Dive Against Debris: How the DCMS Fund Became a Catalyst for Change
The Call to Action Impact (C2A) Awards 2023 are just around the corner, and the excitement is building up as we prepare to witness another round of young Senior School innovators generating practical and community-driven solutions to local social and sustainability challenges. The winner, or indeed winners, will have the opportunity to secure funding from the Dulwich College Murugason Sustainability Fund (DCMS Fund).
The Founding of the Dulwich College Murugason Sustainability Fund
The DCMS Fund began during the pandemic when Mr. Ranjit Murugason introduced the sustainability fund concept to Dulwich College (Singapore) and Education in Motion. In 2022, a generous endowment established the fund with the goal of empowering students to embrace environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship.
This initiative led to the inaugural Call to Action Impact Awards in 2022, where students presented community and sustainability ideas that they hoped to transform into impactful projects driven by a genuine community or environmental need. The success of the event garnered attention beyond Dulwich, leading LGT Private Banking to express interest and sponsor this year’s Call to Action Impact Awards.
As we gear up for next week’s event, let us take a moment to dive into the inspiring journey of Joséphine from Year 11, one of last year's finalists, and her remarkable initiative, Dive Against Debris.
Joséphine’s Inspiring Dive Against Debris Journey
Joséphine was a runner-up from last year’s awards, receiving $2,000 to launch her Dive Against Debris initiative. Her passion for marine life and dedication to "direct action" drove her to participate in the Call to Action Impact Awards. Having already immersed herself in environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups and holding the esteemed title of Asia's first ambassador for 'Children for the Oceans’ (a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to a community of worldwide children working to save the oceans), Joséphine was well-prepared to make a significant impact.
When the Awards were announced, she saw the opportunity to present her Dive Against Debris project to the 'Dragons.' Dr. Polly Clayton, the Director of Global Citizenship here at Dulwich College (Singapore), recognised the project's potential and encouraged Josephine to take on the challenge.
Facing the 'Dragons' on the Awards night, Joséphine tackled tough questions under the spotlight with unwavering determination. Sponsorship from the DCMS Fund kickstarted her initiative. Despite challenges, including the coordination of a complex Dive Against Debris operation, Joséphine persevered. The Fund's support, along with mentorship from Dr. Clayton and guidance from Mr. Murugason and Mr. Nick Magnus, our Head of College, was instrumental.
One valuable piece of advice Joséphine received from the 'Dragons' was to avoid making Dive Against Debris too ‘elitist’, as it primarily involved licensed divers and boat crew. She took this advice to heart and invited Dulwich students to join the initiative, expanding its impact. Her advice to future Call to Action participants: “meticulous planning, rigorous presentation practice, and readiness for questions. Embrace challenges and lead with passion”.
What to Expect at This Year’s Call to Action Awards
This year, we are thrilled to have four groups of finalists, including both individual and team applicants, each bringing exciting and diverse pitches to the table. These innovative proposals encompass empowering visually impaired artists, creating documentaries to change mindsets, launch zero waste initiatives across the College, and devising an upcycling program aimed at refurbishing used or discarded bicycles to provide affordable transport options to local communities.
Our judging panel of ‘Dragons’ for this year includes notable figures in their respective fields: Raveen Bharvani and Gracia Ang from LGT Private Banking, who serve as Relationship Manager and Credit Advisor respectively; Rob Garrett, who leads Quintessentially Singapore and serves as an advisor to a local law firm; and Ranjit Murugason, the visionary founder of the DCMS Fund, who possesses over 25 years of experience as a CEO, investor, developer in the infrastructure sector, and a renowned figure in investment banking in the infrastructure sector.
For this year’s keynote speaker, we welcome Simon Clinton, founder of Save Wild Tigers, a unique conservation organisation with a focus on creative and marketing-focused campaigns. Joséphine, last year’s runner-up, will also be speaking at the event, sharing about her progress and the impact that her project has had.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Call to Action Impact Awards on Wednesday 4 October, happening at 5.30pm at the Rose and Fortune Theatre in our Performing Arts Centre, let us come together to celebrate the indomitable spirit of innovation and sustainability that defines this year's event. Join us in supporting these inspired individuals who look forward to shaping a better world. We are extremely grateful for the sponsorship from LGT Private Banking which has made it possible for the College to host the Call to Action Impact Awards..
For those interested in attending the event or learning more about our esteemed judges and finalists, please register your interest here.
