Hanna Begam Channel NewsAsia 7 Jun 12;
SINGAPORE: Five youths aged 17 to 20 will head to Borneo's jungle from 8 to 17 July to study rainforest conservation.
The young environmentalists, winners of this year's Youth Environmental Awards, will work with scientists to assess the rainforest's biodiversity and evaluate the effects of soil erosion.
Nineteen-year-old Low Zhan Hong said he is looking forward to learn about Malaysia's environmental protection measures.
"What I hope to learn is to push myself out of my comfort zone, so as to gain different perspective or angles, such that when I come back to Singapore, I'll be able to apply what I've learned.
"I aim to work with government agencies such as the National Parks Board, the Public Utilities Board or even the National Environment Agency, to coordinate new projects or initiatives."
Apart from the 10-day research expedition to Borneo, the winners also received a S$500 book voucher and plaque each.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan gave out the awards on Thursday to Elaine Sam Hui Xian, 20, Jarel Tang Jun Ren, 17, Low Zhan Hong, 19, Sarthak Agrawal, 20 and Eddie Leow Yuan Kang, 18.
The Youth Environmental Awards, which is into its 14th year, are given to youths who have distinguished themselves through leadership and commitment to the environmental cause.
It is a collaboration between HSBC Bank and the National Youth Achievement Award Council.
- CNA/ck
Students rewarded for green efforts
Five will head to Borneo to aid in rainforest research
Sarah Giam Straits Times 8 Jun 12;
FIVE winners of a youth environmental award will be heading into Borneo's rainforests next month for a 10-day field trip.
Together with scientists from the Earthwatch Institute, the five will be measuring soil moisture levels, analysing slope angles and studying vegetation densities, among other types of fieldwork.
The data-gathering trip, which begins on July 8, is to help the scientists understand how logging and plantation agriculture have depleted the rainforests' biodiversity.
Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable environments through field research and education. The students' trip, which costs about $40,000, is sponsored by HSBC Bank.
The young people, aged 17 to 20, are winners of the Youth Environmental Award this year.
They were chosen out of more than 120 entries to the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Councilfor their work in environment-related projects.
The awards are given by HSBC and the NYAA Council.
One of the winners, Hwa Chong Institution (High School) student Jarel Tang, 17, led a team of schoolmates who trained more than 200 student guides for the MacRitchie Reservoir.
At the award ceremony held yesterday at the Environment Building in Scotts Road, HSBC Singapore's group general manager and chief executive Alex Hungate said: 'This is a great opportunity for young people to come closer to their natural environment, and hopefully become more passionate about protecting it.'
Another winner, Singapore Polytechnic student Elaine Sam, 20, said she was looking forward to the trip next month.
'I'm excited to witness what scientists do in the forest, how they use findings as evidence of climate change,' said the environmental management and water technology student.
