Festival talks and workshops

Living Shores in a Changing City

By: Isaac Ong, Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity

Singapore’s coastline has been reshaped for decades through land reclamation and urban development. Today, rising sea levels and climate change bring new challenges, and major coastal protection plans are set to redefine our relationship with the sea. This talk explores Singapore’s coastal biodiversity and ecosystems—from mangroves to seagrass meadows—and the vital roles they play. What does the future of Singapore’s coastline look like, and what do we stand to lose or gain as we reshape our coasts for protection?

Introduction to Nature Photography and Best Practices

By: Tay Swee Yuan, President, Nature Photographic Society Singapore

NPSS President, Mr. Tay Swee Yuan will share some of the society's most memorable experiences from the hobby of nature photography in Singapore till date. He will also touch on key best practices when out in the field and shed light on how some of the most memorable pictures were crafted while respecting nature.

A Chorus in the Forest: Decoding the Language of Frog Calls

By: Law Ingg Thong, Herpetological Society of Singapore

South-East Asia is a treasure trove of biodiversity and boasts astounding amphibian diversity. Join us as we delve into the intricate tapestry of amphibian life in South-East Asia, exploring the integral role that frog calls play in their ecosystems. Through our discussion, we will unravel the mysteries behind these unique vocalisations and shed light on their broader implications for biodiversity, culture and conservation.

More Like Us Than You Think: The Parallels Between Human and Wild Animal Lives

By: Jasvic Lye, Campaign Manager, Our Wild Neighbours

From raising families to defending territory, Singapore’s wildlife faces many of the same challenges that humans do. Animals such as macaques, otters, civets, and snakes respond to their environment in ways shaped by social relationships and learned behaviours — much like us. In this talk, we explore the surprising parallels between human society and wildlife behaviour. Discover complex family dynamics, early-life experiences of young animals, strategies for avoiding conflict, and much more. By understanding the behavioural patterns behind these animals’ actions, we can replace fear with empathy and conflict with coexistence. Seeing wildlife as neighbours with their own social lives helps us make better choices that allow both people and animals to thrive in the same city.

Size Doesn’t Matter: Tiny Insects, Massive Diversity in Singapore

By: Lumin Ong and Ruirong Choo, Entomological Network of Singapore

In this talk, two youths will share on the marvellous and splendid world of an overlooked taxon: insects. Despite being the most speciose and crucial group for ecosystem balance, many Singaporeans are unaware about the diversity and the irreplaceable roles insects play; much less how their survival affects us. In this talk, discover common insects found in urban Singapore, including the hidden taxa of insects that reside in our forests. Learn about the threats they face and the well-recognised role of each insect order in the ecosystem. As lack of awareness is one of the biggest obstacles to their conservations, this talk teaches audiences how to appreciate insects, learn more about them through citizen science, social media and how to go out photographing them.

Saving Singapore’s Wildlife: Trade, Rescue, and Second Chances

By: Karina Lim and Beng Yong Tang, ACRES

In this 2-part talk, ACRES explores illegal wildlife trade in Singapore and its impact on local biodiversity, and how rescue and rehabilitation efforts protect our animals. The first part highlights how native wildlife are targeted by poachers, and examines how animals commonly sold in the pet trade can become introduced species when abandoned and why this is harmful. The second part showcases ACRES’ wildlife rescue work, from initial rescue to treatment, rehab, and eventual release of injured wildlife. Real rescue stories reveal the challenges of urban wildlife rescue and how participants can help protect Singapore’s wildlife. Join us for either part or the full session and discover how you can make a difference!

Capturing Nature's Unexpected Moments and Stories

By: Alan Ow Yong, Nature Society of Singapore

This talk features over 60 photos capturing moments and unusual behaviour of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats. They tell stories of the species and their relationships with their own kind, other species, and their habitats. The presentation includes aerial and ground courtship, territorial fights, predation, feeding and nesting, and humorous and unusual antics. The talk encourages nature photographers to go beyond the usual static and flight shots and instead look for and capture unexpected moments that reveal the stories. Beyond understanding the behaviour of one’s subjects, learn how giving wildlife space and respect can help you capture more meaningful images.

How Do Birds Know Where to Go?

By: Raghav Narayanswamy, Vice-president, Bird Society of Singapore

Humans have noticed seasonal changes in bird populations for thousands of years, but migration was only discovered in the 1800s. Aristotle proposed that birds hibernate in winter by burrowing into the ground, or transform themselves into other species twice annually. These theories were widely accepted for centuries – have you ever seen robins and redstarts in the same room together? We now know that thousands of bird species are migratory, including about half of Singapore's birds. The navigational precision and endurance of tiny birds covering thousands of kilometers every year is inspiring and humbling. But how do birds know where and when to migrate? Join us to find out!

Why Do Birds Fly Here from Far Away?

By: Movin Nyanasengeran, President, Bird Society of Singapore

This talk explores bird migration and the reasons and causes of this natural phenomenon in a manner that is accessible to children. In this talk, we explore which species of birds you can see in Singapore have travelled the longest, which ones escape the most extreme winter conditions and what adaptations they have to help them travel so far.

Changi Intertidal Virtual Exploration

By: Muhd Muhaimin, Operations Executive, Young Nautilus

Join Young Nautilus on an exciting journey into Singapore’s Marine Intertidal zone at Changi coast. Through interactive video skits, encounter fascinating organisms while learning how human actions impact these fragile ecosystems. The session highlights both the wonders of marine biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation. See, hear, and imagine the textures and sounds of the coastal environment, and gain a deeper appreciation of local biodiversity. By the end of this talk, participants will understand the challenges posed by climate change and human activity, and be inspired to take action in protecting our environment.

Snakes in Singapore: The Long and Short of It

By: Kannan Raja, President, Herpetological Society of Singapore

Snakes might look scary, but they are some of Singapore’s most fascinating wildlife neighbours. Join us for a fun, kid-friendly session exploring the slithery, scaly world of snakes. Learn how they move without legs, what they eat, and why they are actually helpful animals to have around. Through cool photos, fun facts, and a few surprising snake secrets, discover why snakes are not so scary after all. Perfect for curious young naturalists who want to know more about some of Singapore’s most misunderstood reptiles!

Unlocking the Secret Lives of Singapore's Butterflies

By: Youth Corps Singapore Sustainability Cluster

Butterflies pollinate our flowers and bring life to our gardens — but beyond what they do for us, they have a secret life all of their own, from picking the right plants to eat to finding the perfect place to sleep.

Uncover lesser-known butterfly behaviours through exclusive footage, including the emergence from pupae and the peculiar act of puddling on wet ground. Then put your knowledge to the test in a hands-on activity matching butterflies to their preferred host plants — did you know the Common Rose butterfly gets its poison from the toxic plants it eats as a caterpillar?

The workshop concludes with a guide to planting native species in support of national rewilding efforts. Whether a seasoned enthusiast or a budding beginner, you too can contribute to Singapore's City in Nature!

Human Library: Biodiversity Conservation Edition!

By: NParks as part of the National Youth Council's Job Tasters for Youths programme

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in the biodiversity conservation sector? Come meet the people behind the work! The Human Library: Biodiversity Conservation Edition is a career exploration session where youths get to hear directly from professionals and practitioners working across the nature and conservation sector in Singapore. Instead of books, we have people — each with a unique story, role, and passion for the natural world. This session brings together representatives from NParks and partner organisations across the biodiversity conservation space.

ByeO Barelands: Singapore's Biodiversity Card Game

By: ByeO Barelands

Discover Singapore's rich biodiversity through ByeO Barelands, a locally developed biodiversity strategy card game that makes ecological relationships and concepts accessible to all. Through guided gameplay and storytelling, participants can learn about species living in Singapore, explore human-wildlife interactions, and understand the vital roles different animals and plants play in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Alongside the gameplay, students from Beatty Secondary School will also share their research and insights about wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship through interactive displays.

Clay-Making Animal and Plants Workshop

By: Westgrove Primary School, Nature Club

As young advocates for conservation, students work together to generate ideas, reflecting on their learning and refining their thinking along the way. Their journey culminates in a creative end product—designing and crafting their ideal eco-garden using clay—bringing their understanding of sustainable habitats to life.

Marine Animal Sharing and Craft Session

By: Friends of Marine Park

Join our marine biologists and scientists for an exciting talk and sharing about Singapore's marine animals! This will be followed by a craft workshop, where you can create your own marine-inspired masterpiece.

Terrarium Workshop with Glass Bottle Painting

By: Opera Estate Primary School

Join Opera Estate Primary School in an exciting workshop as part of their Applied Learning Programme (Sustainability Programme)! Take part in the following activities:

• Terrarium Making: Create a mini ecosystem using plants, soil, and containers, and understand plant growth, water cycles, and environmental sustainability.

• Paper Peacock Craft: Design and create colourful peacocks using paper, fostering creativity while appreciating biodiversity and patterns in nature.

• Paper Fish Craft: Make paper fishes to explore marine life and raise awareness about the importance of protecting aquatic environments.

Love Our Wildcats!

By: Singapore Wildcat Action Group

Hear stories of tigers and snow leopards! Have fun colouring wildcats, and having your face painted as one of them!

Make a Wild Friend (Clay Workshop)

By: ACRES

Do you love wild animals and know that you shouldn't get close enough to pet a real one? Join ACRES to create your very own Reticulated Python, Common Palm Civet, or Collared Kingfisher from air-dry clay. You can definitely pet these! While modelling, hear some stories about our encounters with these wonderful wild neighbours and share about your animal on Instagram (@eyesofacres) before you take it home.

If You Were a Monkey

By: Deepa Ramanathan

Join local children's author Deepa Ramanathan for a holistic "head, heart and hands" experience that explores our connection to the natural world. This workshop blends interactive storytelling with joyful movement, engaging games and creative expression, inviting children and adults to imagine life through the eyes of our primate neighbors.

Conservation Seekers

By: World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore)

Join us for an interactive board game that makes learning about biodiversity, conservation, and environmental challenges fun! Guided by a facilitator, players (“seekers”) take turns rolling a die, moving across the board, and tackling nature-themed challenges, trivia and surprises.

Reach “Sustainable Future” first and win a token, redeemable at the WWF booth! Each round lasts 25 – 30 minutes, with up to three rounds in the 1h 45min session. This family-friendly game encourages critical thinking, teamwork and environmental awareness, making it ideal for families and young children.