Press Releases

Public Forums to Solicit Views on Creating a 'Sustainable Singapore'

The Inter-Ministerial Committee for Sustainable Development (IMCSD) will be organizing two forums to share and gather more feedback on their preliminary recommendations on how to build a Sustainable Singapore.

The first forum will be held on 28 Oct 2008 at 6.45 pm at the URA Auditorium. The topic "Building a Sustainable Community" will be discussed. It will be chaired by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

The second forum will be held on 6 Nov 2008 at 6.45 pm at the URA Auditorium. The Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan will chair the discussion on "Enhancing our Physical Environment".

Minister Yaacob and Minister Mah are the co-chairmen of the IMCSD.

Constructive and enthusiastic response

The IMCSD launched its public consultation on sustainable development in July 2008. The public and professional groups have responded enthusiastically to the call for views and ideas.

More than 1,000 suggestions and comments have been received from members of the public. Apart from the website, we are also seeking views from technical experts and key stakeholders through focus group discussion, surveys and briefing sessions.

Building a sustainable community

The first forum on 28 October 2008, chaired by Minister Yaacob, will have the following panelists:
- Mr Howard Shaw, Executive Director of the Singapore Environment Council
- Dr Josephine Kwa, Chief Operating Officer of NatSteel
- Mrs Teo Khin Hiang, Principal of Commonwealth Secondary School

This forum will discuss ways to achieve greater individual and community participation in environmental sustainability, for instance how the adoption of more sustainable and environmental-friendly practices can be encouraged, as well as what the public, private and people sector can do to contribute to this desired outcome. Specific issues for discussion include resource efficiency, littering, recycling, and the importance of public education and partnerships.

Enhancing our physical environment

The second forum on 6 November 2008, chaired by Minister Mah, will have the following panelists:
- Mr Tai Lee Siang, President, Singapore Institute of Architects and Director, DP Architects
- A/Prof Lee Siew Eang, Director, Centre for Total Building Performance, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore
- Dr Shawn Lum, President, Nature Society

This forum will discuss how we can bring about a more resource efficient built environment and a higher quality living environment. Specific issues for discussion include improving energy efficiency in our built environment, the use of renewable energy, and how we can further enhance greenery and biodiversity within our living environment.

Registration

To register for both forums, please go to www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg and click on the forum icon.

What's Next

The IMCSD will take into account the feedback received through both forums and incorporate this into its recommendations. The IMCSD's report will be released in the first quarter of 2009.

>>back to top

BACK

Last updated on 24 October 2008