As Singapore recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has the rare opportunity to accelerate its sustainability efforts not only at home but also in the region, said experts during a forum on sustainability and the environment yesterday. Associate Professor Simon Tay, chairman of SIIA, said Singapore can drive efforts in the region through bilateral agreements, funding clean energy and investing in incentive schemes like carbon markets. Speaking on the second day of the four-day Singapore Perspectives conference organised by IPS, Prof Tay noted that Singapore is a top investor in neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar. “We can and should use this economic engagement to further our green recovery and green opportunities,” he said, adding that Asean has not coordinated its sustainability efforts well despite many of its member states making individual commitments to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, founder and director of the Sustainable Living Lab social enterprise, said Singapore has much to offer companies pursuing innovations by creating a suitable environment and nurturing talent.... Continue Reading