Page 36 - HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award 25th Anniversary

Sean Yap

Sean Yap is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep
commitment to biodiversity conservation. His journey
began with volunteer work for prestigious organizations
like the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research,
International Coastal Cleanup Singapore, Team
Seagrass, and Naked Hermit Crabs. Through his tireless
efforts, Sean has significantly contributed to preserving
Singapore's biodiversity, especially in nature reserves
like Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. His passion for ecological
education is evident in his leadership roles, where he
mentors and guides new environmental stewards,
focusing on raising awareness and fostering a deeper Sean Yap
connection between people and nature. Postdoctoral Research,
Asian School of the Environment
In 2013, Sean's research into local biodiversity led environments. His participation in initiatives like the
to a collaboration with the National Parks Board's Biodiversity Friend's Forum has furthered his advocacy
Biodiversity Centre, where he co-authored a pivotal for conservation, and his booths at the Festival of
report on declining ladybird populations in Singapore. Biodiversity have been instrumental in educating the
His work highlighted their crucial ecological roles public on the vital roles insects play in maintaining
as natural pest controllers and their contribution to healthy ecosystems.
biodiversity. The research raised public awareness
about the importance of conserving ladybird species In parallel to his growing advocacy, Sean pursued his
and sparked broader discussions about biodiversity loss academic interests in entomology, culminating in a PhD on
in urban environments. dung beetle ecology and evolution. His groundbreaking
research explored dung beetles' significant role in
Sean's remarkable contributions to environmental nutrient recycling, soil aeration, and seed dispersal,
advocacy were recognized in 2014 when he was awarded which is essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems.
the prestigious HSBC NYAA Youth Environmental Award. Sean has published several research papers on this
This award included a fully sponsored climate change topic, contributing to the scientific understanding of
expedition to Acadia National Park in Maine, USA, these often-overlooked insects. His findings have been
where Sean worked alongside Earthwatch scientists. featured in academic journals and popular media,
The expedition involved fieldwork to study the impact of where he has helped the public better understand the
climate change on local ecosystems, and Sean contributed ecological importance of species like dung beetles.
to gathering crucial data on shifting biodiversity. This
experience deepened his understanding of global Beyond academia, Sean remains active in field research
climate challenges and reinforced his commitment to and public outreach. As a postdoctoral research fellow,
environmental research. he continues to explore forest ecology and insect
biodiversity. His current projects leverage cutting-
Sean co-founded the Entomological Network of edge technologies like AI for species identification
Singapore in 2014, building on his passion for entomology. and DNA sequencing to understand the evolutionary
The group's mission is to advocate for the conservation relationships among local and regional insect fauna.
of native insect species and raise awareness of their Sean's research has been pivotal in identifying previously
importance in ecosystems. Through the network, Sean undocumented insect species and assessing their roles
organised guided walks and educational talks in schools within ecosystems. His work is increasingly vital as
and public spaces, helping people appreciate the climate change and habitat loss threaten the survival of
diversity of insects in Singapore's urban and natural many insect populations worldwide.

34 The Journey of Sustainability: 25 Years and Beyond