SINGAPORE - Recipients of this year's South West CDC-ExxonMobil Transport Bursary visited Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum on Wednesday (May 25).
The 120 primary school students - from low-income families in the district - viewed Jubi Lee, Singapore's only sperm whale specimen.
The museum visit, organised by South West CDC and ExxonMobil, aimed to give the students an out-of-textbook lesson on environmental issues.
The museum's head, Professor Peter Ng said: "We wanted to mix fun with education, so the students have a memorable time here."
Guest of honour Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary (Trade and Industry and Education) and mayor of South West District, said: "This trip to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum opens up the opportunity for our young children from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn beyond the primary school curriculum, such as life science, natural history and environmental sustainability."
Jubi Lee was found floating off Jurong Island in July 2015, which was Singapore's Golden Jubilee year - hence its nickname.
It was Randy Putra Jumari's first visit to the museum. The Primary 2 student from Pioneer Primary School said: "We had learnt about marine animals in school but this is the first time I am going to see a real life specimen. I am excited to see Jubi Lee and learn more about marine life."
The bursary, worth a total of $120,000, provides 1,000 students with $120 this year to help defray their transport costs. The students come from primary and secondary schools, and junior colleges.
ExxonMobil Singapore Chemical Plant manufacturing director Georges Grosliere said: "ExxonMobil strongly believes that receiving an education is important as it helps build the foundations of our future. We feel privileged to be involved with this programme as we believe in making a positive contribution within the communities we operate in."
