On 12 October 2024, NSS celebrated our 70th anniversary during our first-ever Gala Conference and Lunch.

During the Gala Conference, our keynote speaker, Dr. Geh Min, our past president, spoke about the three qualities that enabled NSS to achieve our past milestones and will be essential to keep us relevant in the future. This included 1) Love for Nature, 2) Teamwork and Collaboration and 3) Trust between partners. Dr Shawn Lum, our immediate past president, shared his experience of navigating NSS into a new era for nature conservation, and the importance of good local and regional conservation groups. Our Assistant Director, Ms Huang Ningxin, shared about the evolving roles of NSS and creating lasting impact. 

After the speeches, Mr Tony O’Dempsey and Mr Kua Kay Yaw spoke about the future of NSS’s conservation works regarding the plight of Singapore’s intertidal ecosystems and NSS Rewilding project along the Rail Corridor, respectively. This was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Dr Shawn Lum. Afterwhich, Dr Vilma D’Rozario and Ms Tan Beng Chiak concluded with a joint sharing on intergenerational engagement and global collaboration along with a panel discussion with Mr Lester Tan. 

The Gala Lunch kicked off with excitement brought about by an  amazing musical performance by RGS Angklung Ensemble. This was followed by the launch of our 70th anniversary commemorative video. During the keynote speech, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who have greatly contributed to NSS, as well as to the stakeholders who have closely collaborated with the society. This was succeeded by a donor appreciation ceremony. A certificate and a Peace with Nature publication were presented to the donors of our Diamond tier (Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd), Platinum tier (Dr Geh Min), Gold tier (DBS Bank Limited), and Silver tier (JTC Corporation, Prof Ng Soon Chye, and Camphora Pte Ltd).

Next, local artist iNCH graced the event with her incredible talent and enchanting vocals, elevating the atmosphere as she performed three songs from her album Letters to Ubin, inspired by the island’s natural beauty and sounds encountered during her residency.

Moving along the programme was the Distinguished Conservation Service Honours award ceremony which aimed at commemorating those who have made continuous and consistent contributions to nature conservation through NSS.

This inaugural award was presented to the following persons: 

• Dr Ho Hua Chew: As Conservation Coordinator and Inaugural Chair of the Conservation Committee, Dr Ho Hua Chew has played a key role in shaping the Master Plan for Nature Conservation in Singapore. His leadership in critical projects, including the preservation of Sungei Buloh and Kranji Marshes, has protected vital natural habitats for future generations. His unwavering dedication over the decades has inspired countless individuals in the field of conservation.
• Dr Geh Min: As the first female President of the Nature Society Singapore, Dr Geh Min’s leadership was instrumental in preserving key sites like Chek Jawa and Kranji Marshes, and strengthening NSS’s reputation and ties with NParks. As a Nominated Member of Parliament (2004 – 2006), she gave nature a voice in politics, speaking on a wide range of environmental issues – from wildlife protection to developing alternative energy sources – as well as the need to strengthen civil society, greatly influencing Singapore’s environmental landscape.
• Dr Shawn Lum: From becoming the first Chair of the NSS Plant Group to being the longest-serving NSS President, Dr Shawn Lum’s leadership has been pivotal in initiatives like the adoption of Lorong Halus Wetland as an educational site and contributing to projects such as the Rail Corridor. Along with his contributions to the Birdlife International Partnership, he has provided the Nature Society Singapore with an important and respected voice within BirdLife, strengthening Nature Society Singapore’s regional and global profile. 
• Mr Leong Kwok Peng: Since the 1980s, Mr Leong Kwok Peng has contributed to a multitude of key projects such as the coordination of reef rescue efforts, the creation of Singapore Blue Plan and the Rail Corridor. As a former NSS Vice President and the current Chair of the Conservation Committee, he has strengthened Nature Society Singapore’s relationships with external agencies and raised awareness of our coastal habitats by immersing important stakeholders in nature by taking them on nature walks and kayaking trips, whilst engaging them in critical discussions on conservation. His dedication has greatly enriched the culture of the community within and outside of Nature Society Singapore.

Professor Tommy Koh, our longtime patron, concluded the award ceremony with a speech which honoured the longtime volunteers and our longtime staff – Joseph Lim. 

The auction then commenced – first, with a sharing on the significance of fundraising, before diving into the auction items, namely, a Kayaking trip to Sungei Khatib Bongsu, an autographed photo of the misty Clementi Forest, a photograph set of the Common Rose and Crimson Sunbird, a concentrated mass extinction of 12 stunning Brittle Star fossils, a private birdwatching tour in a core conservation area at Kranji Marshes, a digital collage of SIG Representative Animals, and an original painting of Bukit Timah and its surroundings.

The camaraderie between the volunteers and the passion to conserve nature stood strong in both the Conference and the Lunch. This Gala evoked great memories and propelled us further into the future. The contributions made by all have pushed us one step closer to bringing NSS Rewilding, NSS Every Singaporean a Naturalist programme, NSS Stewards programme and the Singapore Bird Race, to the next level. It is with the support of dedicated individuals that has allowed and will allow us to continue our mission and make a difference in nature conservation.