The APRU Global Sustainability: Waste & The City 2025 course concluded on December 3, bringing together 73 students from six APRU universities: Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), Korea University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Auckland, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

Cornerstone of Sustainability Education

Hosted by NTU Singapore in partnership with the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL) Program, University of Oregon and Korea University, the course has been a cornerstone of APRU’s sustainability education since its launch in 2022. This year, the course is endorsed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITR), which will certify those who completed 30 hours of engagement.

The 10‑week online program, which began in September this year, introduced participants—primarily postgraduate students—to key global sustainability concepts with a special focus on waste management and urban sustainability. The topics were framed through environmental and economic issues related to the United Nations Sustainability and Development Goals (SDGs). Students explored themes such as the circular economy, carbon neutrality, ESG reporting, and sustainable cities, linking high‑level frameworks to practical case studies from across the Pacific Rim.

Collaboration and Expert Insights

“Through presentations and discussions from leading experts in the academia and the industry, as well as group projects, students sharpen their critical thinking and analytical skills while practicing intercultural and interpersonal communication to develop inclusive partnerships,” said Prof. Sierin Lim, the course lead and Associate Professor of Bioengineering at NTU’s School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Students worked in cross-university teams to analyze real-world ESG and sustainability reports, present case studies, and lead discussions, practicing communicating complex ideas succinctly to an international audience.

“My highlight was when hearing firsthand about plastic pollution from a renowned researcher,” noted by Shari Lorang, a former student of the course and now a teaching assistant and PhD candidate at NTU Singapore. “Learning from academics and industry experts on a wide range of topics had widened my knowledge on sustainability beyond my own field.”

Industry speakers this year included Joe Palazzo from Google, Jason Plamondon from Equinix, and Clint Navales from Proctor & Gamble.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Since its inception in 2022, the course has attracted more than 270 students from 16 economies, underscoring its expanding reach and relevance. As Adriana Rojas, Senior Director of APRU Programs, emphasized: “Sustainability is no longer optional—it is the key driver of innovation.”