Tan Shi Zhou: A Trailblazer in Singapore’s Environmental Scene 🇸🇬
Tan Shi Zhou is a trailblazer in the environmental scene in Singapore. Not only is he heading student-led organisations like Earthlink in the National Technological University (NTU) of Singapore, but he also holds positions in regional environmental groups like AEYN. All in all, Shi Zhou has spearheaded and managed numerous initiatives and campaigns to bring focus to environmental issues as well as to increase youth involvement in green advocacy. It all started during his polytechnic days when he joined a random documentary screening organised by his school’s Green Interest club - just to increase the attendance rate. Little did he know that that film on deforestation would spark a fire within him, and that perhaps this would be the path he wishes to take henceforth. After a year, he joined that very same club and soon landed a leadership position. With little experience but lots of drive, Shi Zhou started to make new connections and expanded his worldview of environmentalism.
As a growing environmentalist
Soon enough, Shi Zhou started volunteering for local environmental groups like the People's Movement to Stop Haze (PM Haze), Plastic-Lite Singapore which promotes the zero waste lifestyle, and the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore. On top of his personal commitment to volunteering, Shi Zhou also regularly organises and partakes in various club-level initiatives to expand the youth green movement in NTU. He also strives to collaborate with fellow youth environmentalists to create long-lasting change geared towards sustainable development and living. In 2021, as part of Global Compact Network Singapore Youth Forum, he organised a 2-day youth forum garnering participation from youths across the country together with the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. As an avid sustainability advocate, Shi Zhou has also initiated intra and inter-college campaigns to promote sustainable operations and management.
Shi Zhou with his team, Hazy Waste, that promotes sustainable practices among hawkers in Singapore.
Given his myriad of experiences, it comes as no surprise that he was also brought in as a materials sustainability consultant for Singapore's annual National Day Parade celebrations. It was truly a meaningful opportunity for Shi Zhou as he felt his passion was being recognised to galvanise tangible action.
As an inspiring leader
When asked about his biggest achievements, one of the first things that Shi Zhou thinks of is the impact he has helped to create on fellow youths - especially in Earthlink, a student-led organisation in NTU, the second-largest university in Singapore, where he is serving a second term as president. The college is an extremely conducive space to start ground-up movements and spur students into taking action. As such, Shi Zhou has focused on sustaining a multitude of one-time events and long-term campaigns to cater to differing levels of environmental concern amidst students. He wishes to establish Earthlink as "a hub for people who are new and people who are experienced" in the environmental scene to kickstart their own projects and contribute in whatever way they can. Owing to this culture of support, many club members have sought to serve a second term in Earthlink.
Environmentalism is not just about making an impact at the individual level. Meaningful collaboration is rooted in a sense of community and a common goal to protect the environment and Earth. It is without a doubt that Shi Zhou has successfully demonstrated this ideal in the way he has managed the structure and the endeavours by NTU Earthlink.
As a curious academic
Not only does Shi Zhou hope to inspire a passion for the environment in the hearts of fellow youths, but he is also an aspiring researcher with the goal of answering our environmental concerns with technology. On top of his club and NGO work, Shi Zhou has a diploma in chemical engineering and is working towards a degree in materials science and engineering in NTU. At the institutional level, he has conducted research on wastewater treatment and solar cells. As a data-driven person, he finds research to be the most engaging activity. Uncertainties in data spurs him on to work harder to arrive at effective and sustainable solutions. Moreover, he is considering a long-term career in environment and sustainability research. In particular, he has set his sights on the fields of green construction, renewable energy and eco-city technologies.
Youth and Environmental Activism?
“Sometimes, we face difficulties not because we are doing something wrong, but because we are doing something right.”
Without a doubt, youth environmentalists worldwide face opposition and risk having their passion and hopes trampled by doubt and cynicism. Shi Zhou acknowledges that a major reason for this is the fact that people simply do not understand the urgency or the potential impact one could make in the face of a climate crisis. Having been dismissed and discouraged by his own friend who was too skeptical of his efforts, Shi Zhou feels that a lack of moral support and encouragement is the biggest challenge faced by youths at the individual level. Furthermore, he feels that there is a lack of ongoing meaningful communication between people and the government as well as people and the private sector. There needs to be more robust communication together with sincere follow-ups between environmentalists and the public and private sectors. This could be effective in mitigating the rigidity of government policies and pave the way for top-down approaches.
In addition, Shi Zhou feels that many Singaporean youths are currently not ambitious enough to dive into the environmental movement due to self-doubt and an unwillingness to step out of their comfort zones. He hopes more youths within the country will enter the sustainability scene and think more regionally and globally. It is crucial for youths to cultivate this mindset as we will be the next generation of leaders shaping policies and making change.
“Youth are powerful changemakers. Never doubt your ability to create impact, especially on the communities around you. Be a trailblazer and lead change with those who share the same vision as you.”
Written by Sabarna Manoharan
