Page 18 - HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award 25th Anniversary

Dr Choo Pei Ling

Dr Choo Pei Ling, a neuroscientist and neurological
physiotherapist trained in the UK, has made significant
strides in stroke rehabilitation while maintaining a
lifelong dedication to environmental conservation.
Her passion for nature, which began during childhood,
shaped her career and led her to champion sustainability
and environmental awareness initiatives locally and
globally.

From her early years in school, Dr. Choo was actively
involved in environmental projects. She spearheaded
initiatives like earthworm composting and energy-saving
measures at Singapore Chinese Girls' School. At National Dr Choo Pei Ling
Junior College, as President of the Environmental Assistant Professor,
Singapore Institute of Technology,
Club, she led campus-wide recycling programmes. She Second Adviser to Marine Parade GRC
was instrumental in the college winning "The Lotus Grassroots Organisations
Award" in the Singapore Environment Council's Green
Audit Competition in 2004. Her efforts extended These awards recognise her outstanding leadership
into the community through participation in the and unwavering commitment to environmental
Green Volunteers Network, where she contributed to conservation.
mangrove replanting and coastal clean-ups.
Beyond her professional role, Dr Choo integrates
Dr Choo's environmental advocacy also gained environmentalism into her clinical practice, focusing
international attention. As Singapore's representative on the benefits of outdoor physical activity for stroke
for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) survivors. She believes green space exposure improves
South East Asia Youth Environment Network (SEAYEN), patient health and nurtures a connection between
she worked on various global projects, including humans and nature. As Principal Investigator, she
research on the impact of climate change on wildlife. conducted Singapore's most extensive behavioural
Her leadership and insight have inspired many young mapping study on stroke survivors, exploring how
people to engage in environmental causes, and her environmental factors influence their physical activity
role as a mentor and speaker at numerous conferences and social interaction patterns. This work earned her
highlights her influence in education and advocacy. the 2023 Best Young Investigator Award from the Asia
Pacific Stroke Organisation.
Her consistent contributions over the years have not
gone unnoticed. She has been honoured with the 2005 Her commitment to merging health promotion with
Singapore Environmental Ambassadors Award, the environmental care showcases her holistic approach,
2005 HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award, the 2008 positively impacting individuals and the environment. Dr.
National Environment Agency Ecofriend Award, the 2012 Choo's career exemplifies how passion for conservation
National Youth Council's Star of Shine Award (Favourite and professional expertise can create meaningful, far-
Nominee) and the 2014 Lindsay Leadership Award. reaching impacts.

16 The Journey of Sustainability: 25 Years and Beyond