From Waste to Wonder: NYP Alumnus Transforms Plastic into Premium Design
A casual conversation with a friend sparked an interest in sustainability. Today, Jeryl Yep (Class of 2012) leads social enterprise Semula to reshape how Singapore thinks about plastic waste.
Jeryl Yep (Class of 2012) had completed a Bachelor of Applied Science at Technical University Munich, and accumulated work experiences before venturing with Semula in March 2022.
Meet Jeryl Yep – NYP alumni (Class of 2012), sustainability champion, and the creative force behind Semula, a social enterprise turning plastic waste into designer furniture and sleek architectural elements.
While studying at then-School of Chemical & Life Sciences (now School of Applied Science), a friendship from his CCA (NYP Lifesaving Club) ignited his sustainability passion. And what started as post-CCA banter turned into a bold mission: reimagining plastic waste and recirculating it back into the ecosystem.
"The foundation of my sustainability knowledge came from my NYP diploma," shares Jeryl. "But it was my internship at ExxonMobil that got me thinking bigger – how could I create a business that drives real environmental change?"
Through an innovative process inspired by Netherlands-based Precious Plastics, Semula transforms high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste into high-end furniture and architectural elements, giving reusable materials a second life.
Semula's unique approach has caught the attention of forward-thinking brands. Jeryl and his team have since created sustainable furniture for Foreword Coffee (at their Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music outlet) and developed innovative solutions for shoe retailer DMK.
The company also won the Grand Prize at the Singapore Design Awards in 2022 and secured funding support from the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment's SG Eco Fund.
Semula's products, like the table-and-stools set and decorative pieces, can be found at Foreword Coffee @ Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (left) and DMK Shoes Plaza Singapura (right).
For Jeryl, success isn't just about business growth – it's about changing mindsets and finding a profitable model to ensure a sustainable future.
"We want people to see plastic not as trash, but as potential. Every piece we create is a step towards a more circular economy."
His advice to aspiring eco-entrepreneurs? "Don't be afraid to take that leap. You've got time and energy to try things out and make a difference. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. And if you fail, fail fast, learn faster, and go again!"
More sustainability stories
From AI to Zen: Business Management students explore Bhutan
Through a new partnership with Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology, SBM students delve into Bhutanese culture, AI applications, and sustainable practices.
Planting the Seeds of Change
SEG alumni, Jason Tan, is the founder of GreenLoopFarms, a thriving local urban farm that adopts eco-conscious practices and sustainable materials in growing microgreens and hydroponics.
Adopt a Block: Empowering Youth to Drive Sustainability
NYP adopted three residential blocks in Teck Ghee when this initiative was launched in June 2024. Since then, 180 students have been engaging residents to encourage sustainable lifestyle habits.