For 19-year-old Nathania Frida, climate change is all too real. Growing up in Jakarta, she saw first-hand how rising sea levels swallowed her childhood beach.
“I walked along that beach with my dad. Now it’s gone,” she says. Roads near her home were often damaged by salty water during the rainy season. These experiences pushed her to study environmental engineering, hoping to find practical solutions.
Frida isn’t alone in her concerns. Young people across Southeast Asia are witnessing the effects of climate change in their communities. In Singapore, Ng Kao Jing recalls childhood adventures near mangroves and beaches, only to realize they face serious threats from pollution and urban growth.
“This awareness pushed me to learn how to protect these precious spaces,” Ng explains. He’s now a student at the National University of Singapore and has taken steps to make a difference.
A study by the National Youth Council reveals that environmental issues are a top concern for many young Singaporeans. But while they care deeply, finding ways to take action isn’t easy. Many lack the resources or guidance to turn their ideas into reality.
The ComfortDelGro–EB Impact Sustainability Education Grant aims to help these passionate individuals. With $50,000 in funding, it supports students eager to tackle sustainability challenges through hands-on projects. This program offers mentorship and learning opportunities, allowing young minds to transform their observations into impactful solutions.
Since its launch in 2024, the grant has supported 20 students over two cohorts. It helps them connect sustainability to various careers from engineering to community organizing.
Ng, a 2024 grant recipient, explored marine conservation topics and studied in Indonesia, realizing that local communities play a crucial role in conservation efforts. “They have the knowledge that can guide successful projects,” he says. Now, he actively participates in cleanup initiatives and advises a social enterprise focused on environmental education.
Another grantee, Koh Ying Xi, is pursuing a double degree while finding ways to make complex environmental issues relatable. His work with Werms.inc, which converts food waste into insect protein, helps him engage the community through hands-on workshops. “Education is a powerful catalyst for change,” he asserts. When people feel responsible for what they learn, they are more likely to embrace sustainability.
For Frida, making small daily changes has had a ripple effect at home. “My parents noticed I started using what we already had instead of buying new things. It made sustainability feel real,” she shares.
Through a student-led initiative, Frida and her team also raised funds to install solar lights in a village in Laos. “Seeing the direct impact of our work strengthened my drive for environmental leadership,” she reflects.
ComfortDelGro and EB Impact believe that solutions become more powerful when crafted by those who experience the challenges firsthand. ComfortDelGro, a leading transport operator, is committed to supporting the education of the next generation in sustainability while promoting cleaner energy options.
As these young leaders tackle climate challenges, they highlight the importance of community, education, and action in making a real change. “Sustainability isn’t about following one path,” Koh emphasizes. “Some of the most meaningful work happens quietly, through building relationships and caring for our planet.”
In a world facing rising seas and eroding coastlines, these young advocates show that when education meets action, hopeful change is possible.
For more insights on youth engagement in sustainability efforts, you can explore ComfortDelGro’s sustainability initiatives.
