ERIA’s
Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with
Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation and the GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic
pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.

Titled
"Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to
Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action," the event, organised
as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought
together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil
society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing
plastic pollution. Over 108 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took
part in the event, actively participating in the Q&amp;A session.

The
seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura emphasising the critical importance of
collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address
the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit,
Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed
Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member
states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations
negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Mr Phong Giang,
Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ's initiatives across
ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting
circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming
global plastic treaties.

Mr
Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA,
highlighted Asia's plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life
cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector's role in developing
sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste
management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic
waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning
with regional and global sustainability objectives. Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana
Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which
can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high
consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of
manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with
anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted
initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against
plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a
plastic recycling facility on their own. Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into
how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed
economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to
incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to
how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to
support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.

This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of
ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the
intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging
collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated
to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing
marine debris issues

ERIA
(Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia)

ERIA is an international organization established
in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 by a formal agreement among Leaders of 16
countries in the East Asian region to conduct research activities and make
policy recommendations for further economic integration in the East Asia. 

Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation

The formation of the Department of Environment,
Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Development took effect in 2002.
Currently, the department handles matters pertaining to Waste Management,
Environmental Conservation and Management, Management of Landscape and
Recreational Areas and also Environmental Cooperation at National, Bilateral
and International level.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or GIZ is the main German Government development
agency with headquarter in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field
of international development cooperation and international education work. The
main commissioning party is Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine
Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar) is a GIZ project (2020-2025) is an
ASEAN-German cooperation project implemented by GIZ in coordination with the
ASEAN Secretariat. 

ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management
Enhancement (AMUSE) is implemented by GIZ (2022 -2025), having its objective to
improve environmental quality in small and medium-sized cities in the ASEAN
region by optimising waste disposal and recycling. 

ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and GIZ, Hosts Event Exploring Brunei's Plastic Pollution Strategies and the Private Sector's Role in Championing Plastic Circularity, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series. ERIA’s
Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with
Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation and the GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic
pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.Titled
"Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to
Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action," the event, organised
as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought
together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil
society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing
plastic pollution. Over 108 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took
part in the event, actively participating in the Q&amp;A session.The
seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura emphasising the critical importance of
collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address
the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit,
Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed
Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member
states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations
negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Mr Phong Giang,
Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ's initiatives across
ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting
circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming
global plastic treaties.Mr
Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA,
highlighted Asia's plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life
cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector's role in developing
sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste
management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic
waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning
with regional and global sustainability objectives. Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana
Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which
can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high
consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of
manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with
anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted
initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against
plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a
plastic recycling facility on their own. Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into
how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed
economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to
incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to
how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to
support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of
ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the
intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging
collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated
to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing
marine debris issuesList of AbbreviationsERIA
(Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia)ERIA is an international organization established
in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 by a formal agreement among Leaders of 16
countries in the East Asian region to conduct research activities and make
policy recommendations for further economic integration in the East Asia. Department of Environment, Parks and RecreationThe formation of the Department of Environment,
Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Development took effect in 2002.
Currently, the department handles matters pertaining to Waste Management,
Environmental Conservation and Management, Management of Landscape and
Recreational Areas and also Environmental Cooperation at National, Bilateral
and International level.GIZ The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or GIZ is the main German Government development
agency with headquarter in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field
of international development cooperation and international education work. The
main commissioning party is Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ)GIZ 3RproMar ProgrammeReduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine
Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar) is a GIZ project (2020-2025) is an
ASEAN-German cooperation project implemented by GIZ in coordination with the
ASEAN Secretariat. GIZ AMUSEASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management
Enhancement (AMUSE) is implemented by GIZ (2022 -2025), having its objective to
improve environmental quality in small and medium-sized cities in the ASEAN
region by optimising waste disposal and recycling.

Think tank

Environment / SGDs / Recycling

Politics / Government / Local government

Green technology

Government offices / organizations

ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and GIZ, Hosts Event Exploring Brunei's Plastic Pollution Strategies and the Private Sector's Role in Championing Plastic Circularity, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series.

Brunei's Strategies for Plastic Sustainability explored in a seminar organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series

As the power of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow in Vietnam and around the world, critical thinking is becoming more and more valuable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">British Vietnamese International School Hanoi</a> (BVIS Hanoi) is already ahead of the game.&nbsp;

Digital Society, a new and dynamic subject, was introduced last year to develop a greater depth in each child’s critical thinking and digital awareness. The subject teaches students - from young children to teenagers - how to approach AI responsibly while having fun and learning with exciting new tools at their fingertips.&nbsp;

The subject’s creator, Head of Business Studies, Economics and Computer Science, Emma Goldie said after careful consultation with students, educational leaders and parents, the content was tailored to meet the curiosities and concerns of the BVIS Hanoi community.&nbsp;

“We’re currently exploring AI in education, machines and how they learn, the importance of using data for training, and AI system biases. We’re focusing on fostering critical thinking to ensure that our children know how to think, and not what to think,” said Emma.&nbsp;

“Second language learners are particularly vulnerable to digital biases, especially when AI detectors are used to assess their work – there are biases against non-native English writers. That was an eye-opening revelation for our students – a lesson that will stay with them for life.”&nbsp;

Within the subject, each child is challenged to critically analyse the role of AI in education, AI’s societal impact, and question its reliability as an information source. Students are also encouraged to explore issues through a diverse lens of perspectives, considering things like possible variations between developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

“By integrating Digital Society into our curriculum at <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">BVIS Hanoi</a>, we’re fostering critical thinking in a whole generation that will feel empowered to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly and ethically,” said Emma. “The subject will continue to evolve to ensure it stays relevant, challenging and engaging for students.”&nbsp;

In the first week of March, Emma Goldie joined fellow leading <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/">Nord Anglia Education</a> academic experts from around the world in Hanoi, Vietnam, to explore innovative approaches in teaching and learning to ensure children are prepared to thrive in the future world of work.&nbsp;

Hosted by Nord Anglia Education schools the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hanoi">British International School Hanoi</a> and the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">British Vietnamese International School</a>, world education leaders met with parents, students and the wider Hanoi community to share best practice, exciting research on AI in education, and pioneering ideas.&nbsp;

Head of Business Studies, Economics and Computer Science, Emma Goldie, explains how the British Vietnamese International School Hanoi’s evolving AI in education curriculum is preparing each child for tomorrow. As the power of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow in Vietnam and around the world, critical thinking is becoming more and more valuable.&nbsp;&nbsp;And the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">British Vietnamese International School Hanoi</a> (BVIS Hanoi) is already ahead of the game.&nbsp;Digital Society, a new and dynamic subject, was introduced last year to develop a greater depth in each child’s critical thinking and digital awareness. The subject teaches students - from young children to teenagers - how to approach AI responsibly while having fun and learning with exciting new tools at their fingertips.&nbsp;The subject’s creator, Head of Business Studies, Economics and Computer Science, Emma Goldie said after careful consultation with students, educational leaders and parents, the content was tailored to meet the curiosities and concerns of the BVIS Hanoi community.&nbsp;“We’re currently exploring AI in education, machines and how they learn, the importance of using data for training, and AI system biases. We’re focusing on fostering critical thinking to ensure that our children know how to think, and not what to think,” said Emma.&nbsp;“Second language learners are particularly vulnerable to digital biases, especially when AI detectors are used to assess their work – there are biases against non-native English writers. That was an eye-opening revelation for our students – a lesson that will stay with them for life.”&nbsp;<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/0564bdb9e6c5b13caa430c7226c3d526621e934e1a6656d8e697998f7cf72632/BVIS_Hanoi_2019_032_JPG.Jpg" alt="Image" />Within the subject, each child is challenged to critically analyse the role of AI in education, AI’s societal impact, and question its reliability as an information source. Students are also encouraged to explore issues through a diverse lens of perspectives, considering things like possible variations between developing and developed countries.&nbsp;“By integrating Digital Society into our curriculum at <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">BVIS Hanoi</a>, we’re fostering critical thinking in a whole generation that will feel empowered to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly and ethically,” said Emma. “The subject will continue to evolve to ensure it stays relevant, challenging and engaging for students.”&nbsp;In the first week of March, Emma Goldie joined fellow leading <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/">Nord Anglia Education</a> academic experts from around the world in Hanoi, Vietnam, to explore innovative approaches in teaching and learning to ensure children are prepared to thrive in the future world of work.&nbsp;Hosted by Nord Anglia Education schools the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hanoi">British International School Hanoi</a> and the <a href="https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hanoi">British Vietnamese International School</a>, world education leaders met with parents, students and the wider Hanoi community to share best practice, exciting research on AI in education, and pioneering ideas.&nbsp;

School / University

Cram school / Preparatory school / Online education

Childcare / Early childhood education

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Head of Business Studies, Economics and Computer Science, Emma Goldie, explains how the British Vietnamese International School Hanoi’s evolving AI in education curriculum is preparing each child for tomorrow. 