Two Diploma in Chemical Engineering (DCHE) students, Wong Zhi Ling and Nicholas Lee Jun Hui, participated in a Kosen Global Camp at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Toba College, Mie Prefecture, Japan from 8-14 February 2025. The camp brought together 25 students across the world, from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, Kaua'i Community College in Hawaii, to the College of Information Technology in Vietnam, and international and Japanese students from four Kosen colleges across Japan.
Students collaborated with their peers from other institutes to create a desalination device to convert seawater to fresh water. Industry experts from various fields delivered insightful talks on value design and cultural entrepreneurship. They also mentored the students as they ideated on ways to carry out desalination and developed a business model for their devices, taking into consideration commercial viability and sustainability principles. This holistic approach provided students with valuable technical and business insights.
Group photo of all KGC participants, from left to right, from Singapore, New Zealand, Vietnam, United States, Malaysia, Japan, and Mongolia. First row: Wong Zhi Ling (DCHE) –2nd from left, Javin Bong Jun Jie (DEEE) – 4th from left, Foo Ren Hean (DEEE) – 5th from left. Second row: Nicholas Lee Jun Hui (DCHE) – 3rd from left.
Students also had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Toba Aquarium, where they learnt about the advanced water treatment technology used to maintain optimal water quality for marine life. This deepened their understanding of water management and its crucial role in sustaining marine ecosystems. The visit to Ise Jingu for cultural immersion allowed a deeper appreciation of Japan’s traditions and heritage. The camp gave students an enriching experience and enabled them to build a global network with their peers.
Sharing of their ideas with camp participants and invited industry experts. Left: Zhi Ling (in pink) with her team sharing their device design. Right: Nicholas (standing) sharing his team’s ideas on the business proposal for their device.
“My journey in Japan has been an eye-opening experience—deepening my knowledge of seawater conversion to freshwater while also teaching me how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s been a blend of science, culture, and teamwork that has broadened my horizons.”
Nicholas Lee Jun Hui, Year 2 student
“I am truly grateful for this rare overseas opportunity to be able to explore and learn in ways that wouldn’t have been possible on my own. I particularly enjoyed engaging with engineering students from all around the world which broadened my understanding of how people from different backgrounds approach sustainability challenges with unique perspectives and innovative ideas, reinforcing my passion for making meaningful contributions in my field of study.”
Wong Zhi Ling, Year 2 student
Singapore Polytechnic
500 Dover Rd Singapore 139651