Beyond Environmental Issues: A Resonance of Human-Centered Values

After last year’s visit to Singapore, this year the National Environment Agency (NEA) made a special one-day trip to Malaysia to visit Xiao En Memorial Park and Xiao En Centre.

This exchange went far beyond the subject of green funerary practices — such as eco-friendly ash burials. It extended into the realm of community-based life education. From the Death Fest, a public exhibition on life and death, to school-based life education showcases, and most recently initiatives designed to support children through grief and loss — together, both sides witnessed the diverse and moving expressions of life education.

At Xiao En Centre, the thoughtful planning of spaces around “Life and Farewell” reflects a return to a human-centered philosophy. On the surface, the layout seems to separate life from parting, yet upon closer reflection, it reveals harmony and a lasting bond that connects the two.

Through this visit, the shared language between NEA and Xiao En proved to be more than environmental topics. It blossomed into a dialogue infused with human-centered values, sparking deeper understanding, resonance, and inspiration.