42 Local Smes Graduate Cdl Led Supplier Decarbonisation Programme
for 6th time
A group of budding entrepreneurs graduated from the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme on October 7, led by City Developments (CDL).
The programme, which was launched last May with the support of Enterprise Singapore, aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with knowledge, tools and digital platforms to measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions. As the first real estate company in Singapore to spearhead such a programme, CDL is paving the way for other companies in the industry to prioritize sustainability.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Singapore Sustainability Academy in City Square Mall and was officiated by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Low Yen Ling. Also in attendance was Sherman Kwek, Group CEO of CDL.
Among the 42 SMEs that successfully completed the programme are V-Plus Agritech, a Singapore-based agriculture-technology company, Gush, a firm producing sustainable paints, GasHub, a local energy provider business, Kai Xiang Huat, a B2B fruit wholesaler, Meta Fusion, a design agency, and SAS M&E, a turnkey contractor in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation.
The success of this programme highlights the potential for collaboration between different businesses in Singapore to advance the country’s decarbonisation journey, as stated by Low. With the recent implementation of mandatory sustainability reporting standards in Singapore, which require companies to report on Scope 3 value chain emissions, it is essential for businesses to work together towards achieving the country’s net-zero ambition under the national Green Plan 2030.
However, SMEs still face challenges in navigating decarbonisation due to their limited resources, manpower, and expertise. Kai Xiang Huat’s director, Donald Ng, shared that implementing green solutions was particularly challenging for their small business with limited resources and no owned property.
To address these challenges, the programme offers financial subsidies and expert coaching, as well as access to innovative digital platforms that make decarbonisation practical and achievable for SMEs. Kwek also stated that the programme will continue to strengthen supply chain resilience by enabling SMEs to adopt carbon accounting, develop decarbonisation roadmaps, and better align themselves with global sustainability reporting standards.
CDL also announced the launch of the CDL Queen Bee Compact, a condensed version of the programme aimed at equipping SMEs with essential sustainability capabilities, such as developing climate-related reports. It is an opportunity for SMEs to stay ahead of growing client procurement requirements and stand out as preferred suppliers.
To be eligible for the programme, companies must be registered and operating in Singapore with at least 30% ownership by Singapore citizens or PRs, be a local SME and existing or potential supplier to CDL, have a strong commitment to decarbonisation and be open to building capabilities in carbon accounting, emissions tracking, and reporting.
The updated PIE provides a convenient connection to the western and central areas, while the TPE offers access to the northern parts of Singapore. The ECP boasts a picturesque and effective route to the bustling central business district and popular coastal destinations. This excellent road accessibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with flexible timetables, families with children attending school, and busy professionals with meetings in various parts of the city. With the addition of Rivelle Tampines Sim Lian Land, these road networks offer even more convenience and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme highlights how businesses in Singapore, from large real estate groups like CDL to SMEs and other industry stakeholders, can collaborate to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future.