Tea Break

LIVE STREAMING TELECAST OF ECOSPERITY WEEK 2022

Lunch break

YED CHALLENGE – SINGAPORE’S LANDSCAPE

PICK UP FROM SMU TO SITE VISITS

SITE VISITS

PICK UP FROM SITE VISITS

DINNER AT HOTEL

“CLIMATE ACTION: PITFALLS, PROSPECTS, AND THE WAY FORWARD”

Moderated by

Tea Break

“POWER TO THE PEOPLE: EDUCATING FOR ECOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT”

Moderated by

Lunch break

“ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZENSHIP AND THE GEOGRAPHIES OF RESPONSIBILITY"

Moderated by

PICK UP FROM SMU TO LEARNING JOURNEY LOCATIONS

LEARNING JOURNEYMARINA BARRAGE

GARDENS BY THE BAY

DINNER AT SATAY BY THE BAY

CLIMATE ADVOCACY IN SINGAPORE AND BEYOND: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Moderated by

Tea Break

YED CHALLENGE - PLANNING

Facilitated by

Lunch break

YED CHALLENGE – PRESENTATIONS

Moderated by

Tea Break

INSPIRING CHANGE DIALOGUE PANEL

Moderated by

YED CHALLENGE – AWARD CEREMONY

CLOSING REMARKS

CLOSING DINNER

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
“ACCELERATING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION TO AVERT A +2°C world”

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS PANEL
“PEOPLE, PLANET, AND PROFIT: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN CLIMATE ACTION”

ACCELERATING CHANGE PANEL
“FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION: GRASSROOT INITIATIVES IN CLIMATE ACTION IN ASIA”

WORKSHOP
“WHAT CAN THE YOUTH DO TO ACCELERATE CHANGE AND MOVE FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION”

LEARNING JOURNEY
SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

LEARNING JOURNEY
MARINA BARRAGE