SINGAPORE - Students from the School of Science and Technology planted eight saplings in Pulau Ubin on Wednesday, as part of a new reforestation activity by learning institution Outward Bound Singapore (OBS).

The 60 students received hands-on training from OBS staff and spent two hours helping to restore the Tanjong Tajam forested area, which was damaged in a bush fire last year. It was part of the service component of their OBS programme.

The reforestation activity is organised in partnership with the National Parks Board and was among the conservation initiatives announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year, under the Ministry of National Development-led Ubin Project.

Mr Ng Thian Choon, OBS' deputy director of programmes and partnership, said it was heartening to see the collective effort of the students. "We hope that the students involved today have gained a sense of service to the community.

"OBS has been happy to call Pulau Ubin our home for close to 50 years, and we will play our part to restore the natural and rugged terrain of (the island)."

Other initatives under the Ubin Project include a research report and a 20-minute documentary on the island's community heritage and a monthly kampung-themed tour.