Students debate on issues of urbanisation and environmental conservation at NUS forum

Undergraduates from the National University of Singapore (from left) Ezra Ho, 23, Judy Goh, 20, Cindi Toh, 20, Ng Hui Ying, 22, and Samuel Chan, 22. They put together the inaugural Singapore Futures Sustainability Symposium. -- ST PHOTO: NURIA L
Undergraduates from the National University of Singapore (from left) Ezra Ho, 23, Judy Goh, 20, Cindi Toh, 20, Ng Hui Ying, 22, and Samuel Chan, 22. They put together the inaugural Singapore Futures Sustainability Symposium. -- ST PHOTO: NURIA LING

The issue of striking a balance between urbanisation and environmental conservation will be hotly debated at a forum organised by undergraduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Saturday.

The students, most of whom are environmental studies majors, decided to put together the inaugural Singapore Futures Sustainability Symposium, in response to the population White Paper released earlier this year. They said they are concerned about the environmental impact the proposed Cross Island Line, which will cut through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, will cause.

"Environmental issues tend to be marginalised and not many are adequately aware of the impact of the proposed line. We hope to fill this gap," said NUS undergraduate and project director Ezra Ho, 23.

The symposium includes speeches and panel discussions with speakers such as Lena Chan, the director of the National Biodiversity Centre at the National Parks Board and Shawn Lum, president of the Nature Society Singapore.

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