From green initiatives to global impact: Meet three Yale-NUS environmental champions
Through diverse initiatives at both community and regional levels, our students are driving impactful change for a sustainable tomorrow
At Yale-NUS College, three students stand out for their unwavering commitment to environmental causes. Meet Lecarl Lim (Class of 2024), Glenda Wee (Class of 2025), and Kristina Gweneth (Class of 2024), whose work and volunteerism with different environmental causes is shaping a greener and more sustainable future for our planet.
Lecarl Lim
As the co-chairperson of the Inter-University Environmental Coalition (IUEC), Lecarl is a leading environmental advocate. The IUEC comprises environmental groups from different local universities, aiming to bring together a larger, diverse collective of youths to exchange ideas and collaborate. Lecarl views volunteering as an opportunity to experiment with different approaches and connect theory and practice.
His favourite memory was being invited to represent Singapore at the Archipelago and Island States Youth Conference in 2023, where he had the opportunity to meet with youth advocates from other countries. “We had a lovely time sharing ideas, experiences and advice for one another, as well as draft a collective youth statement to call for strong efforts in youth empowerment, marine conservation, blue economy and maritime governance.”
When asked what continues to motivate his work for the environment, Lecarl attributes it to Ubuntu, an African wisdom, which means “I am because we are”.
“It speaks of a shared and interconnected humanity, and this understanding drives me to continue making the world better for humans and non-humans alike,” explained Lecarl.
Glenda Wee
Every Saturday, Glenda can be found leading trips into Maju Forest with Forest Friends Singapore. As a volunteer, Glenda introduces young children to the wonders of nature, fostering in them a curious love of the natural world. Glenda noted, “The programme has no set objectives, and we take a different route each time based on what the participants feel like exploring. Some days we might even head to the tunnel to catch and release tadpoles!”, highlighting the importance of nature-based learning for the young.
Glenda’s passion for youth empowerment led her to embark on a journey of environmental advocacy. “I’ve always worked with youths but never really younger pre-school and primary school-aged kids,” she shared. “But I really see the benefits of immersive nature-based learning. They get more confident and creative with different skills, once even building a fort out of a picnic mat and fallen branches.” Glenda’s story demonstrates the potential of active engagement with nature, motivating the future generations to become champions of the environment.
Kristina Gweneth
For Kristina, the fight against plastic pollution hits close to home—literally. As a Creative Associate intern at Ocean Purpose Project, based in their neighbourhood of Pasir Ris, Kristina oversees all aspects related to public relations, branding, and media strategy within the organisation. “This job experience exposed me to a wide variety of actors in ocean-related issues from corporates, state entities, other NGOs and even the local kelong (wooden offshore platform for fishermen) uncles around Pasir Ris.”
An Environmental Studies major in Yale-NUS College, Kristina learnt about the interconnectedness between people and the environment. “Place-making with my local community is integral to my connection to the environment, and it meant a lot for me to do important work for ocean conservation right in the neighbourhood I grew up in. It helped me understand the stories of the land as well.”
Through the internship, Kristina had the valuable opportunity to meet members of the kelong community, who often traded stories about the work they had done for marine conservation in Singapore. “It really taught me the importance of community and what years of relationship-building looks like – which is what I’m holding on most to now that I’m graduating and finding my own communities.”
Glenda, Lecarl, and Kristina, have all put in substantial efforts into environmental causes. From immersive nature-based learning to international advocacy and community engagement, each highlights their commitment to a greener future.
