Sometimes, the most transformative journeys happen when passionate people come together with a shared vision. This is exactly what unfolded over the past few days in Singapore, where the Let's Do It World Asia Region Leaders Academy 2025 brought together an extraordinary gathering of environmental champions.
Picture this: 44 passionate leaders from across 21 countries, mainly from Asia, all united by an unwavering commitment to making our world a cleaner, better place. The energy was palpable from the moment everyone gathered in Singapore, ready to share best practices, exchange bold ideas, and strengthen the bonds that make the Let's Do It World movement so powerful.
The academy kicked off with inspiring addresses from key leaders who set the tone for the entire experience. LDIW Singapore Leader Chun Hui, Asia Regional Director Agustina Iskandar Crombach, President and CEO of Let’s Do It World Heidi Solba and other movement leaders created an atmosphere of possibility and purpose that resonated throughout the event.
“Learning from best practices is a great example of how I should remain humble to take advantage of this opportunity at the Leaders Academy. The dedication and commitment of the Leaders and the WCD team remain in our hearts; that’s the reason why we shouldn’t stop fighting for a better planet,” shared Agustina Iskandar Crombach.
One of the most fascinating sessions came from Professor Siva from the National University of Singapore (NUS), who took participants on a journey through Singapore's remarkable cleanup story spanning back to 1968. His insights revealed how a small island nation transformed itself into one of the world's cleanest cities through systematic effort and community engagement.
Dr. Christina Liew added another crucial dimension to the discussions, exploring the deep and often overlooked connection between hygiene and waste management. Her presentation highlighted how environmental action goes far beyond aesthetics—it's fundamentally about public health and human dignity.
The heart of the academy was a full day dedicated to sharing inspirational stories and best practices from leaders across the region. Imagine the power of that room—dozens of environmental champions sharing their victories, challenges, and innovative approaches to community mobilisation.
From creative engagement strategies that work in bustling metropolises to grassroots approaches that resonate in rural communities, the diversity of experiences and solutions was both humbling and energising. These weren't just presentations; they were windows into the countless ways communities across Asia are taking action for environmental change.
The academy wasn't just about looking back at achievements—it was about building for the future. Participants dove deep into interactive workshops, explored the ambitious "Strive for Five" (aiming to engage 5% of the global population) and textiles waste campaigns, and collectively envisioned what the next phase of the movement could look like.
Perhaps the most moving moment came on the final day, as the sun rose over Singapore's coastline. The entire group joined hands for a beautiful mangrove cleanup along the riverbank, collecting waste that had been carried in by the sea.
There's something profound about ending a leadership gathering not with speeches or certificates, but with sleeves rolled up, working together in the early morning light. The heat was intense, but it was a perfect reminder that at its core, this movement is about action—getting your hands dirty to make a difference.
Events like this don't happen without incredible support and dedication. Heartfelt appreciation goes to:
What struck everyone who participated was this simple truth: we're not just cleaning the planet—we're building a powerful family. The connections made in Singapore will ripple across the region for years to come. New collaborations will emerge, innovative approaches will be shared, and communities that might never have worked together will find ways to support each other.
This is the real power of the Let's Do It World movement. It's not just about the millions of volunteers who show up on World Cleanup Day, or the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste removed from our environment. It's about creating a network of leaders who believe in the possibility of change and are willing to work together to make it happen.
As the 44 leaders return to their home countries, they carry with them not just new knowledge and strategies, but renewed energy and an expanded network of allies. They've experienced firsthand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves—a global family committed to environmental action.
Let's do it!
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