Overview

The Polytechnic Forum (PF), an initiative which started in 1996, aims to provide a platform for polytechnic students to gain a deeper understanding of pertinent national issues through peer discussions, learning journeys, talks, and engagement with government and industry leaders. Organised annually, PF is a time where students gather to discuss, ideate, glean meaningful insights, and design action plans on important national issues, to help shape a better future for Singapore.

Polytechnic Forum 2023: Our Green SG

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Sustainability is a vital part of our future! Singapore is facing several sustainability challenges today and these issues will continue to be a concern for young Singaporeans in the coming years. Companies and individuals are realising that the sustainability agenda cannot be mutually exclusive. In fact, they should work together to create a more sustainable world for all of us. It is therefore important for us to tackle problems together with stakeholders such as businesses, government agencies and community groups.

“We will strive to become a zero waste nation, consuming less materials and giving them a second lease of life. We will build a green economy, nudging our businesses into doing good while also doing well… It is our duty and responsibility to make Singapore even greener and more liveable, and to work with others to build better cities and a healthier planet, for ourselves and future generations.”

— Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Sustainable Singapore Blueprint)

The theme of the Polytechnic Forum (PF) 2023 is **“Our Green SG”**. The programme has been specially created for you to explore possibilities towards a more sustainable future. With the knowledge and rich discussions that PF 2023 will provide, we hope it raises your consciousness to take daily steps towards sustainability and make a difference in the world around Singapore and you.

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In PF 2023, you will be exposed to both safe facilitation skills and mediation skills. These sessions will equip you with various collaboration skills, such as identifying and managing conflicts; handling difficult conversations; steps to accurate ground sensing; mediation techniques; agreeing to disagree; dealing with prejudice; and fostering collaborations, integration and inclusion, all within a safe space.

You will examine the sub-themes in PF 2023 from our local perspective as a city state, while being able to contrast the differences amidst our connections with ASEAN and global nations. These topics will be explored through an eclectic host of experiential activities, constructive discussions and self-reflection, including the following:

14 Local Learning Journeys to interesting sustainability sites around Singapore, which promise to ignite your environmental spark!

2 Overseas Learning Journeys during the Residential Programme in Desaru (Johor, Malaysia), to expand your vistas beyond our Little Red Dot!

2 Panel Discussions, featuring 7 Speakers from sustainability-related industries, who will share multi-faceted insights to enhance your learning!

We hope you will look forward to all the above, together with the friendships, camaraderie, and fun that you will get to experience at PF 2023. Enjoy the journey!

(PF 2023 takes inspiration from the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and Sustainable Singapore Blueprint.)