| Professor Seng starts the conversation by stating that Singapore is dedicated to utilizing R&D and technology advances to combat climate change. In this regard, he believes that the University plays a vital role in addressing key sustainability challenges through research and education. Dr. Echo Wang, the co-founder of Synectify, argued that innovation has always empowered and moved mankind ahead to bring about constructive social improvements. Innovative technologies, she claims, are already helping to cut emissions by modifying current energy use patterns or enhancing energy efficiency and conservation. Professor Seeram Ramakrishna of NUS supports her views, stating that history has demonstrated that people have an infinite capacity for creativity and innovation. Humans have conquered the obstacles of survival on Earth throughout the ages by generating, sharing, and spreading new information. In response to the proposition’s arguments, NUS’ Professor Johan Sulaeman emphasized the inherent difficulties in translating innovative ideas into actual concrete outcomes to combat climate change, arguing that the world lacks the mass commitment, whether social, political, or financial, to get these outcomes delivered. The winning team of the debate was determined by an audience poll after an hour of heated debate and a quick Q&A session. The opposition side finally won by collecting 85% of the audience vote, with many audience members believing that addressing climate change should be a collective endeavor, not only the job of innovators and entrepreneurs.Professor Seng starts the conversation by stating that Singapore is dedicated to utilizing R&D and technology advances to combat climate change. In this regard, he believes that the University plays a vital role in addressing key sustainability challenges through research and education. Dr. Echo Wang, the co-founder of Synectify, argued that innovation has always empowered and moved mankind ahead to bring about constructive social improvements. Innovative technologies, she claims, are already helping to cut emissions by modifying current energy use patterns or enhancing energy efficiency and conservation. Professor Seeram Ramakrishna of NUS supports her views, stating that history has demonstrated that people have an infinite capacity for creativity and innovation. Humans have conquered the obstacles of survival on Earth throughout the ages by generating, sharing, and spreading new information. In response to the proposition’s arguments, NUS’ Professor Johan Sulaeman emphasized the inherent difficulties in translating innovative ideas into actual concrete outcomes to combat climate change, arguing that the world lacks the mass commitment, whether social, political, or financial, to get these outcomes delivered. The winning team of the debate was determined by an audience poll after an hour of heated debate and a quick Q&A session. The opposition side finally won by collecting 85% of the audience vote, with many audience members believing that addressing climate change should be a collective endeavor, not only the job of innovators and entrepreneurs.Professor Seng starts the conversation by stating that Singapore is dedicated to utilizing R&D and technology advances to combat climate change. In this regard, he believes that the University plays a vital role in addressing key sustainability challenges through research and education. Dr. Echo Wang, the co-founder of Synectify, argued that innovation has always empowered and moved mankind ahead to bring about constructive social improvements. Innovative technologies, she claims, are already helping to cut emissions by modifying current energy use patterns or enhancing energy efficiency and conservation. Professor Seeram Ramakrishna of NUS supports her views, stating that history has demonstrated that people have an infinite capacity for creativity and innovation. Humans have conquered the obstacles of survival on Earth throughout the ages by generating, sharing, and spreading new information. In response to the proposition’s arguments, NUS’ Professor Johan Sulaeman emphasized the inherent difficulties in translating innovative ideas into actual concrete outcomes to combat climate change, arguing that the world lacks the mass commitment, whether social, political, or financial, to get these outcomes delivered. The winning team of the debate was determined by an audience poll after an hour of heated debate and a quick Q&A session. The opposition side finally won by collecting 85% of the audience vote, with many audience members believing that addressing climate change should be a collective endeavor, not only the job of innovators and entrepreneurs. |
