The two-day Regen Asia Summit (RAS) 2025, part of the National University of Singapore's (NUS) 120th anniversary celebrations, was launched on 4 July 2025 as a dynamic platform to address environmental and social concerns through regeneration, which focuses on healing current environmental degradation and strengthening social resilience by nurturing resilient ecosystems. A total of 600 bright young minds, including 31 student leaders from the ASEAN region, gathered at the Summit to discuss strategies for restoring, renewing and revitalising ecosystems.
The participants, together with around 100 impact leaders and innovators from around the world - including thought leaders from indigenous communities - discussed ways to use interdisciplinary frameworks to address socio-environmental problems and foster intergenerational solutions. By promoting meaningful dialogue and idea-sharing, RAS aims to empower youths to sharpen skills and build lasting intergenerational networks for regeneration.
Held in connection with the NUS College (NUSC) course, Regeneration: Paradigm & Practice for Planetary Health, which equips students with the basic principles and concepts of regeneration, RAS embodies a bottom-up approach, with students leading the charge as conveners and creators of regional conversations. The Summit is fully organised by a team of 31 students from the ASEAN region, who make up the International Student Executive Committee. Led by NUS final-year students Misha Rajendran and Brendan Toh from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Committee conceptualised and brought the Summit's vision to life, overseeing all aspects from programming and speaker outreach to logistics, sponsorship procurement, design, media, and engagement.
Ms Rajendran shared, "This Summit brought together young people from across Asia, united by a shared commitment to both people and the planet. Bringing this vision to life was only possible through the passion and creativity of the student leaders, supported every step of the way by dedicated staff. Leading this diverse team, spanning different geographies, disciplines, and lived experiences, was an incredible privilege. Together, we created a space where intergenerational voices and innovative ideas could flourish, inspiring holistic solutions to restore the health of our ecosystems and societies. This experience has shown me that when young people unite around a shared vision, there is truly no limit to what we can achieve."
Centred on the theme "Intergenerational Collaboration for Regeneration", RAS features fireside chats and close to 50 panel discussions, showcases and workshops exploring regeneration across six core domains - Culture & Society, Ecology, Economy, Governance & Civil Society, Built Environment, and Life & Wellbeing. RAS' innovative approach aims to move the conversation beyond sustaining the present to actively restoring, healing, and revitalising ecosystems and communities.
A highlight of RAS was a fireside chat featuring President of the Republic of Singapore Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who inspired young leaders with valuable insights earlier this evening. President Tharman later joined participants at the Summit's Impact Leaders Dinner for further interaction.
President Tharman, who is also NUS Chancellor, shared, "The Regen Asia Summit is an important new platform for student leaders across the region. It enables them to envision paths to development that preserve societies' balance with nature, while advancing resilience and the well-being of vulnerable communities."
The Summit is the latest in a line-up of programmes and events to celebrate NUS' 120th anniversary this year, commemorating a legacy, forged over generations, of excellence, innovation and service. NUS President Tan Eng Chye said, "NUS is proud to host the inaugural Regen Asia Summit which brings together passionate students and thought leaders from around the world. This is a very impressive ground-up effort by a team of over 30 student leaders from the ASEAN region who collaborated across borders and joined hands to discuss environmental protection and social resilience. Their deep commitment to cross-cultural exchange will inspire more young people towards regional solidarity and youth-driven leadership in tackling pressing global challenges. We are confident the Summit will inspire positive change and grow into a powerful force for good - both in the region and beyond."
As a starting point to engage diverse stakeholders, encourage collaboration across Asia, advocate for action, and shape policy, RAS sets the stage for the upcoming Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) 2025, where ideas are translated into impact projects for a chance to secure seed grants. Organised as the NUS-AUN (ASEAN University Network) Summer Camp, the annual AUS brings together 300 undergraduates from over 50 ASEAN partner universities each year and will take place between 7 and 19 July 2025 at NUS College.
