Tzu Chi Singapore bids farewell to its Eco-Awareness Centre
Since its launch in 2014, Tzu Chi Eco-Awareness Centre located in the Woodlands Industrial Zone has transformed from a simple education centre with only signage displays, to one which included interactive and experiential exhibits after a major revamp in 2018. Massive refurbishment was made to enhance visitors experience in learning about environmental protection. Over the years, this eco centre had constantly adjusted its mode of operation in response to major events in the society. In alignment with Tzu Chi Singapore’s organizational restructuring and resource integration effort, this centre had to end its operations on September 30 this year.
Tzu Chi volunteer：
People would ask us if professionals were hired to set up this place. Actually, no, these were all done by our volunteers.
Tzu Chi Eco-Awareness Centre is not doing guided tours nor recyclables sorting today. We are doing online broadcasting!
Susan Tan－Environmental Sustainability Manager：
Just to look back on the 8 years’ journey, and at the same time, feeling grateful to everyone for being on this journey together in the past 8 years.
The appreciation session that was supposed to be held onsite was switched online at the last minute due to tightened safety measures. That was a challenge for the team. However, the reason that kept the team going was to be able to leave behind the last memory of this centre.
The Eco-Awareness Centre situated in Woodlands Industrial zone had ceased operation on 30 September this year and will be relocated to a new location.
Susan Tan－Environmental Sustainability Manager：
This Centre started as a simple eco-awareness centre with educational zones made up of various information boards and slowly transformed step by step along the way to become a comprehensive awareness centre with the inclusion of interactive zones. This is the first choice for learning to many people and organisations.
As the only designated recycling site that operates six days a week in Singapore, Tzu Chi Eco-Awareness Centre has hosted many visitors from government agencies, community organisations, schools and corporations since 2014. In recent years, the centre has also served as a training ground for some organisations.
Susan Tan－Environmental Sustainability Manager：
We also provide training for grassroots in the community. After coming here to learn, they will set up their recycling points in their communities.
The exhibits here are the hard work of Tzu Chi volunteers after several attempts. They will be shifted to the new venue to continue educating the public.
Lim Teck Bang－Tzu Chi volunteer：
I look forward to sharing Tzu Chi’s environmental education with more people in a new environment, thereby increasing environmental awareness.
This Centre has hosted more than 4000 visitors over these years.
We look forward to a new chapter for our Eco Mission...
