On February 16, 2025, ASEZ members in Singapore held the “ASEZ Zero Plastic Forum 2040” at the National University of Singapore, one of Asia’s top universities. The event focused on upcycling plastic waste and featured Professor Yeoh Lean Weng, Chief Sustainability Officer of A*STAR, a leading national research institute in Singapore, as a guest speaker.
The forum began with an introduction to ASEZ, followed by a presentation on the ongoing “ASEZ Zero Plastic 2040” initiative. Through this presentation, participants gained awareness of the severity of the plastic waste problem and recognized that small individual actions can lead to significant change.
Next, Professor Yeoh shared his expertise on environmental sustainability, explaining the far-reaching impacts of plastic waste. In particular, he showed the urgency on environmental crisis through statistics of environmental pollution, emphasizing the importance of efforts to create a more sustainable Singapore.
The forum concluded with the “Zero Plastic 2040 Supporting Signature Ceremony.” This signing event marked a significant moment in supporting ASEZ’s proposal to urge the establishment of a Global Plastic Treaty. This treaty, agreed upon by the international community during the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in March 2022, aims to regulate plastic use and play the vital role in ensuring that nations, businesses, and society take responsibility throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics.
At the event, Professor Yeoh, the keynote speaker, and David Dao, the Sustainability Ambassador of Samwoh Group, officially expressed their support for ASEZ’s proposal by signing the statement of support in person. Following their lead, participants also joined the initiative by signing online via a QR code, reinforcing the importance of collective action and collaboration in addressing plastic pollution.
After the forum concluded, participants visited the photo zone for commemorative photos and explored ASEZ’s campaign panels, where volunteers provided explanations about their initiatives. Additionally, they took part in an upcycling experience, learning practical ways to reduce plastic waste in daily life.
In a post-event interview, Professor Yeoh highly praised ASEZ’s efforts, stating:
“I think ASEZ is doing an excellent job. To solve this global problem, collective effort is essential, and with members in over 175 countries, ASEZ is fostering the kind of collaboration that can make a real impact. This collective effort is key to ensuring success in ending plastic pollution.”
Cherlyn, an ASEZ member who participated in the event, shared her thoughts on the forum, stating: “Attending the forum made me realize how urgent the environmental crisis is, especially through the statistics shared by Professor Yeoh. It was inspiring that small actions can create a huge difference. For example, I learned that reducing unnecessary email usage can make a huge impact on the environment. Moreover, the idea that biodegradable materials and alternative packaging solutions could replace plastics was truly motivating. It has motivated me to contribute toward addressing environmental challenges.”
This forum raised awareness among university students about the importance of taking action to address environmental issues, inspiring them to become key players in environmental protection. Going forward, ASEZ will continue to go beyond simply spreading knowledge—it will instill a sense of responsibility, provide practical solutions, and drive a powerful movement toward a future free from plastic pollution.