Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) students participated in the Youth Ecosperity Dialogue (YED) Challenge hosted by the Singapore Management University’s College of Integrative Studies (SMU CIS) on 05-09 June 2023.
ADDU students, Sheref Weal Moursi of Food Bank B4 Group secured first place in the YED 2023 Challenge, and Princess Justine Marie Sing of StorHub A3 Group emerged as a StorHub Finalist.
This year’s YED focused on the theme of ‘Sources & Sinks: Rethinking Renewables and Waste in Smart Cities.’ Inspired by the influential publication “Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update” (2004) by Meadows, Randers, and Meadows, the event aimed to highlight the critical dependence of humanity on natural ‘sources’ for energy and ‘sinks’ for waste disposal. The primary objective was to explore innovative approaches that address the challenges faced by these natural sources and sinks, aiming to develop sustainable renewable energy sources and effective waste management solutions.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in a variety of talks, site visits, and collaborative activities that delved into these pressing issues. An integral part of this year’s YED was the involvement of industry partners. Participants had the unique opportunity to work alongside esteemed industry partners such as StorHub Singapore, Food Bank Singapore, and Land Transport Authority to develop ‘green solutions.’ By collaborating with these partners, participants gained firsthand knowledge and experience in creating practical solutions for a sustainable future. Furthermore, the event brought together ASEAN students to engage with leading experts and innovators in business, cities, and sustainability, visit key industry sites, acquire valuable problem-solving skills through the SMU-X experience, and compete for exciting prizes at the YED Challenge 2023.
The selection process for the event received over 300 applications from 14 countries. After careful deliberation, the conference organizers had the privilege of selecting three exceptional students from Ateneo de Davao University: John Ricky II Lloren (Bachelor of Science in Information Technology), Princess Justine Marie Sing (Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting), and Sheref Weal Moursi (Bachelor of Arts in Major in Economics).
SMU CIS selected 100 student environmental leaders from universities, polytechnics, junior colleges, and International Baccalaureate schools in Singapore and across Asia to participate in YED 2023. The event served as a platform to address crucial challenges and opportunities in sustainability and regional prosperity in Asia, fostering connections between future leaders and global thought and business leaders. It aimed to enable participants to engage in dynamic conversations that transcended traditional notions of prosperity limited to financial and economic aspects, focusing instead on innovative, inclusive, and transboundary possibilities.
Following the initial day, each day was dedicated to working progressively with designated groups. The 18 participating groups were divided into six groups per assigned company: StorHub Singapore, Food Bank Singapore, and Land Transport Authority. These companies evaluated each of the six groups assigned to them and tasked them with developing solutions for proposed problems. Out of the six groups, only two would advance to the finals. Thus, among the total 18 groups, the Top 6 Finals groups competed head-to-head for the Top 3 spots.
Congratulations to the ADDU delegates! Ad majorem Dei gloriam!
Article and Photos by Ms. Princess Justine Marie Sing
