Pek Hai Lin’s journey from the classroom to the forefront of Singapore’s environmental movement is a powerful testament to how education, passion, and purposeful leadership can create lasting change. Born and raised in Singapore, Pek began her professional life as a teacher, dedicating six years to shaping young minds. But her concern for the planet and drive to foster sustainable habits soon led her to a new path—one rooted in environmental advocacy.
In 2017, Pek joined Zero Waste SG, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting zero-waste living in Singapore. What began as a managerial role quickly grew into something larger: by January 2020, she had risen to become the organization’s Executive Director. Under her leadership, Zero Waste SG gained national prominence through initiatives such as the “Bring Your Own Singapore” (BYO SG) campaign, which encouraged the public to adopt reusable containers and reduce single-use plastics.
Pek’s efforts didn’t stop at consumer behavior change. She led collaborations with ministries, corporations, and community stakeholders to launch food waste recycling pilots, conduct environmental workshops, and drive public outreach. Her ability to scale impact despite the organization’s modest size demonstrated her strategic vision and capacity to mobilize communities and institutions alike.
In recognition of her contributions, Pek received the EcoFriend Award in 2019, presented by then Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Masagos Zulkifli. This honor celebrated her hands-on leadership and tireless advocacy in making environmental sustainability a shared national priority.
In 2021, Pek brought her environmental vision into the corporate realm, joining the sustainability team at Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform. There, she worked to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and plastic consumption, extending her influence across the region’s private sector.
By 2023, she returned to the education sector, joining the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) as Senior Manager of Sustainability. At SIT, she took on a pivotal role in crafting and coordinating the university’s sustainability strategies, merging her educational roots with her environmental expertise to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
Pek Hai Lin’s journey exemplifies how one person can drive systemic change through education, advocacy, and strategic leadership. Her story continues to inspire individuals and institutions to take concrete steps toward a more sustainable future, proving that meaningful impact often begins with a single, passionate voice and grows through collective action.