#15 Under Whose Shade We Do Not Sit | Careers in NParks

#15 Under Whose Shade We Do Not Sit | Careers in NParks

Curious about the behind the scenes work at NParks? In this final eye-opening episode, we uncover diverse career paths within NParks with Liang Jim, Group Director of the Conservation Division and Cyrena Lin, Director of the Wildlife Management and Outreach Division as they share the reality of their roles – from responding to midnight wildlife calls to resolving challenges posed by nature at work. Through candid conversations, they reveal what makes up 75% of their work, and explain how Singapore is transforming to become a leader in wildlife conservation. Whether you're a literature graduate or physics major, Jim and Cyrena show how diverse academic backgrounds can find a home in conservation work. They also share practical advice for breaking into the field, including opportunities through programmes like Youth Stewards for Nature, and what it takes to join the community of people dedicated to Singapore's City in Nature vision. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild!  That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/] and follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz?igsh=d2V1dGc0eTYwbmNi], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/NvYXgcs8TqqVJ26o/?mibextid=hu50Ix], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nparkssg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], Telegram [https://t.me/NParksBuzz] and Twitter [https://x.com/nparksbuzz?s=21]. Find the transcript for this episode here [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources/that's-wild-podcast/careers-in-nparks---final.pdf?sfvrsn=d71f6bba_3]. Mentioned in the episode: ·       More on how Singapore is transforming into a City in Nature [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/who-we-are/city-in-nature-key-strategies] ·       More on the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) [https://www.un.org/en/observances/biological-diversity-day/convention] ·       More on the Nature Conservation Master Plan [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/nature-conservation-masterplan]   Jim and Cyrena's recommendations: ·       Mean and Lowly Things [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2538102.Mean_and_Lowly_Things] by Kate Jackson ·       The Invention of Nature [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23995249-the-invention-of-nature] by Andrea Wulf

#14 Behind the Buzz | Discovering Singapore's Insect Diversity

Shrink down into the world of Singapore's most misunderstood inhabitants – insects! Three passionate insect experts reveal the extraordinary diversity and importance of our six-legged neighbours. Sebastian (from NParks’ Conservation team), Lumin (a volunteer with NParks’ Dragonfly Watch) and Mao Sheng (an entomologist from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS) share captivating stories about Singapore's insect life including rare discoveries in our own parks and gardens. As they debunk some common myths, discover why insects deserve respect rather than fear, learn about the critical roles these tiny creatures play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and explore the surprising conservation challenges facing species that haven't even been scientifically documented yet. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That's Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/] and follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz?igsh=d2V1dGc0eTYwbmNi], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/NvYXgcs8TqqVJ26o/?mibextid=hu50Ix], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nparkssg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], Telegram [https://t.me/NParksBuzz] and Twitter [https://x.com/nparksbuzz?s=21]. Find the transcript for this episode here [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources/that%27s-wild-podcast/season-2---14-behind-the-buzz---discovering-singapore%27s-insect-diversity.pdf?sfvrsn=a116a3c0_1]. Mentioned in the episode: ·       More on the new record of the Emerald Green Cockroach in Singapore in 2021 [https://mothership.sg/2021/09/green-cockroach-singapore/]. ·       More on the new record of the Golden Birdwing in Singapore in 2025 [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rare-butterfly-species-spotted-in-singapore-for-first-time-sets-hearts-aflutter].   Sebastian, Lumin and Mao Sheng's recommendations:  ·       A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Singapore [https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789810972691?srsltid=AfmBOorkKbZfF7Lc2y9t6X21rDZbPcr3pXqLPGxfuT4kqC4hddDLuIlh] ·       A Photographic Field Guide to the Dragonflies & Damselflies of Singapore [https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/A_Photographic_Field_Guide_to_the_Dragonflies_&_Damselflies_of_Singapore/bw/9781912081400?srsltid=AfmBOoqZxd9BCLWw349l0XgA_7ti1yf4GRW9yxtqqIj4GYTThZq_e3FU] ·       A Guide to the Bees of Singapore [https://botanicgardensshop.sg/products/a-guide-to-the-bees-of-singapore] ·       A Photographic Guide to Singapore Spiders [https://singaporespiders.com/]·       ⁠ [https://singaporespiders.com/]Singapore Biodiversity Online [https://singapore.biodiversity.online/]

#13 Spice of Life | Plants in Local Cuisine

Think you know gingers? Think again! From torch ginger that elevates your rojak to sand ginger that unlocks the secret to perfect gado gado sauce, discover the incredible world of plants hiding in plain sight on your dinner plate. Join Jana Leong-Škorničková, herbarium keeper and ginger expert from Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Chef Malcolm Lee, chef-owner of Candlenut and Pangium restaurants, as they take you on a flavourful journey through Singapore's culinary botanical landscape, and uncover the importance of taxonomy in preserving culinary heritage. Plus, find out why your life literally depends on herbarium collections, and how supporting wet markets can save banana varieties from extinction! Whether you're a foodie, a plant enthusiast, or simply curious about the secret ingredients that make Peranakan cuisine so special, this episode will change how you see the plants on your plate. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That's Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/] and follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz?igsh=d2V1dGc0eTYwbmNi], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/NvYXgcs8TqqVJ26o/?mibextid=hu50Ix], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nparkssg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], Telegram [https://t.me/NParksBuzz] and Twitter [https://x.com/nparksbuzz?s=21]. Find the transcript for this episode here [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources/that's-wild-podcast/that's-wild---plants-in-local-cuisine---final-transcript.pdf?sfvrsn=d28aa6ce_3]. Mentioned in the episode: ·       More on the Discovery of Singapore's endemic ginger species: Singapore Ginger (Zingiber singapurense Škorničk [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens%27-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_66_02_y2014_v66_02/4-4-66-1-05-y2014-v66p2-gbs-pg153.pdf]) Jana and Malcolm's recommendations: ·       Ginger Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/our-gardens/tyersall-entrance/ginger-garden] ·       Nasi Ulam - the "Queen of Peranakan rice dishes" [https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=7908591f-e7b7-4a82-9235-2a64637e2df4]

#12 More Than Mushrooms | The Secret World of Fungi

Embark on a fascinating journey into the hidden world of fungi! Hear from mycology experts Serena Lee, Senior Manager of the Singapore Herbarium at NParks and Dr Amy Choong, Senior Lecturer at the National University of Singapore who share their captivating insights about Singapore's often overlooked but diverse fungal species. From giant puffballs to microscopic spores, discover how these remarkable organisms shape our ecosystems, influence our health, and even help to form rain. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/] and follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz?igsh=d2V1dGc0eTYwbmNi], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/NvYXgcs8TqqVJ26o/?mibextid=hu50Ix], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nparkssg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], Telegram [https://t.me/NParksBuzz] and Twitter [https://x.com/nparksbuzz?s=21]. Find the transcript for this episode here [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources/that's-wild-podcast/season-2---12-more-than-mushrooms---the-secret-world-of-fungi.pdf?sfvrsn=75a2f6b_1]. Mentioned in the episode: ·       More on E. J.H Corner [https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=16253a97-1e8e-4b58-b34c-8d277da3d751]. ·       More on Spongispora temasekensis, a new boletoid genus and species from Singapore [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30215573/]. Serena and Amy’s recommendations: ·       A Guide to Macrofungi in Singapore [https://botanicgardensshop.sg/products/a-guide-to-macrofungi-in-singapore] ·       Mushroom Spotters Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/925608204174864/] ·       Entangled Life [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52668915-entangled-life] by Merlin Sheldrake ·       Molds, Mushrooms and Medicines [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/180734036-molds-mushrooms-and-medicines] by Nicholas P. Money

#11 The Art of Science | Natural History Illustrations from 19th-Century Singapore

Ever wondered what Changi looked like before the airport was built? Or how scientists documented Singapore's wildlife before cameras existed? From a rare Shore Pit Viper drawing to a Japanese woodblock print of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, discover the fascinating world of natural history illustrations with Kathy Poh, Oral Historian from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS, and Dr Michele Rodda, Senior Researcher/Curator from Singapore Botanic Gardens, NParks, as they delve into how these nature illustrations continue to shape our understanding of Singapore's natural heritage. Plus, find out why these old-school drawings are still giving modern cameras a run for their money! If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/] and follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz?igsh=d2V1dGc0eTYwbmNi], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/NvYXgcs8TqqVJ26o/?mibextid=hu50Ix], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nparkssg?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc], Telegram [https://t.me/NParksBuzz] and Twitter [https://x.com/nparksbuzz?s=21]. Find the transcript for this episode here [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources/that's-wild-podcast/season-2---11-the-art-of-science---natural-history-illustrations-from-19th-century-sg.pdf?sfvrsn=e45b7198_1]. Mentioned in the episode: ·       Illustrations of Indian Zoology [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/172892#page/175/mode/1up] ·       Kubota Beisen’s woodblock prints of Singapore in 1889 [https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/books-list/8½-hours-in-singapore-late-19th-century-perspectives-of-the-island-through-kubota-beisens-woodblock-prints/] ·       Eugen von Ransonnet’s lithographic print of Changi in 1876 [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/-/media/sbg/gallery-exhibit-catalogue/2022-2024/tfslr25apr23secured.pdf] ·       James de Alwis’ painting of Nervillia singaporensis in 1891 which was described in Singapore in 2020 [https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Nervilia-singaporensis-Niissalo-by-James-de-Alwis-as-Pogonia-punctata-1891-digitally_fig1_342353731] ·       More on Signify [https://signifynaturalhistory.sg/] ·       More on Singapore Herbarium’s digitalisationefforts [go.gov.sg/digitalherbarium] Kathy and Michele’s recommendations: ·       Animal Crossing [https://animalcrossing.nintendo.com/] ·       Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Botanical Art Gallery [https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/our-gardens/gallop-entrance/botanical-art-gallery]