In a vibrant push towards environmental consciousness, a new mobile sustainability exhibition launched by the Sentosa Development Corporation is rolling into primary schools across Singapore. On July 16, 2025, the initiative debuted at Corporation Primary School in Jurong West, captivating 30 young pupils with hands-on lessons in sustainable living. The event, graced by Minister for Education Desmond Lee, also the Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, marks a creative effort to instill eco-friendly habits in the next generation.
A Bright Orange Classroom on Wheels
Housed in a retrofitted bright orange lorry, the exhibition is designed to travel to primary schools over the next 18 months, bringing lessons on reducing carbon footprints directly to young learners. Pupils are taught practical ways to make sustainable choices in how they eat, live, travel, and play. The interactive setup includes a scorecard system where children select food options, lifestyle habits, travel methods, and activities inspired by offerings on Sentosa Island. Each choice is assigned a score based on its environmental impact, encouraging pupils to think critically about their decisions.
Completing the scorecard offers a delightful incentive: a storybook titled Timmy And Tammy At Sentosa by local author Ruth Wan-Lau, redeemable during a visit to the island. Beyond the scorecard, the exhibition features five activity stations where pupils can engage in crafts like making keychains from repurposed Sentosa banners, write personal pledges to live sustainably, and sort plastics brought from home. These activities aim to make sustainability tangible and actionable for young minds. 
Personal Pledges and Lasting Lessons
Among the pupils inspired by the launch was 12-year-old Renee Er, who committed to walking more instead of relying on car rides and turning off lights when leaving a room to conserve energy. Reflecting on her experience, Renee shared, “I learnt a lot at the exhibition today, which was really nice and interesting.” Her enthusiasm highlights the exhibition’s potential to influence small but meaningful changes in daily behavior. Renee also expressed a desire to walk to Sentosa from VivoCity shopping mall on her next visit, recalling her favorite memory of seeing jellyfish at the former S.E.A. Aquarium, now rebranded as the Singapore Oceanarium, set to reopen on July 24, 2025.
Reaching Beyond Sentosa’s Shores
The initiative is not just about engaging those already familiar with Sentosa. Lee Cheh Hsien, assistant chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation, emphasized the goal of connecting with “people who have not visited Sentosa.” The corporation hopes the exhibition will deepen pupils’ understanding of sustainability topics covered in school curricula. While primarily targeting primary schools, Sentosa also offers tailored learning journeys for other age groups. These include visits to Siloso Beach Resort for lessons on food composting in a wormery and potting classes, as well as the Uncovering Singapore Coasts trip at the newly revamped Singapore Oceanarium.
A Broader Vision for Sustainability
Singapore has long positioned itself as a leader in urban sustainability, with initiatives like the Green Plan 2030 aiming to transform the city-state into a global model for eco-friendly living. Sentosa’s mobile exhibition aligns with these national goals, focusing on education as a cornerstone of long-term environmental change. By engaging children at a young age, the program seeks to cultivate a generation that instinctively prioritizes sustainability in their choices.
The hands-on approach of the exhibition also reflects a growing recognition that abstract concepts like carbon footprints can be challenging for young learners to grasp. Turning these ideas into games, crafts, and personal commitments makes the learning process both memorable and impactful. As the bright orange lorry continues its journey across Singapore’s schools, it carries with it the promise of a greener future, one pledge at a time.
For pupils like Renee, the exhibition is more than a school event; it’s a call to action. As they take their scorecards and storybooks home, the hope is that their newfound awareness will ripple out to families and communities, fostering a shared commitment to protecting the planet.
