Felix's Journey through the Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant

Felix's journey is a story of global exploration, academic achievement, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and global citizenship. A Swedish national who spent most of his formative years in Dulwich College (Singapore), Felix later pursued a Combined Honours degree in Social Sciences at Durham University in the UK. After graduating, he embarked on a transformative adventure through the Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant, which took him to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for an immersive internship focused on sustainability. His experience underscores the power of education, intercultural competency, and the role young global citizens can play in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Felix's academic background, which focused on environmental and developmental economics, shaped his passion for sustainability. "Dulwich is very dear to me. I met the people of my life there." Felix's strong connection to the Worldwise Alumni network led him to apply for the Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant. 

Explaining his motivation, Felix said, "I wanted to challenge myself, meet new people, do new things, go to new places. This is the time to do it. What better time than when you've just graduated from university?" The grant provided him with an eight-week internship in Buenos Aires, where his work centered on researching regenerative business models aligned with the United Nations. "The research I'm doing here covers a broad range of topics, from wildlife conservation and sustainable resource management to decarbonization and green education," he explained. This work allowed him to put his academic knowledge into practice, conducting deep research in both English and Spanish.
 

Felix in Paraguay

While Felix's internship was primarily focused on sustainability research, his time in South America also included a series of personal adventures that broadened his global perspective. One of the most memorable trips was a 19-hour bus ride to Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world and one of the "7 Natural Wonders of the World", spanning the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. "It was breathtaking," Felix recalled. "I'm actually using the Itaipu Dam next to it as a case study for my thesis. It powers 95% of Paraguay's electricity sustainably and serves as a great example of sustainable resource management."

Felix visiting Iguazu Falls

His passion for exploring South America extended to Patagonia. "It was always a dream of mine," Felix shared. "Most people only associate Patagonia with the outdoor clothing brand, but it's so much more than that." These adventures weren't just about ticking destinations off a travel list. For Felix, they were deeply enriching experiences that brought him closer to nature and the challenges of climate change. "Patagonia was incredible, and so was the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's the largest body of fresh water in the world outside the north and south poles, and I was able to witness ice breaking off it in real-time due to climate change. The sound is mesmerizing but also frightening," Felix reflected. "It makes you realise how fragile our planet is and how important sustainability is."

 

Felix enjoying the stunning landscapes of Patagonia

Felix also journeyed to Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat, the world's largest salt flat—spanning an area about 15 times the size of Singapore. This vast plain holds 95% of the world's lithium reserves, essential for sustainable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Once a prehistoric lake that dried up due to climate change, Uyuni's crystallised surface conceals a deep underground layer of water. Reflecting on its transformation, Felix remarked, "This history serves as a warning, not only for lakes but for all regions, of the dangers posed by climate change."

Felix at the Uyuni Salt Flat

One of the unexpected joys of Felix's internship was the deep connections he formed with other interns and locals. Reflecting on his birthday celebration in Argentina, Felix shared, "It was so unique to celebrate your birthday with people you've only just met, with no family or prior close friends, and not even in your home country… The friendships I made are truly meaningful and have the potential to last a lifetime."
 

Felix forming lifelong friendships in Buenos Aires

Felix's time in Argentina wasn't just an intellectual or academic journey; it was an emotional and social one as well. He found that the relationships he formed were as important as the professional skills he developed. "This experience showed me that no matter where you are in the world, you can make meaningful connections. It's not about the time, but the depth of those relationships," he added.
 

Felix's time in Argentina was eye-opening in terms of the sustainability challenges faced by developing nations. He quickly realised that sustainability is not just about protecting the environment—it's about improving people's lives. "We cannot protect our planet if we do not protect ourselves first," Felix observed. "The two are intertwined. People's health and living standards need to improve if we are to make real progress in sustainability."
 

Felix in Uruguay

Argentina's political and economic instability was a sharp contrast to the prosperity Felix had known growing up. "More than half the population there is in poverty," Felix explained. "The economy has been shrinking by around 3% a year, and poverty is increasing. It made me even more aware of my privilege and the responsibility I have to use it to help others."

This realization added a new layer of complexity to Felix's understanding of sustainability. "It's not just about reducing carbon emissions or protecting wildlife—it's about raising living standards while also caring for our planet. The two goals are not mutually exclusive," he said, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to global development.

For Felix, the concept of "Live Worldwise" has taken on a new meaning since his internship. He now sees it as more than just an opportunity to travel and experience new cultures—it's about appreciating the value of knowledge, community, and shared human experiences. "It's not about how many places you've traveled to or how many things you've done," Felix reflected. "It's about making the most of your circumstances and appreciating the opportunities you have."
 

Felix believes that being a global citizen means embracing both your differences and your commonalities with others. "To me, 'Live Worldwise' is about being tolerant of differences, but also realising our similarities… We all breathe the same air, live on the same planet, and feel the same love. It's about understanding that despite our differences, we are all connected."

Felix's experiences in Argentina were a profound reminder that sustainability, cultural understanding, and personal growth are all interconnected. He concluded, "The world will be imperfect without every individual contributing their own unique strengths. We need to unify each other, but also recognise that each person has something valuable to offer."

Felix's journey through the Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant serves as an inspiring example of how global experiences can shape a young person's career, worldview, and sense of purpose. His story reflects the importance of sustainability in today's world and how individuals can make a meaningful impact through research, cultural exchange, and personal commitment.

Felix's final advice to current students and alumni underscores the central message of his journey: "Be confident in yourself. Don't compare yourself to others—just focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Life is too short to be jealous or angry. The world will be imperfect without you, so make sure you contribute to it."

Felix soaring above Rio's skyline and stargazing
in the magical Atacama Desert
Felix said the Atacama Desert is the best place to see the Milky Way wonder in the world
due to its low pollution levels,
and as it's getting progressively harder to see it
due to increasing carbon emissions.
This case study was used in his thesis as physical evidence
for a changing world and climate, and the urgency of focusing on it.

The Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant not only provided Felix with professional development but also gave him the opportunity to deepen his commitment to sustainability, global citizenship, and personal growth. As of October 2024, Felix is now employed by WeMaintain, a certified B Corp based in Singapore, as the Global ESG Lead. As he looks back, Felix carries with him the lessons learned in South America, knowing that his experience prepared him to make a lasting impact on the world, stating that, "With Puentes, I got this job here in Singapore and it honestly couldn't be better as a first job."

Special thanks to Serena, a Class of 2022 DCSPD International Old Alleynian, for her insightful interview with Felix and for drafting this article. Through her work, we gain an in-depth look at Felix's passion for sustainable development and his key takeaways from the Live Worldwise Ambassador Grant. The Worldwise Alumni Network (WAN) is the first, if only, truly global alumni network that was created by alumni, for alumni. Our own alumni are instrumental in the direction and success of the network.

If you'd like to access the full version of Serena and Felix's talk, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].