Asia Pacific Sustainability Leadership Forum
MOUs Connecting Singapore Companies to International Technological and Financing Network for More Green Growth Opportunities
Partnerships forged with Copenhagen Capacity, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Launch of Singapore Sustainability Awards 2012
Singapore, Monday, 17 October 2011 - Singapore Business Federation (SBF) today signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and a Letter of Intent (LOI), which will connect Singapore companies to global technological and financing networks for more market access to green growth opportunities in both Europe and Asia Pacific.
These partnerships are forged with Copenhagen Capacity, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Going forward, SBF and its counterparts will be working on an extensive range of activities, which will include:
- Strengthening relations: Building closer relations between the organisations and among their members, through more collaborative partnerships, and increased opportunities for delegation visits, networking sessions, and forums.
- Nurturing the future: Copenhagen Capacity will work with Singapore Sustainability Alliance (SSA) for further collaborations between academia, facilitate study trips and overseas internships for students in both countries, and enhance university curriculum with joint case studies.
- Increasing market access and opportunities: National and foreign enterprises will now have several platforms to grow their environmental business sector. SBF member companies and SMBC clients will be matched for potential projects, with a particular focus on environmental infrastructure.
- Creating value: SMBC will provide consultation and financial analysis on projects undertaken, and coordinate with SBF on the fast-tracking commercialisation of sustainability solutions.
- Tapping on networks: Client, partner and member networks will be tapped to further facilitate these goals.
Mr. Ho Meng Kit, Chief Executive Officer of SBF, lauded the signings, recognising that they form important connections to potential technology partners, Japanese financing and world class companies who are strong on sustainability capabilities. He added, "These strategic partnerships will place businesses in a position to maintain their competitiveness, marketplace leadership, and interests, while strengthening cooperation when expanding into new markets. We look forward to working with our partners to create more value for our business communities, and in delivering more inclusive green growth opportunities."
The third Singapore Sustainability Awards for 2012 was also launched. Participating companies will benefit from the addition of an international judging panel, and an alumni club for past award recipients will be initiated.
Taking place at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Sustainability Leadership Forum (APSLF), the forum also witnessed the congregation of over 25 top business, industry and government leaders in the field of sustainability, in discussion with some 120 participants on the latest opportunities and trends of sustainability as a business imperative.
In his opening address, Mr. S Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office & Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry, commented, "Today, Singapore's broad-based plans for Sustainability Development include improving national carbon emissions targets and the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint. This blueprint encompasses strategies, initiatives and goals for Singapore to achieve economic growth and a good living environment over the next two decades."
He also added, "As an increasing number of companies embrace sustainable practices, non-profit consultancy organizations such as WBCSD, CSR Asia and Accountability are working closely with MNCs to better integrate sustainable practices into their businesses. We welcome these international non-profit organizations to use Singapore as a base to further extend their message of sustainability to businesses."
The Asia Pacific Sustainability Leadership Forum held in conjunction with Global Entrepolis @ Singapore (GES) Business Leaders' Summit 2011, is supported by the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) and WBCSD.
Quotes
"We are thrilled to enter a yet closer collaboration with Singapore Sustainability Alliance, and we are convinced that this agreement holds a huge potential for both countries to exchange knowledge and experience in how to develop a green, sustainable and smart nation for the benefit of our companies, researchers, institutions and most importantly to our cities and its people! Both countries are striving to be competitive in the forefront of a more sustainable world for the benefit of future generations. We are looking forward to begin the collaboration!"
- Marianna Lubanski, Business Development Director, Copenhagen Capacity
"We are living in an increasingly resource and carbon constrained world. Countries and companies are therefore competing in a "Green Race" to become the leading suppliers of resource and energy efficient solutions. As a business, technology and financing hub, Singapore is particularly well positioned in this race. We very much look forward to working with the SBF in supporting businesses in Singapore to be among the winners."
- Bjorn Stigson, President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
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