SEI played host for the third time to the Externship Programme organised by the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. On 24 June 2014, seven delegates in the Master in Public Administration and Management (MPAM) programme gained hands-on learning experience from various NEA departments.

Director SEI Mr Ong Eng Kian commenced the session by sharing how Singapore, despite its small size and limited resources, has always adopted a whole-of-government approach towards urban planning and environmental sustainability. The country has come a long way since the 1960s in addressing various environmental challenges. The success of its policy implementation has largely depended on the visionary leadership and the people’s continued involvement and support.

To meet rising public expectations and deal with prevalent environmental issues, NEA’s Central Building Planning Department (CBPD) expert Mr Lee Aik Beng focused his session on the key aspects of Environmental Protection and Management. He highlighted how NEA has put in place an integrated environment system to overcome the immense challenges in maintaining a clean nation and a high standard of public health. Next, Dr Phua Tan Tee, Senior Consultant in the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department talked about the importance of careful supervision and effective control of radiation hazards to minimise the impact of radioactive pollutants.

A fruitful discussion enlivened the morning. MPAM participants provided insightful views and comparisons between the policies, economics and governance of Singapore and their own provinces.

Director SEI Mr Ong Eng Kian and NEA department representatives engaging head of delegation Mr He Yan who is a director at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as well as other MPAM participants.

MPAM participants on a tour of Tuas South Incineration Plant.

The externship programme concluded with a study visit to the Tuas South Incineration Plant (TSIP), showcasing its high-end waste-to-energy technology. Participants conveyed their thanks and expressed their wish to further their connections with NEA, particularly in the fields of environmental management and sustainability.