Singapore Polytechnic (SP) was awarded this year’s President’s Award for the Environment (PAE) for its contributions that include staff and students mobilising to protect the environment on campus and also conducting outreach programmes targeting the industry and community.

The PAE is the highest accolade in Singapore for achievements in the field of environmental sustainability. It aims to recognise significant achievements and contributions of individuals, organisations and companies who have had a positive impact and made significant contributions to the local community in helping to sustain the environment.

SP is the first polytechnic to receive the award since its inception in 2006.

SP Principal, Mr Tan Hang Cheong received the award on behalf of SP at a special ceremony on 8 October at the Istana. Presenting the award, which was in the form of a trophy specially designed and crafted by master ceramicist Iskandar Jalil, was President S R Nathan.

Some of the key green initiatives by SP over the years included spearheading the adoption of Marina Reservoir to keep it clean and organising the Singapore International Water Festival to engage youths on environmental and water issues.

An innovation hub made out of 80 percent recycled materials called InnoVillage was also developed. This, together with the development of the Heritage Tree Trail, an innovative learning journey for secondary school students, played a big part in helping SP land the top award.

SP would like to congratulate Nan Hua High School and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (GST) Singapore Pte Ltd, the other two recipients of the prestigious award this year.