Zhou Haiyan
Meet Zhou Haiyan, a sustainability advocate who turns discarded furniture into art and inspires communities to protect the environment through creativity and collective action.
Photo Caption: Zhou Hai Yan a firm believer and active champion of environmental stewardship!
Inspiring sustainability through creativity, one community at a time
"While changing the world can be challenging, we can all do our part by altering our lifestyles. If everyone comes together with the same commitment, we can create a better place for our planet.”
This belief is at the heart of Zhou Haiyan's mission. Since arriving in Singapore 15 years ago, she has immersed herself in environmental volunteer activities, convinced that everyone, regardless of background, has a role to play in conservation and that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact.
As Chairperson of Just One Solution (JOS), an office furniture company, and the non-profit organisation Just One Earth (J.O.E.) Eco Alliance, which focuses on environmental conservation, Haiyan has made sustainability a cornerstone of her life and work.
Her commitment was sparked by the potential threat of rising sea levels to Singapore, leading her to volunteer with the Tzu Chi Foundation. For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to educating young minds about environmental stewardship.
Photo Caption: Hai Yan educating neighbourhood residents on making reusable bags for Tzu Chi Environmental Sustainability Day
Haiyan’s vision aligns with that of the Public Hygiene Council (PHC), prompting her to partner with PHC and the Ministry of Education to launch the "Bulky Waste to Wonder" competition. This innovative programme challenges students to transform discarded furniture into functional and artistic pieces, fostering creativity and environmental consciousness.
Photo Caption: Hai Yan (Left), alongside Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Mr Andrew Khng, PHC Chairman viewing winning entries at the Bulky Waste to Wonder Competition 2024
During the competition, students participated in a design workshop at the JOS & Sunon Sustainability Experience Centre, where they learnt from experienced designers. Haiyan shared that the students not only gained valuable guidance but also inspired the designers with their fresh ideas and enthusiasm, fostering a mutual exchange that enhances creativity and confidence.
With 2024 designated as the Year of Public Hygiene, Haiyan emphasises that while our efforts may not yield immediate results, we can all take small, meaningful steps. If everyone believes their actions are insignificant, nothing will change. But if we, like Haiyan, strive to make a difference, we can collectively drive impactful change.