Study Visit by Senior Leaders of Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

A distinguished delegation from the Ninh Thuan Province of Vietnam visited the Singapore Environment Institute (SEI) on 8 April 2010 for an exciting morning of sharing and learning on environmental protection efforts. The delegation comprised 11 senior officials and was headed by the Mayor of Ninh Thuan Province, Mr Nguyen Chi Dung, who was also Chairman of the People’s Committee.

Coming aboard the “Singapore Excellence” program instituted by the Civil Service College and International Enterprise, Singapore, the delegates also went through a series of exchange sessions with key agencies such as PUB, URA, NParks, EMA and EDB. Spanning from 5 to 9 April 2010, the entire learning mission took place across 5 working days.

Ms Annie Tan (Head, Business Development & Marketing) welcoming the delegates.

While in SEI, Ms Annie Tan, Head (Business Development & Marketing) welcomed the delegates with a briefing of the leadership lessons that gave rise to a “Clean, Green and Blue” Singapore. Mr Poon Chiew Tuck, Senior Engineer of the Pollution Control Department, then shared on the key strategies and challenges in maintaining a healthy environment for all Singaporeans.

After the content was delivered, the delegates sat through a panel discussion hosted by Mr Ong Eng Kian, Director SEI, and Mr Poon. Issues on public education, noise pollution and recycling were raised at the session, where both parties actively exchanged knowledge and best practices. The delegates also made use of the opportunity to clarify some of the salient points raised at the lectures.

Mr Ong Eng Kian (Director, SEI) and Mr Poon Chiew Tuck (Senior Engineer, Pollution Control Department) sharing Singapore’s experiences at the panel discussion.

At the end of the discussion, Mr Truong Xuan Vy, Department Head (Economics, Foreign Affairs & Investment Cooperation) officially noted NEA’s efforts over the decades to transform Singapore into what it is today. He added that the delegation had learnt to appreciate the significance of sound environmental systems to a land- and resource-scarce city state, and how key national events, such as Clean and Green Singapore, were rolled out to garner support from the 3Ps (People, Public and Private).

For the simulated sights and sounds of Sustainable Singapore, the delegates went on a guided tour of the ENVision Gallery to feel and experience the arduous journey undertaken by Singapore in achieving environmental success. The Ninh Thuan Province will be embarking on this journey, and with the determination to start it right in a sustainable manner. Indeed the Province has been identified by Vietnam Prime Minister Ngyuen Tan Dung as a main focus for rapid economic progress. Drawing from Singapore’s leadership lessons, the delegates, being key figures in the provincial government, would be taking up the environmental challenges in good stead.

Last updated on 12 May 10