Singapore: In celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has proudly launched its SG60 Tree Planting Initiative, a meaningful tribute to the nation’s heritage and a commitment to a greener future.

The initiative will see the planting of 60 native trees across club grounds, including the historically significant Hopea Sangal, also known as the Changi Tree.

The latest commemorative event saw 15 trees planted by 40 participants during the third of several planting sessions scheduled over the coming weeks.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by SICC to align its environmental goals with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, while also paying tribute to the nation’s bio-diversity and ecological legacy.

“This initiative is far more than ceremonial,” said Ian Roberts, General Manager of SICC. “It is a symbol of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, preserve our natural heritage, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. As Singapore celebrates this national milestone, we are proud to play our part in building a greener tomorrow.”

At the heart of the initiative is the Hopea Sangal, a native tree species once thought extinct in Singapore. Revered for its strength, resilience and beauty, this species was widely used in colonial construction and lent its name to the Changi district.

Thought lost for decades, it was rediscovered in 2002 and subsequently designated as a National Heritage Tree, making its planting at SICC especially poignant.

In partnership with a bio-diversity recovery programme involving schools and community stakeholders, the club is supporting the propagation of 300 Hopea Sangal saplings.

Twenty ‘mother trees’ will be planted at SICC throughout July and August 2025, creating a living legacy of conservation and renewal.

To mark the occasion with personal resonance, the club invited individuals with over 60 years of membership and staff celebrating their 60th birthdays in 2025, to participate. This serves as a meaningful gesture, connecting individual journeys with the nation’s history.

Tay Beng Chuan, a member who has been with the club for 65 years, described the event as ‘fantastic’. He said: “The club did well in redeveloping The Island Course, especially its new layout. I’m very happy to have taken part in my first tree planting session.”

Reflecting on the event, Ong Hock Seng, a maintenance specialist turning 60 this year, said: “I feel honoured and proud to be part of this special event. Just like how trees take time to grow and flourish, both our country and my personal journey have been shaped by years of nurturing and growth.”

Mohamad Noor Bin Osman, a gym instructor who has been with the club for over 30 years, said: “Turning 60, I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. I hope, like a tree, to keep growing and pass on these roots of wisdom to the next generation at SICC.”

SICC has prioritised the preservation of mature trees on its golf courses. In instances where tree removal was necessary, the timber has been thoughtfully repurposed into eco-friendly course fixtures such as tee markers, distance indicators and buggy signages, a testament to the club’s ethos of intentional reuse and sustainable innovation.

*The Singapore Island Country Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.