NUS Sustainability CONNECT has completed its run this year. We have had more than 30 events packed into a week and partnered for the first time, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy on its Festival of Ideas for the events under its Environment and Sustainability track. You can watch a video of the festival below.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our partners and participants for your support, without which our festival would not have been possible!
See you next year!
EVENTS LINE-UP
Sep
14
SATURDAY
2 - 4 pm
UTown SRC Auditorium 2
Open to public
Free
NUS Master of Science (Environmental Management) Programme
Inaugural NUS Environmental Management Leadership Lecture (EMLL)
The inaugural lecture series will focus on the role of transformative leadership in successful environmental management efforts. Opening the series is Mr Ravi Menon, Singapore’s first Ambassador for Climate Action, who is also a member of NUS Board of Trustees and the former Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He will speak on "Preparing for a Low-Carbon and Climate-Impaired World". This will be followed by a Q and A session moderated by Professor Ben Cashore from the Institute of Environment & Sustainability, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
24 hours starting from 12pm
NUS Faculty of Science LT29
For NUS students (undergrads and postgrads)
Free
NUS Enterprise (Innovation with Societal Impact)
SDG Open Hack@NUS 2024
Have an impactful solution for sustainability? Pitch it at the SDG Open Hack@NUS, part of the NUS Enterprise Sustainability (E-SUS) Challenge, and stand to win attractive prizes! Winning teams will get to present their ideas at the finals on 19 Sep! More info here.
Sep
16
MONDAY
2.30 - 5.30 pm
LT32 10 Science Drive 4 Lee Wee Kheng Building S1A
Open to public
Free
NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS), The Nature Conservancy
A Deep Dive into Nature for Climate Panel Discussion
Explore the future of carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and discover how Blue Carbon projects can drive equitable climate solutions for communities worldwide. Featuring panellists from CNCS, National Climate Change Secretariat Singapore, IETA Singapore, IPCC Working Group II Technical Support Unit Singapore, The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific, International Blue Carbon Institute, and a keynote address by Chief Scientist Katharine Hayhoe from The Nature Conservancy.
12.30 - 2 pm
RVRC Block G Level 1 Seminar Room 2
Open to public
Free
Ridge View Residential College (RVRC)
Guided College Tour with RVRC Programme Sharing
Embark on a tour of RVRC college campus and learn about its sustainability education efforts through its academic and co-academic programmes. Student ambassadors will showcase student-led sustainability-related activities, including student interest groups and tree-planting initiatives.
16 - 20 Sep 2024
Online
For NUS students (undergrads and postgrads)
Free
NUS Enterprise (Innovation with Societal Impact)
SustainPreneurship 101 Online Discovery
Learn key concepts in sustainability and entrepreneurship by watching videos played over 5 days, and test your knowledge by taking part in the daily SustainaPreneurship Quiz. The more days you take part in the quiz, the higher your chances of winning attractive prizes worth up to $1000! The initiative is part of the NUS Enterprise Sustainability (E-SUS) Challenge.
8.30 am - 12.30 pm
7 Engineering Drive 1 Blk E3A #04-25/26
Open to public (limited to 40 pax)
Free
Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)
Guided Tour of SERIS R&D Facilities + Yuhua Agri-PV Testbed
Visit the SERIS laboratories at NUS to get an overview of the institute’s R&D activities, and if weather permits, hop over to the Yuhua testbed (right) to learn about its Agrivoltaics project.
2 - 2.30 pm
Online
For NUS students (undergrads and postgrads)
Free
BNP Paribas, NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG)
Pre-event for BNP Paribas' Sustainable Finance University Challenge
Join BNP Paribas' virtual event to find out more about the second edition of Sustainable Finance University Challenge. The two-month challenge, which will start in mid-January 2024, calls for entries from tertiary students to come up with a solution addressing a specific issue in sustainable finance today. During the virtual event, you can learn more about the exciting opportunities offered by the Challenge and have a chance to test your knowledge in a sustainability quiz!
10.30 am - 12 pm
LKYSPP Manessah Meyer Building Seminar Room 3-5
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Examining the Prospects of Shared Citizen-state Roles for Environmental Services Panel Discussion
Citizen involvement in public services has increased, challenging top-down approaches. Advocates see co-production empowering citizens, while critics argue it can shift responsibilities from governments to citizens, addressing structural inequalities superficially.
12.15 - 1.30 pm
LKYSPP Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Demystifying ESG Ratings: Accountability and Consumer Perceptions Panel Discussion
ESG issues impact policy, corporate strategies, and investments. Discrepancies in ESG ratings from agencies like S&P and Bloomberg challenge stakeholders. This panel explores these discrepancies' causes, implications, and potential solutions for reliability and transparency.
Sep
17
TUESDAY
9 am - 1 pm
University Hall Auditorium Level 2 Lee Kong Chian Wing
Open to public
Free
NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
Symposium on Innovative Environmental Solutions for Accelerating Low Carbon Transition
Come listen to distinguished speakers from PUB, NUS and TÜV SÜD AG share more about the innovative solutions towards low carbon transition, including cutting-edge ones on carbon capture and transforming waste to resources. There will also be a panel discussion on the challenges and strategies of these solutions.
4 - 6 pm
MD6 CETM Smartroom 14 Medical Drive
Open to public
Free
NUS Centre for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM)
Climate and Health Check-up: Pathways to a Healthier Planet Panel Discussion
This panel unpacks the intimately bidirectional relationship between climate and health, looking at the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change, and how humans and cities can better respond to a fast-warming world. It further explores the latest developments in health systems and how they are tackling their environmental footprint at a policy and practice level. Featuring panellists from Centre for Sustainable Medicine, Heat Resilience & Performance Centre and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
9.30 - 11.30 am
School of Design and Environment Level 4 Barrel Room 04-10
Open to public
Free
LRF Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR)
Carbon Crunch: Reducing our Emissions One Plate at a Time Interactive Session
Join this session to look at how our choices, combined with broader systemic issues, have made food more carbon-intensive, and what actions we can adopt to make more sustainable decisions. Keynote speaker Assoc Prof Alberto Salvo will speak on the carbon emissions content of our food choices and share findings on whether an education intervention with NUS students, based on data from food delivery orders, made a difference! Also take part in two interactive activities which aim to showcase the carbon intensity of our favourite dishes and what we can do to make our food consumption more sustainable!
12.30 - 2 pm
RVRC Block G Level 1 Seminar Room 3
Open to public
Free
Ridge View Residential College (RVRC)
Discovering the Art of Nature Journaling Workshop
Did you know that nature journaling - through making connections with the natural environment - can develop one's observational and questioning skills? In this session, you will get to learn the basics of nature journaling and create your own nature journaling entries!
10.30 am - 12 pm
LKYSPP Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Greening of the Economy as a Development Paradigm Panel Discussion
The global shift toward a green economy offers significant growth opportunities. By 2030, Southeast Asia might see 30 million sustainability jobs and $1 trillion in annual economic gains. This session reviews ASEAN's progress in green sectors, exploring entrepreneurship, investment, market trends, and policy developments.
12.15 - 1.45 pm
LKYSPP Manessah Meyer Building Seminar Room 3-5
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Voluntary Environmental Action & The Role of Public Policy Panel Discussion
This panel explores how voluntary environmental actions by businesses and NGOs complement public policy, motivations behind these actions, and strategies for public policy to support and sustain these efforts.
Sep
18
WEDNESDAY
9 am - 5 pm
University Cultural Centre Ho Bee Auditorium
Open to public
Free
NUS Cities
NUS Cities Symposium: Liveable Cities in Uncertain Times
How would cities remain or become more liveable even in the face of change and uncertainty like rapid ageing and the threat of disease X? Join us and our community of researchers, policymakers, industry experts, community leaders and students to learn more about liveable, sustainable and resilient cities! Featuring Minister for National Development Desmond Lee as the Guest of Honour and esteemed speakers from the public sector, think tanks and renowned universities. More info here.
1.30 - 3 pm
Innovation 4.0 Seminar Room
Open to public
Free
NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN)
Integrated Impact Valuation Framework for Green Buildings Research Seminar + Panel Discussion
Advance your understanding of green building valuation! Join SGFIN for the launch of its holistic framework that monetises the integrated impact of sustainable buildings for green financing, and take part in a panel discussion moderated by Cristian Badarinza (NUS Business School) with panellists Nirmal Tulsidas Kishnani (NUS College of Design and Engineering), Benjamin Towell (OCBC) and Zhang Weina (SGFIN).
12.15 - 1.45 pm
RVRC Block G Level 1
Flex Theme Room
Open to public
Free
Ridge View Residential College (RVRC)
Exploring Biophilic Design on Campus Workshop
Participants will explore the advantages of biophilic design in buildings that encourage users’ sense of place, promote links with surrounding biodiversity, and enhance meaningful connections with the environment.
3 - 4.30 pm
RVRC Block G Level 1 Multi-Purpose Room 1
Open to public
Free
Ridge View Residential College (RVRC)
From Theory to Practice in Sustainability Education Panel Dialogue
This panel dialogue by educators for educators focuses on the sharing of teaching experiences and pedagogical approaches in sustainability education. A Sustainability Education Playbook, authored by the Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability Education Learning Community at NUS will also be shared at the event.
12 - 5 pm (till 20 Sep 2024)
E4 Level 4, outside LT 6
Open to public
Free
NUS Bitscraps
Bitscraps Collection Drive for Broken Electronics
Recycle and repurpose your broken electronics by dropping them off at a collection booth outside LT6. NUS Bitscraps will be using the items in their repair and training sessions. Remember to remove all personal data before donating. Visit NUS Bitscraps telegram channel for updates!
3.15 - 4.45 pm
LKYSPP Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Sustainability Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Panel Discussion
This panel gathers experts to address Asia Pacific's environmental challenges, focusing on innovative governance, strategic policymaking, and collaboration to tackle climate change, urbanisation, and resource scarcity, driving sustainability progress.
Sep
19
THURSDAY
2 - 5.30 pm
Shaw Foundation Alumni House Auditorium
Open to public
Free
NUS Office of Risk Management and Compliance (ORMC)
Resilience 360: Reinventing Enterprises for a Dynamic Future Seminar
This year’s Phoenix seminar explores enterprise resilience, sustainability and resilient governance practices with thought-provoking panel discussions and insightful talks by industry leaders on today’s challenges. More info here.
6 - 8.30 pm
Tan Chin Tuan Lecture Theatre, Yale-NUS College Hall
Open to public (limited to 40 pax)
Free
NUS VEGE, Ecoplanet
Seaspiracy Documentary Screening
In collaboration with NUSC Ecoplanet, NUS Vision of Equality for a Greener Earth (VEGE) is hosting a screening of the documentary Seaspiracy, which first made waves when it was released in 2021, spurring discussions on the ethics of and alarming practices present in the fishing industry. Delicious vegan food will also be catered at the event.
7 - 9 pm
UTown
For NUS students and staff
Free
Student Energy NUS
Alumni Sharing Night with Student Energy NUS
Join us for an engaging evening where you'll connect with young energy professionals and alumni. Our event combines a panel discussion and a career talk, offering valuable insights into careers in the energy industry!
10.30 am - 12 pm
LKYSPP Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Enhancing Liveability of Singapore: Data and Analytics Platforms for Cities of Tomorrow Panel Discussion
Singapore's urbanisation challenges drive a government effort to enhance livability. This session explores a decade of public service innovations in planning tools and computational urban science, using advanced technologies for better urban data analytics.
10.30 - 11.45 am
LKYSPP Manasseh Meyer Building Seminar Room 2-1
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Addressing Health and Environmental Impacts of Climate Change in Modern Cities Panel Discussion
This panel highlights how environmental degradation and climate change impact public health, featuring experts in economics, health, policy, and architecture. It aims to inform public understanding and drive policy for healthier and more sustainable cities.
12.15 - 1.45 pm
LKYSPP Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Lim Tiam Seng Lecture Series: Water as an Enabler of Sustainable Development
At the midpoint of Agenda 2030, nations are falling short of SDG targets, necessitating urgent climate action. This talk highlights water management's role in achieving SDGs, emphasising integrated urban planning for resilient, sustainable cities.
Sep
20
FRIDAY
4.30 - 5.30 pm
University Hall
For NUS students and staff (limited to 20 pax)
Free
NUS Department of Biological Sciences (DBS)
Of Ancient Cycad, Elephant Fruit and Alligator Flag: Fascinating Tales from Plant Tour near UHall
Why should we learn about plants? What’s in it for us? Join Dr Amy Choong, a senior lecturer from the Department of Biological Sciences, for a stroll around University Hall. Your views about plants will be transformed and you won’t find them boring or unimportant anymore! There will also be a poster exhibition on plants at the atrium of the Lee Kong Chian wing of UHall till 21 Sep. Do drop by to check it out!
3.15 - 4.45 pm
LKYSPP Manasseh Meyer Building Active Learning Classroom
Open to public
Ticketed
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Festival of Ideas
Case Workshop on "Putting a Price on Carbon: Hard Targets to Keep Singapore Going"
Participants at this workshop will discuss a case study which recounts the introduction of the carbon tax in Singapore and analyses the diverse interests that were affected. They will have the chance to put themselves in the shoes of different stakeholders and debate future adjustments to Singapore’s carbon tax.
Sep
21
SATURDAY
8 - 10.30 am
No. 6 Kent Ridge Road
Open to public
Free
NUS Toddycats
Reforesting Kent Ridge with NUS Toddycats
Join volunteer group NUS Toddycats to plant carefully selected native forest trees on Kent Ridge. The event is also part of NUS Homecoming 2024.
1 - 2 pm
Venue to be confirmed
Open to public
Free
NUS Toddycats
Wildlife on NUS Campus Talk
Join N.Sivasothi, a senior lecturer from the NUS Department of Biological Sciences as he highlights examples of local wildlife and shares elements of NUS’ history, our Campus in a Tropical Forest initiative and connectivity with Southern Ridges. Learn about our student-led wildlife research on campus, the important role of human-wildlife coexistence, and how we can contribute to biodiversity and conservation efforts in Singapore. The talk is part of NUS Homecoming 2024.
AFFILIATED EVENTS
Sep 12
12 - 1pm
Climate Litigation: European Court in Junctions Seminar by NUS Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law
NUS Law Eu Tong Sen Building, Lee Sheridan Conference Room
Open to public
Free
Dr Marie-Louise Holle from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark will share more about how tort and equity law play a key role in granting rights to those who claim their legal entitlements are infringed upon due to climate change.
Sep 13
4.30 - 6pm
The Art and Science of Brewing Kombucha Workshop by NUS University Health Centre, Wellness Outreach
NUS University Health Centre, Function Room (Basement)
For NUS Staff only
Free
The production of kombucha avoids additional chemicals, involves natural carbonation, and uses a lower energy process! Not just a healthy beverage but also a greener choice! Join this workshop to learn more about kombucha making. You'll get to brew your own kombucha too!
Sep 22
9 - 11am
World Car-Free Day Cycling Activity and Get-together
In celebration of World Car-free Day on 22 September, join us for a few hours of cycling and fun at University Town Green. Bring your own bike or rent one as we cycle around campus and share ideas on how our campus can become more car-lite and attractive for cycling (and walking of course)! Do bring along your own water bottle and dress comfortably.
Sep 23
6.30 - 8pm
NUS Cities Lecture Series: Opportunities and Challenges for City Leaders; There is no hiding place
NUS SDE 3 Level 4 LT421
Open to public
Free
City leaders have a duty to build resilient communities so that the vulnerable in society are not adversely affected by major crises including those caused by climate change. Emeritus Professor Brian Collins (University College London) outlines steps that leaders can take to mitigate the impact of of such crises and maintain the social contract.
Sep 24
8.30 - 11.30am
Tree Planting at Chestnut Nature Park with RV FoRestore
Chestnut Nature Park, Chestnut Point
Open to public
Free
NParks has a new restoration area in Chestnut Nature Park due to fallen trees at Chestnut Avenue. It is a good opportunity for us to plant some native species and restore the forest habitats. Join RV FoRestore to wield a changkul and plant 100 trees at this site to restore the forest habitats at Chestnut Nature Park!
Sep 26
8.30am - 5pm
CFI Singapore's Inaugural Symposium on Shaping Coastal and Flood Resilience through Progress and Partnerships
NUS Engineering Auditorium
Open to public
Free
Join the inaugural symposium by Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore which aims to bring together thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry partners to share knowledge and explore innovative solutions in coastal and flood protection. More info here.
Sep 26
4 - 7 pm
NUS Enterprise's SDG Open Hack @NUS Finals Demo Day
Block 71 Seminar Room 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent #02-01
Open to public
Free
Hear innovative new ideas from the six finalists of the SDG Open Hack @ NUS and gain insights from a panel of distinguished sustainability innovators on the topic of Accelerating Sustainability Transition: Challenges, Opportunities, and Unintended Consequences.
OUR PARTNERS
Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL)
BNP Paribas
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP)
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR)
NUS Bitscraps
NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS)
NUS Centre for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM)
NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG)
NUS Cities
NUS Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore
NUS Department of Biological Sciences (DBS)
NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI)
NUS Enterprise (Innovation with Societal Impact)
NUS Master of Science (Environmental Management) Programme
NUS Office of Alumni Relations (OAR)
NUS Office of Deputy President (Research and Technology)
NUS Office of Risk Management and Compliance (ORMC)
NUS Office of University Communications
NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE)
NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN)
NUS Toddycats
NUS Vision of Equality for a Greener Earth (VEGE)
NUSC Ecoplanet
Ridge View Residential College (RVRC)
Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)
Student Energy NUS
The Nature Conservancy
University Health Centre (UHC)