Sustainable Journey for the Natural World in Korea and Singapore
- IVECA Center
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
On November 6th, IVECA students from Korea and Singapore celebrated the end of the semester with a Live Class aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchange under the theme “Exploring Our Natural World.” The students examined how human activity shapes these environments, identified the related environmental challenges, reflected on the responsibility they hold, and proposed practical solutions for a more sustainable future. Beyond recognising the environmental issues, students thoughtfully considered their roles as global citizens with scientific analysis and multicultural communication to build an environmentally sustainable world.
Each Korean group presented distinctive Korean natural and cultural attractions, such as Ulsan Rock, Jeju Island, and the Han River and examined environmental issues associated with them. One group focused on water pollution in the Han River, a river in a central region of Korea, and highlighted the ongoing conservation efforts to maintain its high water quality. In addition to linking these issues with environmental initiatives, students emphasised the importance of individual action and collective responsibility. Another group shared, “As individuals, we can minimise our footprint, and through education, society should prioritise conserving the ecosystem and cultural legacy to ensure ecological protection.” By connecting their findings to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean water, life on land and sustainable cities, the Korean students explored how ecotourism in Korea can evolve more sustainably.
Meanwhile, students from Singapore highlighted the geographical features and cultural values of tourist attractions such as Bukit Timah Hill, Kampong Glam, and Pulau Ubin. The groups explained how natural resources in these areas are utilised and protected. One group noted, “Pulau Ubin is a popular spot for nature-based recreation such as bird and butterfly watching, so additional support is directed toward environmental protection there. Bukit Timah, with its valuable biodiversity and importance for scientific research on forest dynamics, is managed with significant efforts to preserve its ecosystem.” The Singaporean students also designed imaginative day-trip plans using real routes and transportation networks to access the tourism sites, expanding their environmental research to the broader cultural context of ecotourism, reflecting the historical Malay heritage of Kampong Glam and the traditional village lifestyle preserved on Pulau Ubin.
During the discussion, students from both countries expressed appreciation for how they explored ecotourism, learned about local and global traditions, and reflected on their duty to protect together the world’s environments and diverse cultures. As the Korean principal remarked, “It is truly a source of pride to see them growing through the process of collaborating with friends from different places to find solutions.”
This exchange closed the semester not with final answers, but with a clearer awareness of how interconnected our environments and our choices are. Through careful observation and genuine curiosity about how others live, students from Korea and Singapore will continue to grow as global citizens caring for their communities with a sense of responsibility for the shared world they are part of.
