In order to learn more about the environmental issues, we have approached experts to listen to their comments on these issues. They have also provided invaluable advice on saving the Earth. We would like to thank these people/organisations for helping us:

• Mr. Wilson Ang, President of ECO-Singapore
• Hyflux
• National Environment Agency (Singapore)
• Teacher from Hwachong Institution (Singapore)

ECO-Singapore’s president, Mr. Wilson Ang thinks that global warming is currently not the biggest problem. The biggest problem to him is the looming energy crisis, and the rising price hikes that are to come. Right now, Mr. Ang thinks that the public needs to make an informed decision, in order to make their lifestyles a sustainable one. It basically means that it is up to oneself in order to make the right choice. Taking the initiative to conserve the environment is good too, not just spoon-feeding. It is a united effort to prevent the destruction of the environment. All the organisations should work together as one to achieve this goal. Giving and taking is also part of the package, we must learn to give and take, it is impossible to concentrate on one objective, and thus, there must be balance.

Conserving the environment is not a overnight thing, we all need to do a part in this effort, simple stuff such as recycling, or maybe just the 10 simple things one can do to help in this effort.

Our core businesses in water, energy, industrial manufacturing processes and specialty materials provide energy-saving, cost effective environmental solutions.  Through our membrane technology, we are protecting the environment and saving natural resources through recycling and reusing wastewater and used oil.

- What is your aim (long-term goal/short-term goal)?

Our aim is to provide efficient and cost effective solutions to meet our clients' needs through innovation and technological advancements, and to ensure that good drinking-water is available at affordable prices for people.

- Can you tell us about some of the activities you are carrying out?

Water
The Water Business focuses in providing water solutions in seawater desalination, drinking water treatment, wastewater reclamation, water recycling, and raw water purification for municipal and industrial clients.
The consumer arm of Hyflux also develops its own brand of innovative lifestyle water filtration and purification products for homes and offices.

Industrial Manufacturing and Processes
Our membrane technology used in Industrial Manufacturing Businesses is applicable to industries dealing with petrochemicals, chemicals, textiles, biotechnology, pharmaceutical products, food, fermentation, paper pulp and electronics etc. Hydrochem Engineering ( Shanghai ) Co. Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyflux is responsible for the development and expansion of the industrial manufacturing processing business in China.

Energy
Dumping used lubricating oil causes immense water and land pollution. The detrimental effects to the environment are costly and are often irreversible. Recovering these resources using oil collection systems will greatly reduce illegal dumping and can serve as an indispensable aspect of government waste management policies.  Hyflux Singapore Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyflux Ltd, is set up as a business unit to focus on energy related activities. Oil recycling will be the first major driver to achieve its goal.  Our Hyflux Advanced Membrane System (HAMS) is an innovative and environmentally friendly, energy efficient, chemical free membrane system that can recover used lubricating oil from the marine, industrial, transport, mining, petrochemical, power, automotive and aviation industries.

Specialty Material
Specialty material is a new pillar of growth for Hyflux with the goal to develop and commercialise polymers and specialty materials – L lactic acid and Polylactic acid – derived from natural renewable resources such as corn and sugar. These polymers are widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, textiles, food packaging, and fiber industries.
 Moving into this emerging field of material science highlights our company's immense commitment to address global environmental issues and to promote environmental sustainable development.

- Do you think that the activities will have an effect on the population?

Certainly.  Presently, our SingSpring Desalination Plant, Bedok Newater Plant, Chestnut Avenue Water Works, as well as our other projects together provide some 35% of Singapore’s water needs.  We are building and operating water recycling plants, wastewater treatment plants, and desalination plants around the world. (SingSpring Desal has a capacity of 136,380m³/day; Bedok plant32,000m³/day, and Chestnut plant  273,000 m³/day).  Visit www.hyflux.com for more information.

Conclusion

After interviewing Hyflux, we can conclude it is also working towards a green environment by using newer technologies to become more environmental friendly and to reduce the ecological footprint of Singapore. It not only focuses on water, it also focuses on energy, etc, and by using green solutions to treat and to  carry out their work, this is certainly a company that is trying to work towards a green environment.

Additional info:

“Bedok NEWater Plant, Singapore

 For Singapore’s first wastewater recycling plant in Bedok, Hyflux was evaluated as the preferred supplier for the process equipment in the municipal reclamation plant. The S$16.1 million NEWater plant at Bedok was completed in late 2002 at a record time of less than six months.  It now processes 32,000 m3 per day of high-gradewater or NEWater from treated wastewater.                                     ”

“Seletar NEWater Plant, Singapore

 Following Hyflux’s success in the Bedok plant, another NEWater project worth some S$27.8 million was secured from the PUB in December 2002. Hyflux designed and built the 24,000 m3/day plant. More significantly, its own proprietary Kristal300TM ultra-filtration membrane technology has been selected for use in the plant.                                             "

“Chestnut Avenue Waterworks, Singapore
 
In September 2002, Hyflux achieved another first by clinching PUB’s first advanced membrane potable water treatment plant, at the Chestnut Avenue Waterworks, to upgrade the membrane systems for some S$27 million.  The plant with a daily capacity of 273,000 m3 is one of the world’s largest membrane-based raw water treatment plants.                     "  
 
“SingSpring Desalination Plant, Singapore
 
For Singapore’s first public private partnership, PUB awarded Hyflux the project to build, own and operate (BOO) Singapore’s first desalination plant.  The S$200 million plant was completed in September 2005, some three months ahead of schedule. It now supplies some 136,380 m3/day of desalinated water to meet approximately 10 percent of Singapore’s water needs.

The SingSpring plant uses advanced cost-and-energy efficient reverse osmosis (RO) technology and was the largest membrane based seawater desalination plant in the world at the time of its completion. It also has the largest single-RO trains in the world. The BOO project was financed by a consortium of five international banks, led by DBS Bank. The financing was awarded the Euromoney Asia Pacific WaterDeal of the Year in 2003.            "

“Used Oil Recycling Plant, Singapore

In Singapore, Hyflux formed a joint venture (JV) with SK Oilchem Management Pte Ltd, to invest up to S$70 million, to collect, recycle and treat 6,000 tonnes of waste oil annually in Singapore using the Hyflux Advanced Membrane System (HAMS).

SK Oilchem is an experienced used oil collector which specialises in the collection of used oil from industries such as shipyard and marine, motor workshops, navy bases and army camps.   "

Quoted from-- ("Hyflux Factsheet 2008")

Reference:
Hyflux Limited. "Hyflux Factsheet 2008." 06 Mar 2008. Hyflux Limited. 10 Mar 2008

1. Some Singaporeans are seen littering and spitting on the ground and dirtying the environment, fines and punishments has been imposed, will this actually work to correct the wrongdoers?

Our studies have shown that most Singaporeans dispose of their litter appropriately. Litterbugs are a minority and NEA will therefore continue with its enforcement and education efforts, to constantly remind the public of their duty in keeping our environment clean.

2. Singapore is clean and green, however, some say it is due to the massive amount of cleaner in Singapore and hence, cleaning is very efficient. Is this true?

NEA adopts a 3-pronged strategy in achieving a clean environment - (1) Regulation and Enforcement, (2) Sustaining A High Standard of Public Cleansing and (3)  Education. Keeping our environment clean is every individual's responsibility - not just NEA's. While enforcement and routine cleansing of the public areas are necessary, it is not sufficient. The cooperation of the public is also necessary to sustain the cleanliness of our environment.

Thank you for your time.

Conclusion

Again, we can see that the NEA of Singapore has its own ways and methods to be environmental friendly. From the survey, we can see that the NEA has a 3 pronged strategy to achieve a clean and green environment, regulation and enforcement, sustaining a high standard of public cleansing and last but not least, education. Using this strategy, together with the cooperation of the public, it is working towards a eco-friendly environment.

(All answers have been rephrased )

1. Based on your personal belief, do you think we can save the Earth?

A: Yes we can though this will take a long time. Certain countries, however, will be faster in terms of the time taken as some countries, such as Japan and Taiwan are more aware and is willing to be eco-friendly.

2. What do you think we should do to save the Earth?

A: We should start from recycling; the government could also provide incentives for being eco-friendly.  Another suggestion would be that the government could be more aggressive, events like the clean and green work is not that clean after all.

3a. As a geography teacher, do you think teaching about environmental issues is necessary?

A: Yes, of course it is necessary. Teacher should at least spread the awareness to the students.

3b. Will students absorb what has been taught to them? Will they carry out what they have been taught?

A: This depends on the students themselves. Some will carry out what they have been taught, though more incentives would be good.

4. Which group of people do you think are more willing to be eco-friendly?

A: Teenagers and perhaps, young kids as they are more easily influenced when they are young, so they should be more willing. Some organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth contribute much to the eco-friendly effort.

5. Do you think the government is doing its part to encourage the public to be eco-friendly?

A: This again, depends on the government of that particular country. Government of countries like Singapore is doing its part to promote the eco-friendly message. Other countries such as China are trying to be green but it takes a lot of effort. Countries such as the U.S. are not following the Kyoto Protocol, and the EU is not stopping them. This could be due to the fact that U.S. has one of the biggest economy in the world, if the EU curbs them now, it would greatly affect the world’s income.

6. Please comment on the deforestation problem.

A: Deforestation is unavoidable due to its profits. Efforts have been made to conserve forests, but it can only go so far. Deforestation is inevitable.

Conclusion

From this interview, this teacher believes that being environmentally friendly must start from young, and that incentives could perhaps been implemented to encourage the public. She also believes that spreading the awareness is important and that the government should do their own part in this issue.