Empowering Global Citizens Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Education for Sustainable Development: Insights From the Learning Express (LeX) Programme

This paper explores the transformative potential of multidisciplinary collaboration in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through the lens of the Learning Express (LeX) Programme at Singapore Polytechnic.The LeX Programme, operational since 2013, engages students in cross-cultural, multinational teams to address real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).By embedding Singapore Polytechnic's Design Thinking Framework within Education for Sustainable Development, the programme fosters holistic and pluralistic approaches to problem-solving, emphasising empathy, innovation, and sustainability.A mixed-methods survey of 336 participants from ASEAN LeX trips revealed high levels of socio-economic awareness, global mindset, and acquisition of career-relevant skills, though some uncertainty remains regarding long-term application and global career interest.The findings highlight the importance of facilitator support, authentic immersion, and iterative learning in nurturing global citizens equipped to tackle complex sustainability challenges.Limitations include selfreported data and regional focus.The study concludes that integrating design thinking with Education for Sustainable Development can reinforce student identity, motivation, and purposeful engagement for sustainable futures (Boeve-de-Pauw et al.,