A selection of research papers and dissertations by Master of Science (Environmental Management) graduates of the National University of Singpore has been published. It is hoped that the findings can enhance decision-making processes in the region. By Mallika Naguran.

Singapore, 4 August 2015. Graduates of NUS’ Master of Science (Environmental Management) program – or MEM in short - have something to be proud of. A book containing selected student dissertations titled Sustainability Matters: Environmental and Climate Changes in the Asia-Pacific have just been published by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Professor Tommy Koh, Chair of the MEM Programme Advisory Committee, officially launched the book at the Welcome Ceremony of the new 2015-2016 MEM cohort on the 4th of August 2015.

Guest-of-honour of the ceremony was Mr Khoo Teng Chye, CEO, Centre for Liveable Cities. The inaugural seminar was delivered by Ms Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Ltd.

In the book’s Forward, Prof Koh commended the strong research component that is built into the MEM programme that addresses challenges related to biodiversity, environmental management, green business, urban studies and climate change.

“It is hoped that they will be studied by policy makers, and that the recommendations proposed can be implemented in relevant countries,” he wrote. Prof Koh is also Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large and Professor, Faculty of Law with NUS.

The book is the fifth in the “Sustainability Matters” series.

Versions of two research papers from the latest volume can be read on this website. Author Marra Teasdale takes a hard look at the state of plastic bag use and litter in Singapore. Mallika Naguran, founder of Gaia Discovery, offers pragmatic solutions to solving the haze issue that is caused by agricultural fires for primarily oil palm cultivation.

The NUS’ MEM is a full/part-time multi-disciplinary graduate programme – supported by nine faculties - to provide education in environmental management for senior and mid-level managers in corporations, government and institutions.

It began in 2001 and has since drawn local and international students yearly.