Ms Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman of Singapore Environment Council,
Mr Ho Tong Yen, CEO of Keppel Care Foundation,
Teachers, students, ladies and gentlemen
A very good afternoon.
1. I am delighted to be able to join you today to celebrate the remarkable environmental projects showcased by our schools and Institutes of Higher Learning.
2. These projects not only help to instill within our youths a love for the environment that we are all living in, but also create a real and positive impact towards making Singapore a greener and more sustainable city. They add to a broad suite of existing efforts that we hope will nurture a generation of eco-stewards, and empower them to become sustainability leaders in the future.
3. Much is already being done in our schools today, and this journey started many years ago. Environmental sustainability has been integrated into our educational institutions, which covers curriculum, campus infrastructure and partnerships with the community to seed the culture of sustainability in our students' mind. Of course, the curriculum is also being constantly updated to reflect the emphasis on environmental sustainability. The 4Cs – culture, community, campus and curriculum; these are the four pillars of the Eco Stewardship Programme, which was launched last year.
4. And in line with our national sustainability agenda, MOE has set concrete targets to reduce net carbon emissions from the schools sector by two-thirds, and for at least 20% of schools in Singapore to be carbon neutral, both by 2030.
5. But we know that the climate threat is a long-term challenge, and every generation must do its part to tackle it. So even as we do our part today to reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainability as a way of life, we will need the commitment of our young eco-stewards among us today to stay the course and keep Singapore green.
- Indeed, the green future of Singapore lies in your hands - the students and children in this auditorium today.
6. That is why every step counts. I was glad to learn that more than 200,000 students and teachers from almost 300 schools have participated in this year's School Green Awards. Thank you for taking this big step towards a sustainable future.
7. Now, allow me to share some inspiring examples of projects done by our schools.
- Students in St Stephen's School conducted a "waste audit" to understand how much paper was wasted. The school then installed paper recycling bins in all their classrooms, and they found that pupils have become more conscious in using paper, and also exercise care in choosing the correct bin to throw their wastepaper. I hear that the school intends to extend their recycling efforts to plastics next.
- In Woodlands Gardens School, students collected over 3,000 plastic bottles this year for an art installation, which entered the Singapore Book of Records. This initiative helped the students to learn about the value of recycling. Indeed, it is not just about that one moment of obtaining an achievement in the Singapore Book of Records, but most importantly, instilling the sense of need and urgency for us to play our part in recycling too.
- Meanwhile, students from Jurong Pioneer Junior College transformed used airplane parts into practical goods, such as bags for growing plants in. JPJC also organised a "Recycling Right!" initiative, which involved many student groups organising collection drives for umbrellas, clothing, bags, and classroom decorations, to be donated to groups such as migrant workers and the Salvation Army. Well done to all the students!
8. The students' creations and work could not be possible without the support of their teachers. At this point, I really want to thank the teachers for being the source of motivation and inspiration for our students. Thank you to all our teachers!
9. The transformation to a more sustainable and greener nation will be an exciting chapter in the Singapore story. However, this is a journey that will require all of us to adopt a strong commitment towards a green future.
- Every one of us can make an impact in Singapore's sustainability journey. Every decision matters, and every action counts, no matter how small. One of the project books I saw at today's exhibition was titled, "Every Litter Matters". Just like how every action matters, every litter matters too, and this starts from each of us.
- Climate action can begin with personal choices to reduce waste and make smart decisions in our daily consumption.
- You can participate in our Green Nation Pledge to affirm your commitment to Singapore's green journey. The pledge is available on the website of the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. I look forward to reading the green pledges from our students and teachers.
- As long as we work together, I am confident that we can become a more environmentally-conscious and responsible society, and ensure Singapore remains a beautiful and sustainable home for generations to come.
10. In closing, let me congratulate all the winners of this year's School Green Awards, as well as those who took part in the competition.
- I would also like to express my appreciation to the Singapore Environment Council and Keppel Care Foundation, for your contributions to Singapore's sustainability journey, especially in providing this valuable platform for schools to be recognised for their green efforts.
- Congratulations everyone!
Thank you.