Towards climate resilience: SMU Sustainability Forum 2024
SMU’s Sustainability Forum 2024 sparked a powerful call to action, gathering over 200 participants, including students, faculty, and leading industry voices, to shape the future of climate resilience.
Themed “Our Journey Towards Climate Resilience,” this second annual forum captured the momentum and urgency of sustainability efforts. Through compelling discussions, dynamic presentations, and vibrant collaborations, the event underscored SMU’s commitment to driving meaningful change. With insights from key figures like Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Baey Yam Keng and GenZero CEO Frederick Teo, attendees wereinspired to envision andactively pursue a greener, more resilient world.
Professor Timothy Clark, Provost of SMU, warmly welcomed attendees and set the stage for a series of impactful discussions focused on advancing sustainability efforts.
Guest-of-Honour Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) delivered the opening address.
He highlighted the urgent climate challenges facing Singapore as well as the rest of the world, and underscored the importance of collaboration among government, industry, and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in achieving climate resilience.
“As we continue our journey towards sustainability, partnerships across the Government, the industry and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) will be key to achieving our goals,” he explained, citing key initiatives such as Cooling Singapore 2.0 and the Singapore Green Finance Centre as vital projects that foster innovative solutions for sustainability.
Frederick Teo, CEO of GenZero, also offered insights into the role of investment in climate action. GenZero, an investment platform founded by Temasek Holdings, focuses on accelerating global decarbonisation while delivering long-term sustainable financial returns.
A shift towards collection
The SMU Sustainability Report 2023/24 was unveiled during the forum. The report outlines SMU’s commitment to sustainability and to supporting and promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research and operations. It also supports several key targets of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 through the pillars of Sustainable Living, Energy Reset, Green Economy and Resilient Future.
A thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Doing Our Part: IHLs' Climate Resilience Agenda”, moderated by Professor Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate at SMU, provided insights into the sustainability efforts and outcomes within IHLs. On the panel was Mr Lim Boon Wee, senior vice-president, Administration, SMU; Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO, Institute of Technical Education (ITE); and Mr Soh Wai Wah, principal & CEO, Singapore Polytechnic.
One of the key insights that the discussion touched on was the importance of a shift in mindset when it comes to addressing climate challenges. Panellists emphasised that fostering a culture of sustainability requires not just institutional commitment – it also requires a change in individual behaviours and attitudes.
Another point highlighted during the discussion was the potential for collaboration between institutions, industries, and communities to ideate and implement impactful solutions. Institutions can work together more effectively when they recognise the urgent need for climate action and the interconnectedness of various initiatives – a mindset shift that is crucial to drive collective action and ensure that sustainability practices become embedded within all layers of society.
Showcasing SMU’s efforts towards climate resilience
Participants of the event also attended a workshop that showcased SMU’s efforts to drive meaningful impact in its pursuit of climate resilience, through research initiatives, community engagement efforts and sustainable campus infrastructure.
Professor Winston Chow introduced the Cooling SG Project, which focuses on innovative strategies for urban climate adaptation.
Ms Devi, Head of the Centre for Social Responsibility, highlighted the critical role of education and community engagement in cultivating a culture of sustainability. Mr Sundaravadivelan Selvam, Vice President of Campus Infrastructure and Services, shared effective practices in infrastructure development and campus operations aimed at enhancing sustainability initiatives.
As the SMU Sustainability Forum drew to a close, it left an invigorated network of changemakers ready to champion climate resilience across Singapore and beyond. The discussions, insights, and connections fostered at the forum underscored that sustainability is more than a goal; it is a shared responsibility. By amplifying SMU’s initiatives, from transformative research to award-winning student projects, the event highlighted that every step towards sustainability – no matter how small – is a step towards a stronger future for all.
