'Get rich before caring for environment' is outdated saying, Tommy Koh: Environment does not have to be sacrificed for economic growth
![许通美(左)在新加坡管理大学同参与全球暑期项目的众多学生,分享对可持续发展等课题的见解。主持问答环节的是新大学术服务与运营经理王诗琳(右)。(新加坡管理大学提供)](/sites/news.smu.edu.sg/files/styles/max_325x325/public/smu/news/220Prof20Tommy20Koh20during20a20Q26A20at20SMU20on202620Jun202023.v1.jpg?itok=3fyJtyBk)
Speaking at the 8th edition of the SMU Global Summer Programme (GSP) launch, Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh noted that the notion of getting rich before caring for the environment is outdated. He believes that today's new narrative is that rapid economic growth can be achieved without sacrificing the environment, but this requires leadership. The GSP is an experiential learning programme hosted annually by SMU over four weeks. It connects participants with industry leaders and SMU faculty members through courses, company visits and dialogues, offering insights into developments within businesses and societies in Asia and beyond. A new "Sustainable Futures" track was added to this year's summer program, with nearly half of the participants choosing to engage in courses within this track. SMU Provost Professor Timothy Clark pointed out that the new "Sustainable Futures" track reflects the global shift towards a green economy. The aim is to empower young people with the tools to shape a more sustainable future through education and to become catalysts for change.