Regenerating soils, foods, and lives begins with the simple act of reconnecting people to the land. This ethos is embodied by Ground Up Initiative, where Kampung Architect, Cai Bingyu champions a regenerative culture rooted in hands-on stewardship and community learning. Through their living campus, GUI guides people to understand the wisdom of working with nature, reviving soils, nurturing mindful relationships with food, and inspiring everyday regenerative practices. In this conversation, we'll explore how their kampung spirit and land-based initiatives ignite a deeper sense of responsibility, belonging, and hope for a more sustainable future.
Cai Bingyu
Kampung Architect, Ground-Up Initiative
​
Bingyu leads Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) with a dedicated community of everyday heroes. He works closely with volunteers, partners, and the land to shape spaces rooted in belonging, sustainability, and hands-on culture—believing that meaningful places are crafted not just from materials, but through people, stories, and shared purpose.
​
Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) is a non-profit organisation in Singapore that connects people with the Earth, with one another, and with self. They do this through hands-on activities that rebuild our relationship with food, waste, nature, and the everyday things we depend on.
Their home, the Kampung Kampus, is an urban solution to rapid urbanisation — a living, breathing learning campus where communities come together to grow food, regenerate soil, explore green practices, and build a deeper sense of belonging to place and to one another.
For the past 17 years, GUI has continued to champion a ground-up spirit rooted in care, sustainability, and community. They believe that a meaningful, resilient future is built with people — learning, doing, and growing together.
​
Regenerating soils, foods and lives
Date: Tuesday, 16 Dec 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Strangers Lounge​
Address: 195 Pearls' Hill Terrace #02-38D
Entry Fee: min. $5 donated to Ground-Up Initiative (GUI)