After 15 years of graduating with a masters in environmental engineering at the National University of Singapore, and a number of years of ESIA consultant life, it was a privilege to share in a guest lecture via zoom to a masters class on Pollution Control to students in the Geography Department. After working in twelve countries in Asia and Africa, I realise the true value of bringing science from the seminar room/lab to the realpolitik of environmental planning decisions, whether regulatory or IFI led.

The question on the value of a PhD in consulting is interesting, as after a PhD a consultant is a peer reviewer and is made to do the work of presenting in front of regulators. And as it is a Science based business, the value of papers as scientific evidence is solid.

Thank you so much Professor Li for your generosity of spirit.