Mr Tan Pheng Hock, President and CEO of ST Engineering

Mr Ng Lang, CEO of NParks

Management, staff and family members of ST Engineering and of Republic Polytechnic

Ladies and gentlemen

      Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to ST Engineering’s Tree Planting Day. I am told that we would be planting 2,008 trees at Admiralty Park this morning, which would set two new records in Singapore – the “most number of people planting trees at the same time", and the "most number of trees planted in one location”. I would like to congratulate ST Engineering on this tremendous effort. Besides setting records, this initiative will greatly enhance the ambience of Admiralty Park, making it an even more attractive green recreational space for residents, students and workers in the neighbourhood. As a Member of Parliament of Sembawang GRC and on behalf of my residents, I thank you for your generosity and effort – I am sure their experience visiting Admiralty Park will be significantly enhanced.

Community Partnership in Sustainable Development

2    This morning’s event is also a fine example of how private companies and the community at large can play an important role in Singapore’s efforts at sustainable development. Over the past four decades, Singapore has been committed to growing and developing our nation in a sustainable way. We have worked hard at growing our economy, while also creating a clean and green quality living environment. Along the way, partnership with the industry and community has been a key pillar in our efforts at sustainable development. It enhances a sense of community ownership of community facilities like parks.

Enhancing Greenery & Promoting Nature Appreciation

3    The Plant-A-Tree programme, which is conceptualised by the Garden City Fund in partnership with the Singapore Environment Council, is an excellent avenue through which organisations and individuals can play their part and contribute towards Singapore’s greening efforts. It helps to raise awareness of environmental issues such as global warming and climate change, and promotes community involvement in the enhancing of our natural environment. I am heartened to know that 110 individuals and 38 organisations have planted over 5,400 trees in various parks around Singapore since the programme was launched a year ago. To date, ST Engineering has the honour of planting the largest number of trees under this programme.

4    Besides contributing towards our nation’s green capital through the Plant-A-Tree programme, we also hope to see more organisations and individuals stepping forward to get involved in caring for our parks, and even spreading their passion for nature and greenery with others to grow public awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. I understand that today’s tree planting activity is one of ST Engineering’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to care for the environment, and I hope that it marks the start of a long-term partnership between ST Engineering and NParks in greening Singapore.

5    I hope ST Engineering’s effort today will inspire and spur many more organizations to come forward and partner NParks as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

6    I would also like to commend Republic Polytechnic for being an active partner of NParks in caring for Admiralty Park. Since the opening of the park last year, the staff and students of Republic Polytechnic have worked closely with NParks to implement several programmes and activities in the park. Amongst other initiatives, some 30 staff and students of Republic Polytechnic have been trained to conduct guided walks for visitors to Admiralty Park. I understand that some of them will join NParks in bringing us on a guided tour of the park later this morning. It is heartening to see our younger generation feel passionately about the environment. It bodes well for our future.

Energy Efficiency & Resource Conservation

7    Besides greening Singapore and promoting nature conservation, it is also important to cut down on our consumption of resources, particularly the need for energy, in our drive towards sustainable development. In this regard, the industry can also make significant contributions. To facilitate the efforts by industries and businesses to achieve greater energy efficiency, the Government has established funds that companies can tap on, such as the $10 million Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme, or EASe, which I am pleased to note that ST Engineering is participating in. This scheme co-funds energy audits and has helped 37 manufacturing facilities and 84 buildings in Singapore identify energy efficiency measures, resulting in $30 million of collective annual energy savings.

8    We have also set up a $20 million Green Mark Incentive scheme to encourage building owners to aim for higher standards of environmental performance for their buildings. I am told that ST Engineering is looking to participate in this scheme as well.

9    With the cost of energy expected to remain high, being resource-efficient can reap long-term cost savings that give businesses a competitive edge. Beyond just dollars and cents, companies that incorporate environmental sustainability into their operations will also differentiate themselves and win support from customers, partners and employees who are increasingly demanding businesses to be environmentally responsible.

10    I would therefore urge companies and businesses to do more than just adhere to minimum regulatory requirements, but instead strive to improve their environmental performance and take leadership positions through best practices. Businesses should actively invest in innovative and environmentally friendly technologies.

11    ST Engineering is a good example of how organisations can make their businesses more environmentally sustainable. I commend your efforts in instituting environmentally friendly work practices, developing environmentally friendly products and solutions, and raising awareness among your staff and the wider community through initiatives such as today’s tree planting activity. I am confident that the example and leadership that ST Engineering has demonstrated will encourage and inspire more Singapore firms to do their part for the environment.

Conclusion

12    As the Government continues to take the lead to grow and develop Singapore in a sustainable manner, we are also counting on the support and contributions of the industry and the community in this journey towards making Singapore a lively and liveable city. There is a part for all of us to play, and collectively, our efforts today will go a long way towards improving our environment

13    I wish you an enjoyable morning. Thank you.

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