Name: Sharon Lok Swee Fang
Unit: Singapore Polytechnic Rover Scouts
Occupation: Recent graduate from Singapore Polytechnic, soon-to-be student at NTU
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoor activities, travelling, designing
1) What is your personal goal or aim with regards to the contribution to Project Orion III, in addition to the effort of Turtle conservation?
This question came at the right time.
A week before the first meeting, I flipped open my organizer and scribbled down a goal I was setting for myself with regards to Project Orion III – to achieve the most out of Project Orion. I don’t know how is that measurable or specific but when I went for the first PO III meeting, I knew my goal is within reach. We were told of the things we will be exposed to, the contributions we’re going to make (no matter how small) and the journey that’s the team is partaking. I went home feeling estatic and hopeful for the project.
If you ask me, I think two weeks can do next to nothing to save endangered turtles, BUT I’ve always believed in “a little goes a long way”, whether it is for environmentalism as a whole, or just turtle conservation alone. I see this project as an opportunity to learn more, as awareness is the first step towards change.
2) What motivates and inspires you to take up Project Orion III?
The greatest motivation that got me taking up Project Orion III has got to be… the turtles. =D
In primary school, I read about Rantau Abang in Terengganu as a major nesting site for turtles in one of my textbooks. I remember my teacher telling the class that we could go there to see turtles lay eggs! From that moment on, I’ve always wanted to go there to watch the turtles. I’ve also heard how the turtles would weep as they leave for the sea after laying their eggs. Back then, being young, I thought that was really sad.
When I first heard about Project Orion in 2009, I was more than excited, only to find out the conservation project was during school terms. The same thing happened again a year later. So when I’ve finally graduated from polytechnic this year, I have all the time in the world, which explains why I’m here!
3) What are your views on Turtle conservation?
To be frank, other than possessing the determination to counter conservation issues, I may not know much about turtles. All I know is that they are endangered due to illegal activities and as with most environmental issues, they all start with human. As we acknowledge that not everyone is concerned or even aware of these issues, there are also those who truly care, and it is up to our collective efforts to spread the awareness and make this world a better place, one step at a time.
4) How do you hope to further maximize the effort of the team in Turtle Conservation?
As said, conservationism is a continuous effort. I am very glad to be part of Project Orion and I would definitely encourage my juniors and friends to join similar projects provided the opportunity. Noone can foresee how long Project Orion will be continued (fingers crossed it permanently will!), but each time a coservation project like Project Orion is carried out, it becomes bigger and better. It gets bigger, as more people are joining onboard. It becomes better, as more like-minded individuals join the community and spread the awareness.
Living in Singapore literally means you won’t get in touch with turtles physically (with the exception of you going to Underwater World, of course). However, if you think carefully, all the waters in the world are connected, and by protecting the sealine, you’re practically creating a better condition for turtles and other sea lives too. That’s what I have been doing and will continue to do!
