SINGAPORE, 25 January 2013 -(ASIA TODAY)- As governments around the world lead and empower the necessary changes to develop sustainable cities, youths in Singapore will have the opportunity to become city planners, mayors, and project developers in an upcoming competition "Planning a Clean and Green Waterfront, Iskandar " held in Singapore on February 1, 2013. Targeted at students aged 14-19 years old, this challenge is for participants to translate innovative ideas into innovative solutions that face real urban challenges and problems. The objective is to plan sustainable, liveable, eco-friendly townships where every stakeholder's needs are met.
Started in 2012, this annual eco town planning competition organised by Activistar Pte Ltd carries exciting themes of global cities. This year’s theme, centered around the waterfront of Iskandar region, is to advocate for a more environmental approach to this development which affects the water quality in the Straits of Johor, the natural mangrove swamps that line the waterfront and the livelihood that surrounds the area. The Iskandar region is a vast development in southern tip of Malaysia that is 3 times the size of Singapore. Through support from the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, this competition is positively steered towards educating our youths on environmental urban solutions that have been adopted in the region.
IRDA will showcase its eco establishments. This year, ASSEMBLY have also drawn student participants from across the causeway as well as teams as far as Qatar who are keen on Iskandar.
Students will write their proposal, make a presentation and construct their prototype townships based on this case study. Acting in teams of 4-6 students, they will hone their interdisciplinary skills of Humanities, Geography, Social studies and oral presentation skills to showcase their talents and defend their proposals. The competition starts on February 1 and ends in March 17th. Training workshops and site visits will be conducted during this period to familiarize the participants with the area and also equip them with the basic understanding of town planning and the knowledge to incorporate green features. They will develop new ways of understanding and approaching economic, social, and environmental sustainability as it relates to urban regeneration.
Companies which have adopted green solutions into their operations have come on board to support this event, encouraging greater participation from the youth. Sending a strong message to our youths and the community, our sponsors such as ABB, Leisure Farm Resort Holdings, Management Institute Development of Singapore, Holcim have incorporated environmental sound solutions through various ways.
These companies will be part of our panel of Judges which will also include representatives from civic society, scientists, academics and educators. The top three winners will earn bragging rights to the title "Youth Leaders for a Sustainable Future 2013"
And it does not end here. The projects go on a second life as:
• The best three proposals are presented to the country's planning authorities.
• Ten best prototype townships go on a Road Show for 6 weeks to further spread the sustainable township message.
The winning team from each category will walk away with cash prizes. Topping off the competition will be a chance to win free flight over the Iskandar region to enjoy an aerial view of the region which is sponsored by the Johor Flying Club.
Schools and institutions which are interested to participate in “ASSEMBLY-Planning A Clean & Green Waterfront”, please visit our website http://assembly.activistar-ads.com/ for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Geraldine Sim, Advisor-Environment and Public Health. Activistar Pte Ltd. Email: geraldine.sim@activistar.com
Nadia Albahar, Business Development Director, Activistar Pte Ltd. Email: nadia.albahar@activistar.com
About ASSEMBLY -
ASSEMBLY advocates environmentally sustainable developments through creating well planned sustainable cities. It aims to raising awareness about the environment to today's youth and to groom youth leaders for a sustainable future.
The project is supported by the Iskandar Region Development Authority ( IRDA) and adopted by its sustainability arm as part of their activities to promote a green and sustainable developments in Iskandar.
It is backed by the Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore's leading centre for networking, training and research. International agencies include INTA ( France ) and CityNet.
Corporate sponsors include ABB, MDIS, Holcim, Mulpha Land for Leisure Farm Resort, Pacific Radiance Group, National Library Board amongst others.
SOURCE / Activistar Pte Ltd