22 Professional Minds Charged with New Knowledge on Renewable Energy in Japan (December 2007)

An inquiring mind and a will to learn mingled with a fun, uplifted spirit - all wonderful traits manifest in 22 professionals from local energy-related agencies, architecture firms and the academia, while they were at a study trip led by the Singapore Environment Institute (SEI) to Japan.

SEI’s overseas partner, the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), welcomed the Singapore delegation with unmatchable hospitality.  Weaving a deep sense of sincerity into their presentations, most lecturers were able to impart the technicalities of the various alternative energy sources to the delegates.  Listed among the lectures conducted throughout the 5 days were Bio-diesel as Transportation Fuel, Battery Energy Storage Technology and the Japanese Photovoltaic Market - inspiring for some and enriching for others.  

Stepping foot into the realm of technological advancement, the delegation visited co-generation facilities at the Senju Techno-Station of Tokyo Gas, and witnessed power generation from photovoltaic equipment at the Asaka Water Purification Plant.  Edible oils and fats turned into fuel for your car?  Little wonder why the delegates stayed wonderstruck at the Kyoto Municipal South Clean Centre, as they appreciated the ingenious effort that went behind mitigating climate change.

The delegation found the unique learning experience very memorable indeed.  Through great fun and good cheer, some members were enthused to learn more about the topic; while others felt they would hop onto more of such study visits to explore the subject further.  Most of them felt they had benefited from the learning synergies spawned from the exchange of ideas and concepts.  Bridging hearts by precious friendships and linking minds through intellectual inquiry had invariably fulfiled the objectives of this educational tour. 

Some delegates felt the study trip had been executed with meticulous attention to detail.  Logistics was smooth and glitches were minimal.  The site visits were scheduled at strategic points of the itinerary to enhance knowledge assimilation.  With the intensifying need for Singapore industries to adopt sustainable solutions, the study programme had provided them with the vital skills to stay well ahead, through getting acquainted with the latest knowhow in renewable energies from abroad.                   
 
The 2007 New and Renewable Energy Study Visit to Japan - an unusual learning experience that is far from home, for a subject that is close to heart.

Last updated on 25 Jun 08