The Iconic NParks Peter Lim Tree a Symbol for the NParks – Peter Lim Scholarship and Continued Partnerships in Ecology and Sustainability

Contribution of the National Museum of Singapore

The Heritage Marsh Pulai Tree

The Singapore Botanic Gardens was developed in 1859 on a 23-hectare tract in Tanglin consisting of undeveloped land, secondary forest and a virgin jungle. Several original trees predating the Gardens survive today, amongst them is the heritage Marsh Pulai (or Pulai Basong), believed to be only one of 17 such mature trees remaining in Singapore.

The honour of dedicating this iconic tree to Peter Lim was conferred by NParks for his outstanding contribution to advancing Singapore’s sustainability and environmental agenda. Fondly referred to as the ‘NParks Peter Lim Tree’, it is testament to the enduring legacy that the NParks – Peter Lim Scholarship aims to achieve for Singapore, its youths and the community. The NParks Peter Lim tree is located in the Heritage Garden, a stone’s throw from Swan Lake.

The NParks - Peter Lim Scholarship

In 2020, Chairman of NParks, Benny Lim, floated the idea of encouraging environmental stewardship among youths by developing skills and capability in landscaping, horticulture, ecology, veterinary and animal science sectors. This led to the creation of the NParks – Peter Lim Scholarship. Peter Lim pledged S$10 million to be awarded to deserving youths to pursue careers that contribute to their personal advancements and that of our environment. This remains the single largest donation by an individual to NParks.

Since its inception, 537 study awards worth S$1.3 million have been awarded to students from ITE, the Polytechnics, NAFA and local universities under the NParks – Peter Lim Scholarship. In fact, the first few batches of Scholarship beneficiaries are already contributing back to Singapore’s natural environment: one a plant record officer with NParks, a budding horticulturalist at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and an avian veterinary nurse at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Further NParks contributions

In 2018, Peter Lim donated S$900,000 over three years to build Therapeutic Gardens in Telok Blangah, Punggol and Bedok Reservoir for the community to enjoy. These outdoor gardens are designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of the community. This partnership further underscores Peter Lim’s long-term support of the country’s environmental agenda beyond the scope of the scholarships.

The Heritage Marsh Pulai Tree

The NParks - Peter Lim Scholarship

Further NParks contributions

53 thoughts on “The Iconic NParks Peter Lim Tree a Symbol for the NParks – Peter Lim Scholarship and Continued Partnerships in Ecology and Sustainability”