EARTHlink - Nanyang Technological University

Contents Page
Main Committee 2
President’s Foreword 3
Introduction to Earthlink 4
Solar Innovations 2003 5
Changi Beach Clean-up 6
Sungei Buloh Nature Park Trip 6
Night Safari Trip 7
Reforestation at Lower Pierce 7
Prelude And Environmental Week 2004 8
11th Executive Committee of EARTHlink NTU
earthlings 2004
Eco Camp at Taman Negara 10
Recycling Bins Around Campus 11
Solar Innovations 2004 11
From Left to Right: Por Horng Woei, Tay Dongting, Choo Kok Boon, Liang
Ying Shun, Sheila Yio, Chang Eng Kiat, Low Ying Ying, Fiona Lee Huifeng,
Young Ming Ee, Tan Sheng Yang (President), He Jiajing, Vincent Cher, Lee
Sin Han (Vice-President), Jason Lee
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/studorgn/earthlink/
2
EarthlinkNTU
“If I change, the world changes...”
MITA(P) No. 102/10/2003
earthlink@ntu.edu.sg
President
Tan Sheng Yang
Vice-President
Lee Sin Han
Honorary General Secretary
He Jiajing
Honorary Treasurer
Young Ming Ee
Recycling Secretary
Chang Eng Kiat
Publicity Secretary
Fiona Lee Huifeng
Asst. Publicity Secretary
Sheila Yio Peiling
Publication Secretary
Por Horng Woei
Liaison Officer
Vincent Cher Wei Ping
Welfare Secretary
Tay Dongting
Project Co-ordinator
Jason Lee
Green Volunteer Network
GVN (Nature Conservation)
Liang Ying Shun
GVN (Recycling)
Choo Kok Boon
GVN (Public Education)
Low Ying Ying

president’s foreword
Recently, much has been about “Sustainable Development”, yet how many of us truly understand
its meaning? The guiding principle of sustainable development is: Development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Many governments around the world are prioritizing on sustainable development, including our
very own Singapore Government. Thus, it is high time for all of us to be concerned about sustainable
development.
Simply put, sustainable development is comprised of 3 fundamentals: Economy, Social, and Environment.
It is only with the marriage and harmonious co-existence of these 3 attributes can we achieve sustainable
development. Neither one can be lacking or be in excess. There must be a balance struck between them.
And for the sake of our future generations, this balance has got to be attained soon.
Thus far, Singapore has been faring pretty well in her economic and social developments. Standard of
living has been rising, and Singapore has among the highest per capita incomes in the world. The city-state
is a peaceful and safe one, with low crime rates and low possibilities of external threats. Having achieved
much of the Economy and Social aspect, it is about time that we address the Environmental part.
From my perspective, more public education is required. The infrastructure and facilities are already
there. The general public should be taught to use them effectively as a way of life. I am aware that several
people possess a wrong conception on Environmentalism. They think they know all about it, and they
find it out-of-fashioned and boring. And the first thing that would come to their minds about being
environmental will be recycling. Wrong. Being environmental is not all about recycling. There is more
to it. The 3-R concept refers to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, in that specific order. First, we should try
as much as possible, to cut down on the usage of our resource base. This will help reduce the wasting
of unnecessary resources. Secondly, we should reuse as much as possible. For example: using unwanted
papers for rough workings. Lastly, we should recycle materials instead of just throwing them away as
waste. Recycling is the last resort. The 3-R concept will help greatly in waste minimisation, which is a
major concern as space-constrained Singapore no longer has areas suitable as landfill sites.
Throughout the year, Earthlink NTU has been trying actively to spread Environmentalism amongst
NTU students and staff by means of events such as Outdoor Trips, Beach Clean-Up, Adopt-A-Bin
Competition, Environmental Week 2004, ECO Camp 2004, and Solar Innovations 2004. Of special
mention would be the Reforestation Programme and the ECO Camp 2004 where participants really
had an eye-opening time. Apart from these events, Earthlink NTU has also played an important role in
NTU’s recycling efforts. The recycling bins from Sembvisy have all been moved out to the more crowded
bus-stops and the North-South Spines. Previously, one bin was assigned to each hall. As a result of bad
placement, they were often misused. Now, more recyclables are being collected.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my committee members for their undying efforts
and unwavering commitment. Together, we have come far and achieved our aims. I hope that we will
all carry on being advocates of our environment and help to protect it at all costs. I would also like to
thank Earthlink’s teacher advisor, Dr. Wang Jing-Yuan, for his valuable advises and support along the
way. I am certain that he will continue to support Earthlink NTU and bring it to greater heights.
May there come a day when Environmentalism becomes our way of life,
whichever path we take, know this: “If I change, the world changes…”
Tan Sheng Yang
President
11 th Executive Committee
EARTHlink NTU
3

EARTHlink NTU is the sole environmental club
in the Nanyang Technological University and
has a membership of about 200 students. Over
the years, Earthlink has been actively promoting
environmentalism since being founded in 1993. Our
motto, “If I change, the world changes”, ensures
that Earthlink continues to strive to provide the
link between a highly conducive
study environment and a truly
green campus.
Annual activities are being carried
out to enforce our cause. These
events have helped us to reach out
to many young people and students.
This is crucial for our nation’s future
and therefore key in conveying
the notion of environmentalism
in the 21 st century. During this
academic year of 2003/2004,
the 11 th Executive Committee has
embarked on several exciting steps
to encourage people to adopt a
green mentality.
The recycling project in NTU has
taken a bold new change. Last year,
we invited SembVisy Recycling Pte
Ltd, a private recycling company to set up recycling
bins across the campus. This year, the recycling bins
have been relocated to more strategic locations such
as the main bus stops and the main canteens. The
recycling bins have been made more recognisable
and now come in two different forms, blue plastic
ones and metal ones.
During this workyear, our committee has also gone
for our inaugural Ecology Camp, a five day four
night nature trip in Malaysia that took place
in Taman Negara National Park after the
exams. Taman Negara National Park,
which is located in the state of
Pahang, has the world’s longest
tree canopy walk and is one
of the oldest rainforests
in Malaysia.
INTRODUCTION
The conservationist’s most Important task, if we are to save the
earth, is to educate....
Also several activities like the Changi Beach Cleanup
with NUS, a trip to Sungei Buloh Nature Park,
visit to the Night Safari and a lesson in Reforestation
at Lower Pierce were organized for our members
this year. All this were organized with the aim
of educating students in our university to be
environmentally friendly and have that mentality
to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
4
This year we also had
our annual Prelude and
Environmental Week. In
conjunction with the week’s
events, an adopt the bin
competition was organised
to get the students involved
in learning about recycling.
The aim of the competition
was to spark the creativity
of the students and at the
same time increasing their
awareness of the recycling
bins that exist on campus.
Also our beloved website
EARTHlink NTU OnLine was
revamped and given a more
professional look. Please
do check it out at http://
www.ntu.edu.sg/studorgn/
earthlink. More information
and more photos have been placed online. We have
also launched a new online forum, EARTHlink NTU
Forums at http://earthlinkntu.proboards24.com.
With this forum we hope to get the feedback and
ideas from a wider audience and thereby reach even
more people to spread the green word. So please do
join us online at our webpage and forums, cos’ you
are the people who will keep us alive on the world
wide web. Be active and just tell us what you think
of us and other green issues. We will definitely do
our best to reply.
Yet another year has past, and having more success
of events under our belt, we believe that EARTHlink
is helping to make environmentalism a way of life
among our staff and students alike – a great link to
a greener future!
-Horng Woei, Publication Secretary
11th Executive Committee
EARTHlink NTU

Solar Innovations was held for the first time in Singapore in 2002. The main objective of Solar Innovations
2003 was to promote the concept of sustainable energy, such as solar,
wind and water energy to youths in Singapore. This competition
was the first of a series of activities organized by Earthlink NTU that
introduces a different theme each year, with the long term objective of
increasing environmental awareness by highlighting the various ways
a person can play a part in caring for our living environment besides
the usual recycling.
This competition provided an opportunity for students to showcase
their scientific know-how and creativity in the process of research and
project work. The innovative nature of the competition encourages
creativity in students in a fun yet challenging way. The competition
was opened to all primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges
& centralised institutes.
A briefing session was held on the 7 th June 2003 for all the
schools at the Singapore Science Centre where we prepared a powerpoint
presentation to explain
the rules and regulations of the
competition. It is also then when
schools had the opportunity
to clear up any doubts they
might have. Judging was held
at the Singapore Science on
the 26th of July 2003 for Cat
A and Cat B. It was not only
a day of judging but also fun
activities for the participants as
we there were games to keep
them occupied when it is not their turn for judging. The top 10 models
for each category were selected for exhibition at X-periment!
X-periment was a 3 day event held at Suntec City, starting from
5th to 7th of September 2003. We had our booth there to showcase the
winning models at different times of the day. Here, participants shared
their exciting solar innovations concepts with the general public. It was
definitely a most enriching and exciting time for everyone present.
The awards presentation for the winners of our annual
competition took place at the foyer outside Carrefour on the last
day of X-periment!. This year our Guest-of-Honor was the Deputy
Vice-President of NTU. A short video clip was shown. All winners also
had the privilege of displaying their winning projects at our booth at
science.03. Lots of interesting projects were on show and everyone
definitely had fun and learnt a lot. Let us all hope Solar Innovations
2004 comes soon.... and we can do this all over again.
Check out http://www.ntu.edu.sg/studorgn/solar for more details of Solar Innovations 2003.
5

The tranquil peace of
a laid-back Sunday morning on
Changi Beach was sliced apart by
throngs of people trudging on the
beach and their chatter. They were
there for the annual beach clean-
up, which also kicked off a series
of activities on the new Earthlink
calendar. It was a combined effort
with NUS Environmental Club.
The event aims to promote a clean
and green beach for the local public
and foreign tourists to enjoy. It
also helps to initiate interaction
amongst members of the club
through the hands-on effort.
CHANGI BEACH CLEAN-UP
The stretch of Changi Beach,
just off the SIA Logistics Supply
Base, though not the perennial
favourite venue for most,
for a fun-filled weekend of
roller-blading, cycling
and barbecues, will surely
appeal to one with its
picturesque view of the
sea and its ‘lack’ of the
big crowd of beach-goers one
will normally see at the East
Coast Beach.
Cleaning up the beach
was hard work in the blazing
sun on the open beach. But
everyone maintained their sense
of humour and went about their
work cheerfully. One was seen
busy doing a waltz with the waves,
stepping forward to pick up a can
and skipping back before the waves
sloshed over his shoes. Minutes
later, he triumphantly brandished
the can to the photographer.
SUNGEI BULOH NATURE PARK
Earthlink members had
a chance to learn more about
conservation in Sungei Buloh
Nature Park. After watching a
video clip about the park and we
learnt that Sungei Buloh Nature
Park (SBNP) presents an excellent
opportunity for conservation.
Out of the 87 hectares in
SBNP, approximately 29 hectares
are mangrove forests. 26 true
mangrove plants species can be
found in the forest fragments
in SBNP and 126 species of birds
had been recorded at the time
when the proposal for its conservation
came out. With such a
unique opportunity at hand, it is
important to maximise the forest
potential as a sanctuary of birds.
We embarked on a
guided tour after the video. Our
guide was really interesting and
helpful, giving us lots of insight
6
During the threehour
clean-up, a small mountain
of trash: flotsam from the sea and
picnic litter — paper plates and
cups, drink cans, food cartons and
bottles were collected and separated
into two portions (recyclable
and non-recyclable litter). Of
course, everyone went back feeling
glad for making the effort in the
conservation of the environment
and having their pangs of hunger
satisfied by the delicious curry-puffs
kindly provided by the club.
into the many creatures and flora
residing in the Sungei Buloh Nature
Park. We also saw a lookout
tower which was sited at a strategic
position along one of the routes.
The tower offered us a panoramic
view of the waders on the mudflats.
At the end of the day,
Earthlink members learnt that
conservation works hand in hand
with education and recreation. It is
hoped that Singaporeans and other
visitors will appreciate the essence
of the Park and share our sentiment
that one of life’s pleasures
is in watching birds and other
wildlife in their natural habitats. If
these are achieved, the role of the
Park would have been fulfilled and
the setting aside of prime land as a
nature park in land-scarce Singapore
would have been worth the
economic sacrifice.

NIGHT SAFArI
This is the first time Earthlink has gone on a night activity. Having gone to the zoo the previous year,
Earthlink decided that a trip to the Night Safari was also a must. The Night Safari is the world’s first wildlife park
built to be viewed at night. It is not an ordinary zoo simply illuminated by night or a modern version of nocturnal
houses found in many zoos.
By displaying animals in simulated natural
environment and through public education, visitors have a better
appreciation for wildlife and conservation issues. Earthlink members
had an opportunity to learn more about how the Night Safari plays
its part in saving and conserving our wildlife. We managed to catch
the Animal Show which was really fun and interesting to watch. These
were meant to entertain but there were also ample opportunities to
integrate conservation messages, and these messages are likely to
have greater impact on a captive audience. At the end of the day,
Earthlink members felt a warm sense of satisfaction that we had
learnt that bit more on the conservation of our wildlife and at the
same time had lots of fun.
Reforestation aims at rehabilitating degraded
forested areas by removing aggressive weeds and
planting native trees species to ensure the continued
survival of our forest. Apart from its ecological benefits,
reforestation also cultivates community responsibility,
teamwork, and highlights the importance of our
indigenous plants and their conservation.
The Lower Peirce reforestation site (near
Casuarina Road) is part of National Parks Board’s
reforestation efforts embarked since 1991. Sites chosen
for reforestation are degraded areas in our forest and
these are usually along the forest edges or are abandoned
kampong areas. Such sites are usually invaded by
aggressive weeds and non native weeds and if we do
not lend nature a helping hand, natural regeneration
Set in 40 hectares of dense secondary forest, the Night Safari
offers guests the unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical
jungle at night. Through the use of subtle lighting technique, guests
are able to view over 1000 nocturnal animals of 100 species in vast
naturalistic habitats. For the uninitiated, visitors speak of the Night
Safari as a holistic ‘experience’ in a tropical forest at night, unlike
the linked but separate experiences of a typical zoo. The Night
Safari boosts of a carefully designed open concept to recreate the
conditions of safari habitats in Asia, Africa and South America for
the wildlife.
7
REFORESTATION
of these areas will be hampered. The weeds
will also further invade into the better
vegetation.
Earthlink decided to join as
volunteers in the Lower Peirce reforestation
plot to help remove aggressive weeds
known as Smilax. Left alone, these fastgrowing
weeds will smother and kill our
trees by devoiding them of sunlight.
Earthlink members had a fun time working together
to clear the weeds known as Smilax - a spiny vicious
looking climber that grows well in the sun. It has been
smothering some of our trees to death near the forest
edges. Helps are needed to remove its growth on trees
as well as to destroy their underground network of roots
and creeping stems. We initially started off quite slowly,
but as soon as we got the hang of it, we managed to
work faster and soon we could begin to see the fruits
of our labour. The outline of the trees could be seen
and the weeds were cleared away. Everyone had lots of
fun and agreed that it was a very different experience.
It was indeed a very ‘green’ thing to do. At the end
of the day, everyone went back home with a sense of
accomplishment.

ENVIRONMENTAL WEEK 2004 ASKS US
TO KISS OUR WORLD, DO OUR PART...
Awareness of our residential environment is very important.
It involves learning all about the immediate environment that we live
in. To some, the environment is about nature and conservation. To
Singapore, however, protecting and sustaining our living environment
is also about people and change. Our country has emphasised the
need to be clean and green from its earliest years. Singapore’s Ministry
of the Environment was formed in 1972; long before most counterparts in developed
countries and decades before environmental issues became household concerns. Political will, capable
administration, sound technology and know-how have combined to give Singapore a good foundation
in environmental protection and public health. Every year, one week during February will be designated
as NTU Environmental Week. And in this week, Earthlink NTU organised a series of activities within
campus in attempt to promote environmentalism and to raise environmental awareness among the
population of NTU.
In conjunction with Earthlink’s
Recycling Campaign 2 days before
Environmental Week 2004, from the
23rd to 24th of February, “A Prelude to
Environmental Week 2004” was organised
at Canteen B. “Prelude”, as the name suggests,
served as a warm-up for the Environmental
Week that was to be held at Canteen A.
Having this event at Canteen B made sure no
one was missing out the fun. The theme to
this year’s Prelude to Environmental Week
was “Recycle Your Way to a Greener World.”
Posters and 3 Dimensional installations were
put up to educate the NTU staff and students on ways to recycle. From these installations and
posters, they gained a deeper insight into what recycling is all about.
We conducted a small quiz at our booth. Every day,
three different questions with regards to environmentalism
were asked. Participants have to answer all three questions
correctly before they are entitled to a lucky dip and win
the prizes. Besides the lucky dip, we have a “Do your Part,
V o i c e your Thought” board where the students will
pen down their thoughts about the environment
...environmental conservation
does not have to be dull and
boring. It could be as colorful,
bold and exciting as we desire...
and what they feel about this event. Response was overwhelming and within a short
period of time, the board was filled with encouraging words such as “No effort
is too small. Please save the earth.”, “Do not waste paper.”, “Do your part for the
environment. You are part of it.”
The best part about this event was that we all strive very hard to show
everyone that environmental conservation does not have to be dull and boring. It
could be as colorful, bold and exciting as we desire, as long as we have the courage
to dream of better ideas.
8

Posters with ECO-labels, used regionally and internationally, for products or services which are
environmentally friendly were on display. In addition, it is hoped that through the various exhibitions
and activities, a greater sense of environmentalism can be instilled in the NTU population.
This year, the Environmental Week 2004 was from 25 th to 27 th
Feb 2004. The Guest-Of Honour was Professor Cheong Hee Kiat , Vice-
President, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The activities
lined-up included an opening launch, environmental exhibits, game
stalls and an environmental fair to promote environmental friendly
and recycled products.
In conjunction with the launch of
Environmental Week 2004, an “Adopt A Bin” Competition
was organised among the Halls of Residence and Schools in NTU.
Students were tasked to redecorate the
existing green bins on campus to enhance
their looks and make them more appealing
for recycling purposes. Prizes were indeed
attractive and many people took part. Some
of the more creative students came up with
many outrageous ideas with their creations
which indeed wowed the judges. This certainly
added that extra zest to spice up this year’s
Environmental Week 2004. Through this “Adopt A Bin “ Competition,
we believe that it has somewhat increase the environmental awareness
of more students, especially those who took part. Perhaps now they will
appreciate the recycling bins more and less of these bins will be abused.
The environmental trade fair promotes environmentally
friendly and recycled products from local ‘green’ companies to the NTU
population. Therefore, Earthlink NTU believes that their efforts will place
environmentalism and recycling in the hearts of all students in NTU. This
year our theme was “Kiss Our World”. The environmental fair promotes
the awareness of environmental friendly and
recycled products to the vast population of
NTU.
This year, there were posters set up
by Sungei Buloh Nature reserve and the
National Environmental Agency, some
handicrafts , beehive, aerophonics products
and a booth selling aloe vera products. Not
only does it serve an educational purpose, it
is also a good chance for sale and publicity of
the products. Now let’s hope everyone learn from all of this and be more
aware of the increasing environmental concerns among us. Only then,
can we Kiss Our World, Do Our Part and save our beloved Earth.
...environmental fair promotes
the awareness of environmentally
friendly and recycled products
to the vast population of NTU...
9

ECO CAMP AT TAMAN NEGARA
For 5 days, from the 23rd of May to the 27th of May 2004, 29 nature and
trekking enthusiasts joined Earthlink in our inaugural Eco Camp, discovering
the magnificent biodiversity of Malaysia’s national park, Taman Negara.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip. Getting to the site itself was a minor
chore, considering the fact that the rain forest is fully segregated away from
urbanization (7 hours train ride, 3 hours of a wonderful scenic boat ride to the
resort entrance). But once upon reaching the park, one is given the impression of a natureresort
haven. Floating restaurants and air-conditioned accommodations at least gave us a touch of modern
civilization.
The vastly diverse magnificence
of flora and fauna in Taman Negara
was evident for all to see during our
activities. After we enjoyed hours
of fun shooting up water rapids on
the first day, nature education and
observation filled our mind and soul
for the second day. Two guides attached
to us were extremely knowledgeable
and taught us the wonders of nature,
like the telephone tree in which tribes
used to communicate with each other
in ancient times. We then went up the
world’s longest and highest canopy
walkway, in which we had a glimpse
of nature form a bird’s eye view.
Exploration of the bat caves of Gua
Tembeling gave us a memorable insight
of how bats live among their community,
with the journey through the caves just as adventurous as the sights to behold. Our final educational playground
was exploring the Kua Telinga caves, where we were mystified by the scenery, myths and legends of the Ear
Caves and the Dark Caves.
The bonds of friendship made during the trip made it all the more worthwhile during our hugely adventurous
but thoroughly educational experience. It truly opened our perspective of flora and fauna diversity outside
Singapore. For our fellow mates who accompanied us out there, thank you for making our first overseas trip
and Eco Camp more than memorable!! A special mention and thanks to Pac west Travel Pte Ltd for your kind
assistance!
-Written by Ying Shun
10

Eleven of the recycling bins around campus have been replaced and relocated to
prevent people from mistaking them as rubbish bins. These new bins can be easily
recognised by their bright blue exteriors and were installed by recycling company
SembVisy in November last year. The old recycling bins were green in colour like most
of the rubbish bins in Singapore so many students mistook one for the other.
With the new recyling bins at the bus-stops, there is a higher chance that students
will notice them. There are also
new metal bins with a more snazzy
look and separate receptacles for
paper, cans or plastic This are also
placed in high human traffic areas
so more people will find it easier to recycle.
In Years 2000 and 2001, Earthlink NTU held the Earthlink NTU-BP Recycling Competition. Following
which in 2002, Earthlink NTU brought to you the inaugural Solar Innovations 2002 competition with a theme
of Solar Energy. The project “Earthlink-NTU-A*STAR Solar Innovations 2002” was a success with 229 participants
from the various Junior Colleges, Primary and Secondary schools. Then again in 2003, Solar Innovations 2003
focused on the harvesting of solar energy and its application in various appliances in the kitchen. The project was
another success with a total of 255 participants from various schools.
This year, Solar Innovations: RE.FUSE 2004 will focus on waste minimisation. Recycling of waste water,
reusing of waste materials and designing innovative ways to segregate waste are the themes for this year’s event.
We hope that through this event, the public will be able to understand the need to conserve and protect our
resources. Over the years, Earthlink NTU has successfully organized many enriching nationwide environmental
themed competitions. Earthlink NTU hopes to educate and raise awareness amongst the public, especially our
youth, about new environmental issues and new technology advances globally.
This competition provides an opportunity for your students to showcase their scientific knowhow
and creativity in the process of research and project work. The innovative
nature of the competition encourages creativity in students in a fun yet
challenging way. Competition is opened to all primary schools, secondary
schools, junior colleges.
Come join us at Solar Innovations: RE.FUSE 2004 and we promise
a fun-filled and enriching experience for both teachers and students. We
look forward to your active participation and support especially if you have
missed the opportunity last year. For more information, you may visit our
webpage at http://www.ntu.edu.sg/studorgn/si2004.
11
Location of Recycling Bins
Blue plastic bins are at bus stops outside:
- Library 1
- NIE Library
- School of Communi- - Hall of Residence 4
cation & Information - Hall of Residence 8
- Innovation Centre - Hall of Residence 11
Metal recycling bins are located at:
- Foyer of Canteen A
- Foyer of Canteen B
- Staircase leading from Nanyang Auditorium
to South Spine
- S4 Basement 1 study area

Primary School
Secondary School
Junior College