Type
Workshop
CIFAL Singapore - Building Our Future Grand Challenge 2025 – Singapore Stage
Location
Hong Kong and Singapore, China
Date
-
Duration
3 Days
Programme Area
Decentralize Cooperation Programme
Registration
Invitation-only event
Mode of Delivery
Blended
Language(s)
Chinese,
English
Pillar
People
Partnership
Tramplus Pte Ltd, Hong Kong University of Sceince and Technology, HK Tramways, Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers
Event Objectives
• To cultivate sustainability literacy and systems thinking among youth
• To promote innovation in climate action, biodiversity protection, and smart urban development
• To foster cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between Singapore and Hong Kong students
• To expose participants to real-world applications of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Background
The BuilDING Our Future Grand Challenge 2025 is a regional youth innovation challenge focused on sustainable urban development under the theme “Nature in the City: Smart Connections for Sustainable Living.”The programme engages secondary school students from Hong Kong and Singapore to design innovative, technology-enabled solutions that integrate biodiversity, climate action, and smart city planning.
The Singapore stage serves as an international exchange and final competition platform, enabling cross-border learning, exposure to best practices in sustainable urbanisation, and engagement with academic and industry experts.
Content and Structure
• Grand Challenge Masterclass on sustainability and smart cities
• Seminar on UN SDGs implementation in Asia
• Site visits to NTU sustainable buildings (e.g. The Hive and Gaia)
• Mentoring and proposal refinement sessions
• Final pitching and judging at the Grand Finale
Methodology
• Experiential learning
• Design thinking
• Team-based project work
• Mentorship from academics and industry practitioners
• Peer learning and international exchange
Targeted Audience
Secondary school students (Secondary 2–4 / Grades 9–11) from Singapore and Hong Kong with an interest in sustainability, STEM, and urban innovation
Additional Information
The programme directly supports multiple UN SDGs, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The initiative aligns with CIFAL Singapore’s focus on youth capacity-building, sustainable cities, and education for sustainable development in Asia.
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