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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
SG60: Singapore at 60 – a sustainability journey and the way forward
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Republic's commitment to net zero by 2050 is more than a climate responsibility. It is a strategic national priority to safeguard our economy, energy security, public health and long-term resilience. As carbon credits from the voluntary market are unregulated, there are concerns about the integrity and quality of such credits. As a small island with no natural resources, Singapore has, since independence, always embraced sustainability. Today, in the face of the global climate crisis, Singapore has both deepened and broadened that emphasis in a way that balances environmental stewardship, economic growth and social inclusion. Some major economies are, sadly, scaling back on their hard-fought climate commitments in the light of geopolitical and economic tensions. But, Singapore remains resolute in its climate ambition. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong gave this assurance in his Budget 2025 statement. Singapore's commitment to net zero by 2050 is more than a climate responsibility. It is a strategic national priority to safeguard our economy, energy security, public health and long-term resilience. But the road ahead is arduous. While Singapore has made significant progress, this SG60 milestone prompts a serious and timely reflection. What have we achieved, and what more must be done? A journey rooted in necessity and innovation Singapore's sustainability journey began from necessity. Due to its land constraints and high population density, the city's leadership and its people had to be resourceful and innovative from the outset to ensure that it could develop sustainably. Proof of this can be found in three areas. Water resilience – a shining example Singapore's 'Four National Taps' strategy – imported water, local catchment, NEWater (reclaimed) water, and desalinated water – is a shining example of foresight and innovation. What was once a vulnerability has become a strength, with weather-resilient NEWater and desalinated water playing an important role in enhancing the resilience of our water supply. Urban planning and green spaces Urban sustainability has long been a cornerstone of Singapore's development. The government's commitment to green urban planning has resulted in Singapore being known first as a Garden City and now as a 'City in a Garden'. And this is more than just a clever slogan. Over 40 per cent of Singapore's land is covered by greenery, and initiatives such as the Park Connector Network, rooftop gardens and vertical greening on buildings have redefined urban living. Energy efficiency and clean energy push Singapore has also focused on improving energy efficiency and diversifying our energy sources. While we are limited in renewable energy options, we have made significant investments in solar energy and are exploring regional power grids. For instance, we will import clean energy from our neighbours and are working closely with them on an integrated Asean Power Grid (APG). This supports Singapore's goal of importing up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy – about 30 per cent of our power needs – by 2035. SG60 and beyond: the challenges ahead Despite these strides, Singapore's sustainability ambitions face several complex challenges. To reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, Singapore's strategy focuses on four areas, namely: catalysing business transformation and investing in low-carbon technologies; pursuing cooperation on international and regional carbon markets; focusing on renewable energy imports; and adopting low-carbon practices. Each of these focus areas has inherent challenges. But investing in low-carbon technologies and pursuing international collaborations on carbon markets and renewable energy call for even more courageous and transformative initiatives to succeed. Investing in low-carbon technologies Low-carbon technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage are seen as critical enablers by many countries to achieve net zero. However, the nascency of such technologies, high production costs and infrastructure gaps make widespread reliance on them by the mid-century uncertain. The Singapore government is therefore in partnership with the private sector and research institutions, facilitating green research and development (R&D) focusing on climate tech, carbon capture, hydrogen, nuclear energy and safety, and sustainable materials, among others. Such green R&D initiatives include Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 funding and support for relevant startups through Enterprise Singapore and SGInnovate. For instance, PUB has announced Phase 2 of Equatic-1, an expansion of an ocean-based CO2 removal (CDR) prototype in partnership with UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) and Equatic, a private US startup. Dubbed 'the world's largest ocean-based CDR plant, when operational by 2025, this demonstration plant will remove up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per day and produce hydrogen, which is a clean-fuel by-product. NEA is also working with Keppel Seghers to assess the feasibility of installing carbon capture technology at its waste-to-energy plants. International collaborations Singapore's ambition to import up to 6 GW of renewable energy by 2035 from neighbouring countries under the APG is a bold step to decarbonise its power sector. However, it faces significant geopolitical, technical and economic challenges. First mooted more than two decades ago, progress has been slow due, among other reasons, to countries having different technical, legal and regulatory standards for grid operation as well as grid infrastructure gaps across nations. Nonetheless, some headway has been made over the past few years. For instance,last year Singapore doubled its clean electricity import from Laos from 100 MW to 200 MW. The government is also collaborating with international partners to develop both the voluntary and the regulated compliance carbon credits markets to allow companies to offset hard-to-abate carbon emissions while waiting for low-carbon technologies to mature. Carbon-taxable firms are allowed to use eligible credits to offset up to 5 per cent of their taxable emissions each year. They must purchase these credits from carbon projects hosted by countries that Singapore has bilateral agreements with. Currently, there are seven such countries including Bhutan and Peru. As carbon credits from the voluntary market are unregulated, there are concerns about the integrity and quality of such credits. To address these concerns, the government has recently released a draft guide for companies planning to voluntarily use carbon credits. It has also partnered the UK and Kenya to form an alliance called 'The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets' to raise the standards of the unregulated voluntary carbon market globally and spur adoption. It is hoped that more nations will join the alliance. Transition to net zero – embracing opportunities While challenges abound, the opportunities are equally significant. The government is playing its part by putting in place the necessary regulatory frameworks and policies, as well as initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 such as carbon tax, investments in green public transport and innovations in the green finance sector. For businesses, the sustainability transition is no longer just a corporate social responsibility activity. It is an existential imperative. Companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind as more investors, regulators and consumers demand environmental, social and governance (ESG) accountability and eschew greenwashing. SG60 can be a launch pad for bold, visionary initiatives that bring us to SG100 and beyond, where Singapore remains green, resilient and thriving. Our commitment to decarbonise opens up a range of green growth prospects across multiple sectors. Singapore can position itself as a regional leader in the green economy, creating exciting new economic and job opportunities. Let me illustrate two such opportunities: Green finance and carbon services Singapore has been actively building itself into a regional hub for green finance, ESG investment, and carbon services and trading. The growing carbon market is expected to drive demand for goods and services related to low-carbon project development, project financing, trading, consultancy and measurement, reporting and verification. New job roles that have been created include sustainability finance relationship manager, climate risk analyst, carbon project developer and green finance engineer. Skills in many disciplines, including engineering and AI, are needed. Singapore now hosts more than 150carbon services and trading firms, double thatin2021, and is becoming the largest such hub in South-east Asia. Market-ready initiatives such as Climate Impact X (CIX) and Air Carbon Exchange (ACX) are actively operating in the Asia-Pacific carbon credit trading landscape. The industry forecasts 4,000 to 5,000 new sustainable finance jobs in the next decade, and more than 50,000 financial professionals to receive green skills augmentation. The Economic Development Board estimates up to US$5.6 billion of value-add by 2050 from carbon services, signalling its long-term economic impact. Clean energy Singapore's regional renewables import strategy has progressively moved from pilot to large-scale development. The initiative achieved the first multilateral trade of 100 MW hydropower from Laos via the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which has since doubled to 200MW. The Republic has also made progress on agreements to import green energy from our neighbours, including Indonesia and Malaysia. Hence, while challenges such as legal and regulatory complexities as well as the need for massive investment remain, the initiative is well under way and will generate many new jobs and economic opportunities for the participating countries. Then senior minister Teo Chee Hean noted at the Ecosperity Week on May 6 that with continued investment and cross-border cooperation, the Asean Power Grid could lift regional gross domestic product by up to 4.6 per cent and create thousands of green jobs. A pivotal juncture At 60, Singapore has proven that with wit and gumption, size need not be a barrier to success. SG60 is not the culmination of a journey. It is the gateway to a new era – one where Singapore can shine, not just as a smart city, but as a vibrant, sustainable nation. This requires a whole-of-nation approach: The government as the enabler and regulator; businesses as the engine of innovation and transformation; and individuals as the conscience and catalyst. All of us, government, businesses and individuals, must work together and remain resolute in our ambition to ensure that Singapore remains a thriving and sustainable nation, come SG100 and beyond!
Business Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business Times
SG60: Singapore at 60 – a sustainability journey and the way forward
AS A small island with no natural resources, Singapore has, since independence, always embraced sustainability. Today, in the face of the global climate crisis, Singapore has both deepened and broadened that emphasis in a way that balances environmental stewardship, economic growth and social inclusion. Some major economies are, sadly, scaling back on their hard-fought climate commitments in the light of geopolitical and economic tensions. But, Singapore remains resolute in its climate ambition. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong gave this assurance in his Budget 2025 statement. Singapore's commitment to net zero by 2050 is more than a climate responsibility. It is a strategic national priority to safeguard our economy, energy security, public health and long-term resilience. But the road ahead is arduous. While Singapore has made significant progress, this SG60 milestone prompts a serious and timely reflection. What have we achieved, and what more must be done? A journey rooted in necessity and innovation Singapore's sustainability journey began from necessity. Due to its land constraints and high population density, the city's leadership and its people had to be resourceful and innovative from the outset to ensure that it could develop sustainably. Proof of this can be found in three areas. Water resilience – a shining example Singapore's ' Four National Taps' strategy – imported water, local catchment, NEWater (reclaimed) water, and desalinated water – is a shining example of foresight and innovation. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up What was once a vulnerability has become a strength, with weather-resilient NEWater and desalinated water playing an important role in enhancing the resilience of our water supply. Urban planning and green spaces Urban sustainability has long been a cornerstone of Singapore's development. The government's commitment to green urban planning has resulted in Singapore being known first as a Garden City and now as a 'City in a Garden'. And this is more than just a clever slogan. Over 40 per cent of Singapore's land is covered by greenery, and initiatives such as the Park Connector Network, rooftop gardens and vertical greening on buildings have redefined urban living. Energy efficiency and clean energy push Singapore has also focused on improving energy efficiency and diversifying our energy sources. While we are limited in renewable energy options, we have made significant investments in solar energy and are exploring regional power grids. For instance, we will import clean energy from our neighbours and are working closely with them on an integrated Asean Power Grid (APG). This supports Singapore's goal of importing up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy – about 30 per cent of our power needs – by 2035. SG60 and beyond: the challenges ahead Despite these strides, Singapore's sustainability ambitions face several complex challenges. To reduce emissions to around 60 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, Singapore's strategy focuses on four areas namely: catalysing business transformation and investing in low-carbon technologies; pursuing cooperation on international and regional carbon markets; focusing on renewable energy imports; and adopting low-carbon practices. Each of these focus areas has inherent challenges. But investing in low-carbon technologies and pursuing international collaborations on carbon markets and renewable energy call for even more courageous and transformative initiatives to succeed. Investing in low-carbon technologies Low-carbon technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage are seen as critical enablers by many countries to achieve net zero. However, the nascency of such technologies, high production costs and infrastructure gaps make widespread reliance on them by the mid-century uncertain. The Singapore government is therefore in partnership with the private sector and research institutions, facilitating green research and development (R&D) focusing on climate tech, carbon capture, hydrogen, nuclear energy and safety, and sustainable materials, among others. Such green R&D initiatives include RIE (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) 2025 funding and support for relevant startups through EnterpriseSG and SGInnovate. For instance, PUB has announced Phase 2 of Equatic-1, an expansion of an ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) prototype in partnership with UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) and Equatic, a private US startup. Dubbed 'the world's largest ocean-based CDR plant, when operational by 2025, this demonstration plant will remove up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per day and produce hydrogen, which is a clean-fuel by-product. NEA is also working with Keppel Seghers to assess the feasibility of installing carbon capture technology at its waste-to-energy plants. International collaborations Singapore's ambition to import up to 6 GW of renewable energy by 2035 from neighbouring countries under the APG is a bold step to decarbonise its power sector. However, it faces significant geopolitical, technical and economic challenges. First mooted more than two decades ago, progress has been slow due, among other reasons, to countries having different technical, legal and regulatory standards for grid operation as well as grid infrastructure gaps across nations. Nonetheless, some headway has been made over the past few years. For instance, last year Singapore doubled its clean electricity import from Laos from 100 MW to 200 MW. The government is also collaborating with international partners to develop both the voluntary and the regulated compliance carbon credits markets to allow companies to offset hard-to-abate carbon emissions while waiting for low-carbon technologies to mature. Carbon-taxable firms are allowed to use eligible credits to offset up to 5 per cent of their taxable emissions each year. They must purchase these credits from carbon projects hosted by countries that Singapore has bilateral agreements with. Currently, there are seven such countries including Bhutan and Peru. As carbon credits from the voluntary market are unregulated, there are concerns about the integrity and quality of such credits. To address these concerns, the government has recently released a draft guide for companies planning to voluntarily use carbon credits. It has also partnered the UK and Kenya to form an alliance called 'The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets' to raise the standards of the unregulated voluntary carbon market globally and spur adoption. It is hoped that more nations will join the alliance. Transition to net zero – embracing opportunities While challenges abound, the opportunities are equally significant. The government is playing its part by putting in place the necessary regulatory frameworks and policies, as well as initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 such as carbon tax, investments in green public transport and innovations in the green finance sector. For businesses, the sustainability transition is no longer just a corporate social responsibility activity. It is an existential imperative. Companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind as more investors, regulators and consumers demand environmental, social and governance (ESG) accountability and eschew greenwashing. SG60 can be a launch pad for bold, visionary initiatives that bring us to SG100 and beyond, where Singapore remains green, resilient and thriving. Our commitment to decarbonise opens up a range of green growth prospects across multiple sectors. Singapore can position itself as a regional leader in the green economy, creating exciting new economic and job opportunities. Let me illustrate two such opportunities: Green finance and carbon services Singapore has been actively building itself into a regional hub for green finance, ESG investment, and carbon services and trading. The growing carbon market is expected to drive demand for goods and services related to low-carbon project development, project financing, trading, consultancy and measurement, reporting and verification. New job roles that have been created include sustainability finance relationship manager, climate risk analyst, carbon project developer and green finance engineer. Skills in many disciplines, including engineering and AI, are needed. Singapore now hosts more than 150 carbon services and trading firms, double that in 2021, and is becoming the largest such hub in South-east Asia. Market-ready initiatives such as Climate Impact X (CIX) and Air Carbon Exchange (ACX) are actively operating in the Asia-Pacific carbon credit trading landscape. The industry forecasts 4,000 to 5,000 new sustainable finance jobs in the next decade, and more than 50,000 financial professionals to receive green skills augmentation. The Economic Development Board estimates up to US$5.6 billion of value-add by 2050 from carbon services, signalling its long-term economic impact. Clean energy Singapore's regional renewables import strategy has progressively moved from pilot to large-scale development. The initiative achieved the first multilateral trade of 100 MW hydropower from Lao PDR via the Lao-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which has since doubled to 200MW. The Republic has also made progress on agreements to import green energy from our neighbours, including Indonesia and Malaysia. Hence, while challenges such as legal and regulatory complexities as well as the need for massive investment remain, the initiative is well under way and will generate many new jobs and economic opportunities for the participating countries. Then SM Teo Chee Hean noted at the Ecosperity Week on May 6 that with continued investment and cross-border cooperation, the Asean Power Grid could lift regional gross domestic product by up to 4.6 per cent and create thousands of green jobs. A pivotal juncture At 60, Singapore has proven that with wit and gumption, size need not be a barrier to success. SG60 is not the culmination of a journey. It is the gateway to a new era – one where Singapore can shine, not just as a smart city, but as a vibrant, sustainable nation. This requires a whole-of-nation approach: The government as the enabler and regulator; businesses as the engine of innovation and transformation; individuals as the conscience and catalyst. All of us, government, businesses and individuals, must work together and remain resolute in our ambition to ensure that Singapore remains a thriving and sustainable nation, come SG100 and beyond! Dr Amy Khor chairs the judging panel of the Sustainability Impact Awards jointly organised by The Business Times and UOB. She was previously senior minister of state for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, as well as Ministry of Transport
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
Green adventures: from hiking and biking to outdoor yoga, level up your wellness in Singapore
Embracing its status as a city in nature, Singapore has bountiful, verdant landscapes, interweaved with wellness experiences to offer the ultimate green city adventure. From the city's breathtaking biophilic architecture, which sees everything from hotels to offices and the airport itself draped in verdant hanging gardens, festooned with leafy rooftops, and featuring everything from indoor waterfalls to greenhouses, all created with the environment in mind. To its continuation in Singapore's broader landscape, a diverse, nature-rich mix of parks and gardens, rainforests, mangroves and beaches that are made for exploring. Singapore's green spaces look beyond wellness as a physical activity and offer space to nurture your overall wellbeing. Whether via a gentle hiking trail among wildlife, a soothing outdoor yoga class or dining in a secluded garden, here's our guide to the best holistic experiences that provide plenty of space to reconnect with the outdoors. Do outdoor yoga Yoga can be one of the best ways to unwind, and there's no better place to take your practice outdoors than in the lush parks of Singapore. Join a community class or simply roll out your mat on your own in some of the city's most scenic and serene green spaces. One standout location is the Singapore Botanic Gardens (pictured above), a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers shaded paths and abundant flora — various groups run sunrise and sunset classes here. For a more secluded yoga experience, head to the Learning Forest, designed to combine the existing rainforest with the gardens. The rainforest canopy provides the perfect space to embrace mindfulness. Cycle coast to coast One of the best ways to explore Singapore's urban-nature balance is on two wheels, with its growing network of cycling paths that wind through scenic parks, cityscapes and along waterfronts. The Park Connector Network combines landscaped footpaths with cycle lanes, connecting parks, nature reserves and other green spaces across the city. Pedal along the Coast to Coast Trail, stretching from east to west. The route will take you through lush landscapes and mangroves, with some coastal views and spots along the way to have a coffee or wander through expansive gardens. For even more sea views, head to East Coast Park, where there's paths for cycling along the beachfront. Paddleboard at Siloso Beach Sentosa Island sits off the southern coast of Singapore, connected by road, cable car, boardwalk and monorail. Here, there's the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm, clear waters off Siloso Beach. Head out in the morning to experience the calm and quiet before the world wakes up. For beginners, the flat lagoons have plenty of shade for practising in, while intermediate paddleboarders can venture further out. There's also the option for kayaking, surfing and swimming from the beach. For a unique experience merging nature, art and technology, head to Sentosa Sensoryscape, an immersive, multi-sensory passageway that transforms every step into an exploration of light, sound, and nature, perfect for embarking on as the sun sets. Hike the Southern Ridges Singapore has an extensive catalogue of nature reserves that allow for a mindful trek, balancing exercise and relaxation. The Southern Ridges is a great starting point, with a 10-kilometre route that connects a series of parks. Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park along the route offer panoramic views of the city, while Henderson Waves Bridge, with its unique wave-like structure, is a great section for feeling immersed in the trees – you might spot lizards, sunbirds or wild orchids along the way. More hidden spots like the coastal Labrador Nature Reserve provide a soundscape of waves lapping the shore. Enjoy al fresco dining Singapore's wellness extends into its dining scene, with beautiful places to refuel and nourish the body and mind. There's a host of al fresco dining spots to choose from, where nature and food come together for a unique experience. One such place is Open Farm Community in the Dempsey Hill area. The urban farm and restaurant is tucked away amidst a secluded garden, where you can truly get lost in your surroundings while you sample the delicious dishes on offer. There's a strong focus on local, sustainable ingredients with a farm-to-table dining experience that makes for a special brunch or dinner. Afterwards, enjoy a post-prandial around nearby Orchard Road, an upscale shopping area packed with boutiques and coffee shops along its tree-lined street. Alternatively, for relaxed dining with plenty of vegan options, Air CCCC is a café sitting in a nature reserve. Their philosophy is rooted in sustainability and respect for their ingredients, community and environment. Take in a bird's eye view at MacRitchie Reservoir MacRitchie Reservoir is a great spot for moments of reflection, with trails and boardwalks that wind through some 2,000 hectares of forest — while it's the oldest reservoir in Singapore and is rich in biodiversity, the trails are well-maintained. For a different perspective, head to the TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge that stretches through the forest canopy between Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. Long-tailed macaques are fairly common in the reserve, while the route also offers up the chance to see the critically endangered banded leaf monkey. Go on an urban hike Alternatively, stage your own biophilic archicture tour around Singapore's Central Business District, where you can experience fully its unique offering as a city in nature. From the organic curves of the CapitaSpring building complete with leafy surrounds and sky garden (a 2023 Building of the Year Winner) to Marina One, flanked by two parks and designed to appear as 'a plant-covered mountain rising into the Singapore skyline.' Oasia Hotel, . While a half hour walk away, Gardens by the Bay combines futuristic architectural marvels with lush forest and plant life and a riot of floral colour. Making for the perfect hike through nature interwoven with Singapore's incredible eco-minded design.
