Testimonials

To be honest, I actually wanted to do my degree in marine biology and conservation but there was no such degree in Singapore at the time I enrolled. BES gave me the opportunity to not only dive into what I was most passionate about but also moulded me holistically to understand environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. It also provided me with networking opportunities to gain first-hand experience in marine and wildlife conservation across countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Maldives. These experiences and the multiple passionate professors and friends I’ve met along the way are something I will never forget. I’ve now somewhat accomplished my childhood dream and now work as a marine biologist in an environmental consultancy called DHI Water & Environment.

Attending school has never been more exciting when you’re in a course like the BES programme. Classes deliver more than its promise of understanding the interdisciplinary ties behind environmental issues. My time as a BES student has taught me to think critically of controversies that plague both developing and developed countries in interdisciplinary disciplines of law, geography, biology and social sciences. The engaging discussions and thought-provoking opinions elucidated by my peers and professors both in lectures and on various field trips to places of environmental concern provided extensive academic rigour that I believe is the basis of a good college education. The BES community is one that is tight-knit and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of my undergraduate life!

BES is a ground-breaking course, allowing me the opportunity to explore the various environmental issues we face in 21st century. BES has not only enhanced my understanding of how interconnected society, culture and the environment are but has also fueled my passion to want to make a difference. I feel that BES focuses one in seeing the bigger picture and how small actions can have major impacts, a lesson that not only applies to environmental issues, but also to various scenarios in life. BES teaches both academic and life skills and is for all those who are interested in a holistic education and development. The close knitted members of the cohorts also helped in enhancing the learning experience and you know you will always be part of the BES family.

Education aims to impart knowledge, skills and values. The Environmental Studies programme stands out in its equal emphasis on not only the what and how, but also the right and wrong. With their technical know-how and passion to advocate for change, students from the programme are well-positioned to contribute constructively to addressing the sustainability issues that our generation face.

The Environmental Studies programme constitutes a challenge and a call to passionate people who want to make a difference. Simultaneously, it is extremely humbling to realise the overwhelming complexity of environmental challenges and the need for an interdisciplinary approach. After all, it is our generation that holds the awe-inspiring responsibility for the future.

The BES programme has been nothing short of an amazing experience thus far. The relevance of classroom-based theory is exemplified with the incorporation of field work and real-life case studies, providing me with a holistic learning experience. I have found myself thinking critically and becoming more aware about key environmental issues faced by society today, and I am glad to be learning about every aspect of the environment, including the policy management and the economics of our environment.

The many changes faced by our environment today are real, and the potential dangers in the future are clear to see. The BES programme challenges us, as individuals and as team players, to become pioneers in this field and lead the way for a sustainable future. For students who believe strongly for the environment and a brighter tomorrow, I believe that you will enjoy this course as much as I do!