Page 28 - HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award 25th Anniversary

Brandon Chia Zheng Da

Brandon Chia Zheng Da embodies a lifelong dedication
to volunteerism, channelling his passion into
environmental leadership through various impactful
roles. His work at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has
been multifaceted—serving as a nature guide, educating
visitors and students on the importance of preserving
the reserve's rich biodiversity, and raising awareness
of nature conservation. His commitment extended to
training new nature guide volunteers, passing on his
knowledge about environmental protection, and playing
a vital role in fostering a new generation of nature Brandon Chia Zheng Da
advocates. Critical Care Registered Nurse,
Te Whatu Ora Health, New Zealand
In addition to guiding, Brandon contributed as a research
assistant, conducting biodiversity surveys and helping Brandon's campaigns for nature conservation include
organise high-impact environmental events such as maintaining his blog, biodiversitysingapore.blogspot.
Envirofest, focusing on mangrove planting under the com, where he raises awareness about local biodiversity
HSBC Young Naturalist Programme. His engagement with and advocates for the preservation of crucial conservation
the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) saw sites. He also undertook independent explorations
him actively participating in Project Semakau, where he of Singapore's coastal coral reefs, documenting and
supported biodiversity surveys as part of a community sharing his findings online to inspire public interest in
conservation initiative to transform Pulau Semakau into marine conservation.
a premier nature education site.
Brandon's environmental ethos extends into his
Brandon's skills as a public relations officer for Singapore professional life as a registered nurse. He led a team
Environment Council's YouthHabit.sg allowed him to to digitalise the ICU newsletter, reducing paper
amplify the environmental efforts of young Singaporeans consumption and contributing to the hospital's
by contributing meaningful content to the online portal. sustainability efforts. He further demonstrated his
His creative talents in photography also significantly innovative spirit by redesigning plastic bag dispensers to
enhanced his environmental work. As a volunteer minimise clinical waste and repurposing clean solution
photographer, his wildlife documentation was used in bottles and medication caps into festive decorations,
various outreach and education programs for RMBR, bringing sustainability and joy into the healthcare
SEC, NYAA, and Sungei Buloh. His photography has been environment.
published in renowned works such as Wetland in the
City by Dr Chua Ee Kiam and Singapore Biodiversity: For his outstanding contributions, Brandon was
An Encyclopaedia of the Natural Environment and recognised with the HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental
Sustainable Devlopment, contributing to documenting Award in 2011, an honour presented by Dr Vivian
and celebrating Singapore's natural heritage. Balakrishnan, then Minister for the Environment and
Water Resources, further cementing his legacy as a
dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and
sustainability.

26 The Journe y of Sus t ainability: 25 Y ear s and Be y ond
The Journey of Sustainability: 25 Years and Beyond