Alvin Tan to take over Desmond Lee as chairman of Friends of Ubin Network

Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan will take over Education Minister Desmond Lee as the chairman of the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN).

FUN, formed in 2014, consists of people from various fields (heritage groups, nature groups, academics and villagers) who are passionate about Pulau Ubin and contribute to ground-up initiatives on the island as part of the Ubin Project.

Lee had been the chairman for 11 years, since the formation of FUN, and he recalled the very first Ubin Day back in 2014.

"I still recall the excitement of the Friends of Ubin network members and other stakeholders when our former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, now Senior Minister, launched Ubin day at this very place back in 2014. I know many of you were here with me at the time as well. We shared our vision to keep Ubin rustic and natural so that future generations would also enjoy the island as a get away from the fast paced city," he said in his address at Pulau Ubin on Jun. 28.

Lee also took the chance to pay tribute to pioneer conservationists Subaraj Rajathurai and Leong Chee Chiew, as well as Colin Koh, who had contributed significantly to the City in Nature vision and making Pulau Ubin vibrant and rich in biodiversity.

https://mothership.sg/2024/06/nparks-leong-chee-chiew/

Lee also thanked past and present organisers and volunteers of Pesta Ubin, a festival for the public to experience the charm of the island.

"Thank you for your passion and commitment, which have been the driving force behind Ubin's vibrant community spirit, along with our villagers," he said.

He also expressed confidence that under Tan's leadership as the new chairman, the Ubin Project will continue to grow and flourish.

Top photo by Ashley Tan