Every journey leaves a footprint. Mine begins long before I board a plane to Singapore.
Travelling from London to Singapore inevitably has an environmental impact. I cannot pretend otherwise, nor do I believe sustainability means making international travel completely carbon neutral. Instead, I see sustainability as a commitment to making every stage of the journey from preparation to returning home as responsible and meaningful as possible. If I am fortunate enough to study abroad, I want the knowledge I bring back to outweigh the footprint I leave behind.
This summer, I will study Managing Customer Relations, Digital Transformation, and Asia-Pacific Business at Singapore Management University. I chose Singapore because I want to experience how sustainability can become part of everyday life through innovation, business, and public policy. I am particularly interested in learning how organisations use digital transformation not only to improve efficiency but also to reduce waste, encourage responsible consumption, and create long-term value for customers and society.
Sustainability is often associated with individual actions, and those matter. During my placement, I will walk to campus whenever possible, use Singapore’s MRT and public transport instead of taxis, carry a reusable water bottle, minimise unnecessary purchases, rely on digital notes rather than printed materials, and support local businesses. None of these choices will solve climate change alone, but they reflect a mindset of making conscious decisions every day. I believe meaningful change is created through consistent habits rather than isolated gestures.
Studying in Singapore will also help me better understand how global sustainability challenges are addressed in practice. My experience closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action. As a Business Management student, I believe these goals are not only environmental ambitions but also leadership challenges. Businesses influence how products are designed, how technology is used, and how customers make decisions. Learning in an international environment will help me understand how responsible leadership can create positive change across all of these areas.
When I return to Queen Mary, I hope to bring back more than academic knowledge. I want to return with practical ideas, a broader global perspective, and a deeper understanding of how sustainability can be integrated into business decisions, digital innovation, and customer relationships. For me, the most sustainable part of studying abroad is not simply reducing my environmental impact during the journey, but ensuring that the experience continues to influence the way I think, lead, and contribute long after I return home.
References
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Singapore Green Plan 2030
https://www.singaporegreenplan.gov.sg
Singapore Management University
https://www.smu.edu.sg
