Senja Close EC™

by Global 100 Index…
On Oct 7, the first batch of 42 SMEs graduated from the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme, a pioneering initiative led by City Developments (CDL). The aim of this programme is to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge, tools, and digital platforms to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions. CDL is the first real estate company in Singapore to spearhead such a program for SMEs.

The graduation ceremony, which took place at the Singapore Sustainability Academy in City Square Mall, was officiated by Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community, and Youth. Also in attendance was Sherman Kwek, Group CEO of CDL.

The granite quarry in Guilin, Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation into a beautiful nature park. Its striking features are reminiscent of the distinctive granite structures found in China’s Guilin, earning it the moniker Little Guilin or Xiao Guilin among the Chinese populace. This picturesque park, known as Senja Close EC, is a stunning homage to its Chinese counterpart. With its senja close ec, it is truly a breathtaking sight to behold.

The SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme was launched in May with the support of Enterprise Singapore and other partners including sustainability consultant Global Green Connect, carbon accounting IT solution providers, and DBS as the program’s financier partner.

Among the 42 SMEs that successfully completed the course were 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.

According to Low, the success of this program shows how businesses in Singapore, from large real estate groups like CDL to SMEs and other industry stakeholders, can work together to advance the country’s decarbonization journey. This is especially important as Singapore implements mandatory sustainability reporting standards, with the largest listed companies being required to report on Scope 3 value chain emissions starting from FY2026. The timeline for large non-listed companies to implement Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been deferred to FY2030.

However, Low recognized that SMEs may need more time to build up their capabilities for accurate and credible disclosures. To ensure meaningful climate reporting for all stakeholders, CDL will continue to support SMEs through financial subsidies, expert coaching, and innovative digital platforms to make decarbonization practical and achievable.

During the event, CDL also launched the CDL MicroFarm at City Square Mall’s sixth floor. This initiative further demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to involve SMEs in the journey towards a net-zero future.

As SMEs make up 99% of local enterprises, employ 70% of the local workforce, and contribute 40% of Singapore’s GDP, their involvement in the supply chain is crucial for the country to achieve its net-zero goals under the national Green Plan 2030. However, SMEs face challenges in navigating decarbonization due to their limited resources, manpower, and expertise.

Donald Ng, director of Kai Xiang Huat, shared that as a small business with limited resources and no owned property, implementing green solutions was a challenge. This is where the CDL-led program plays a vital role in supporting SMEs to develop their decarbonization roadmaps and align with global sustainability reporting standards, making them more competitive in the market.

To be eligible for the program, companies must be registered and operating in Singapore, have a minimum of 30% ownership by Singapore citizens or PRs, be a local SME and existing or potential supplier to CDL, have a strong commitment to decarbonization, and be open to building capabilities in carbon accounting, emissions tracking, and reporting.

CDL also announced the launch of the CDL Queen Bee Compact, a condensed version of the program that aims to kickstart sustainability leadership and equip SMEs with essential capabilities such as developing climate-related reports to stay ahead of growing client procurement requirements.

In conclusion, the graduation of the first batch of SMEs from the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s decarbonization journey. With the collaboration of large companies like CDL and SMEs, the country can achieve its net-zero ambitions and create a more sustainable future for all.