TEMBUSU Asia Consulting celebrated its 7th anniversary. This occasion marks seven years of unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability across Asia, guided by our vision to be a leading partner for businesses and governments on their journey towards a more sustainable future. Since our establishment , we have been dedicated to providing innovative, end-to-end sustainability solutions. Our journey began with a core belief that economic growth and environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand. Over the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to empower our clients with the expertise and tools needed to tackle complex challenges, from decarbonisation strategies and ESG reporting to urban resilience and biodiversity management. Our growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our highly skilled team of engineers, scientists, ecologists, and consultants. Their collective expertise has enabled us to deliver impactful projects that align with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are proud of the partnerships we have built and the positive change we have helped to create. Looking back, we are filled with gratitude for the trust and collaboration of our valued clients and partners. Your commitment to sustainability has been the driving force behind our success. Looking forward, we remain more committed than ever to fostering a sustainable future. The road ahead is filled with new challenges and opportunities. As we embark on our next chapter, we will continue to innovate, build capacity , and collaborate with like-minded organisations to drive impactful change. We are excited to continue this journey with you, working together to build a more resilient and sustainable Asia for generations to come. Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to many more years of sustainable growth and partnership. About TEMBUSU Asia Consulting: TEMBUSU Asia Consulting Pte Ltd was established in November 2017 and started operations in July 2018. The company’s vision is to be the leading sustainability consulting firm in Asia and its mission to provide one-stop, innovative solutions, and consulting services to clients on their sustainability journey. TAC’s clients come from industries such as finance, manufacturing, built environment, oil & gas, chemical, utilities and power, and infrastructure. Through the deployment of science and engineering expertise, TAC strives to support the industries in Asia to meet the needs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) .

Sustainable practices are more vital than ever as we face environmental challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. Adopting sustainable methods not only helps to protect our planet but also ensures that future generations have the resources they need to thrive. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of sustainable practices and provide actionable recommendations for integrating them into everyday life. Sustainable Practices Sustainable practices focus on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. They encompass a wide range of activities—from reducing waste and conserving energy to more responsible consumption and ethical sourcing. For businesses, adopting sustainable practices can lead to improved efficiency and cost savings. According to a 2021 report by McKinsey, companies that actively pursue sustainability can see profitability increase by as much as 20%. This not only benefits the company itself but also contributes positively to the community and the environment. Solar panels facilitating renewable energy usage Why Sustainable Practices Matter Environmental Protection : Sustainable practices help to reduce the negative impact on the environment. For example, companies that utilize renewable energy sources like wind or solar power can significantly lower their carbon footprint. Resource Conservation : By implementing sustainable techniques, we can conserve natural resources. For instance, water-saving irrigation methods in agriculture can reduce water use by up to 50%, which is essential in regions facing water scarcity. Health Benefits : Sustainability can also improve public health. Reducing pollution and promoting clean air and water lead to better health outcomes for communities. The World Health Organization attributes millions of deaths annually to pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices. Practical Steps Towards Sustainability Making sustainable choices in our daily lives may seem daunting, but small changes can lead to significant impacts. Here are some practical steps to consider: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle : Follow the three Rs. Limit single-use products and opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Recycling not only conserves resources but also reduces landfill waste. Energy Efficiency : Simple changes like switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances can lead to substantial energy savings. Sustainable Transportation : Consider walking, biking, or using public transport instead of driving. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions—a significant contributor to climate change. Bicycle promoting sustainable transportation options Support Local and Ethical Brands : Choose to buy from companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing and ethical practices. Supporting local farmers and businesses not only reduces carbon emissions from transportation but also contributes to the economy. Educate Yourself and Others : Engage in sustainability education . Learning about sustainability helps you make informed decisions and encourages those around you to do the same. Sustainable Practices in Businesses Businesses play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Adopting sustainable practices can lead to innovations that enhance competitiveness. Here are some examples: Green Certifications : Businesses that achieve green certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), can attract more environmentally conscious consumers. Implementing energy-efficient construction and renovation practices can significantly reduce costs in the long run. Supply Chain Transparency : More businesses are becoming accountable for their supply chains. By ensuring that suppliers follow sustainable practices, companies can build brand loyalty among environmentally aware consumers. Waste Reduction Strategies : Implementing a zero-waste policy can drastically decrease waste sent to landfills. Companies like Unilever have committed to making their operations more sustainable by focusing on waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Sustainable office space promoting eco-friendly practices The Global Impact of Sustainable Practices Sustainable practices have a ripple effect, impacting communities and economies worldwide. For instance, the Global Goals set by the United Nations in 2015 aim to address urgent global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. Sustainable practices contribute to achieving these goals by encouraging sustainable economic growth and social responsibility. The effects of climate change are increasingly global issues. While some regions feel the consequences sooner than others, the interconnectedness of our world means that one area can affect another. By engaging in sustainable practices, individuals and businesses can contribute to mitigating climate change, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for everyone. Moving Forward with Sustainable Practices As we have discussed, sustainability is not just a trend; it is a necessity for our planet and future generations. By adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives and businesses, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Start Small : Begin by incorporating one or two sustainable practices into your routine. As you grow more comfortable, you can expand to include more. Inspire Others : Share your journey toward sustainability with friends, family, and colleagues. Encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices helps create a culture of consciousness that benefits everyone. Stay Informed : Keep abreast of the latest news on sustainability and environmental issues. Understanding the challenges the planet faces today can help you make informed decisions that amplify your impact. In closing, the significance of sustainable practices cannot be overstated. From environmental benefits to economic advantages, adopting such practices is a critical step towards ensuring a better future for our planet. As individuals and businesses rally around these principles, we can collectively create a more sustainable world.

We're thrilled to share the resounding success of the Sustainable Finance Forum: Banking on Change – A Roadmap for a Climate-Aligned Future for Financial Institutions , held on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in Jakarta. This landmark event brought together key business leaders, industry experts, and government officials from across the financial sector, marking a significant step forward in environmental sustainability consulting  for the region. The forum was jointly organised by TEMBUSU Asia Consulting  and Evercomm, with invaluable support from KADIN Indonesia, Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials ( PCAF ), and Otoritas Jasa Keuangan ( OJK ). This collaborative effort underscored the growing commitment to sustainable finance  and climate action  within the Indonesian financial landscape. Key Takeaways for Financial Institutions Participants gained invaluable insights into critical areas of environmental sustainability  and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)  integration: Navigating Sustainability Reporting:  Expert-led sessions demystified the evolving international and regulatory landscape of sustainability reporting , crucial for financial institutions  aiming for greater transparency and accountability. Demystifying Financed Emissions:  A core focus was on understanding and managing financed emissions , a vital component of a robust net-zero  strategy. This included mastering measurement methodologies, often aided by innovative digital platform tools. Developing Reduction Strategies:  The forum provided practical case studies and actionable takeaways on developing effective carbon reduction strategies  for financial portfolios. This equips institutions with the tools to align portfolios with net-zero targets  and build greater climate resilience . Towards a Climate-Aligned Economy A huge thank you goes out to all our distinguished speakers and participants for their tireless engagement and commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for finance . The connections forged and knowledge shared during this event are crucial steps towards fostering a climate-aligned economy  and advancing the principles of sustainable development . TEMBUSU Asia Consulting  is committed to continuing to drive sustainable change  through expert sustainability consulting services . Stay tuned for more initiatives as we work towards a greener, more resilient financial sector.

Engaging with Local Suppliers TEMBUSU Asia Consulting is proud to have participated in the recent Supplier Sustainability Day 2025. This event was co-organised by Mandai Wildlife Group and Changi Airport Group. It took place on Friday, 16 May 2025, at the Meranti Ballroom, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. This day served as a crucial platform to engage and inspire local suppliers on their sustainability journeys. The day brought together valued partners to delve into the latest trends. Attendees explored best practices and collaborative strategies essential for driving sustainability across supply chains. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn from shared experiences, and discover tools to support our collective sustainability journey. Key Highlights of the Event The programme featured insightful panel discussions, beginning with "Accelerating Sustainability in the Tourism Sector." This session set a dynamic tone for the day. Following that was a thought-provoking discussion on "The Sustainability Journey for an SME." Here, experts shared their challenges and successes, providing a realistic outlook for small and medium enterprises. The day concluded with a critical discussion on "Closing the Sustainability Resource Gap." TEMBUSU Asia Consulting has significant expertise in this area. We are committed to addressing the resource gaps that hinder sustainability. Importance of Collaboration We believe that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are paramount in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future. Our participation in events like the Supplier Sustainability Day reinforces our commitment to supporting businesses in embedding robust sustainability practices within their operations. We are all aware that the path to sustainability is not a solo journey. When businesses come together, they can leverage collective insights and resources. This collaboration not only enhances individual efforts but creates a stronger impact on the community at large. TEMBUSU Asia Consulting’s Role To further support your organisation's sustainability goals, TEMBUSU Asia Consulting offers a comprehensive suite of services. We focus on sustainability consulting, ESG strategy development, impact assessments, and tailored training courses. Each service is designed to equip your teams with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective implementation. Our expert team provides essential insights and guidance tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. We understand that each business operates in a unique environment and, therefore, requires customized solutions. This ensures that you are not just participating in sustainability efforts but excelling in them. Future Opportunities We invite you to learn more about how we can help your business thrive sustainably. Explore our Services page for detailed information. Additionally, you can check out our upcoming Training Programmes designed specifically for sustainability. TEMBUSU Asia Consulting is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future. We look forward to continuing these vital conversations and collaborating with our partners. Together, we can build a more sustainable tomorrow. In summary, Supplier Sustainability Day 2025 was a landmark event. It highlighted the importance of engaging with local suppliers and sharing knowledge. By coming together, we are taking significant steps towards achieving sustainability goals. This is an exciting journey, and we are thrilled to be part of it.

On January 17, 2025, TEMBUSU Asia Consulting and EVERCOMM Singapore co-hosted a meaningful event, "Advancing ESG Together: Insights, Innovation & Collaboration," at The Vine Ballroom, Metropolitan YMCA in Singapore. This exclusive gathering brought together sustainability professionals, business leaders, and experts to explore how collaboration and innovation can shape the future of #Sustainability. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from TEMBUSU Asia, followed by a series of engaging presentations by Enterprise Singapore and EVERCOMM that highlighted various supports and innovative solutions available for sustainability initiatives. Key Highlights from the Event Enterprise Singapore’s Sharing: We were honored to have Enterprise Singapore deliver an informative presentation on the "Overview of Enterprise Singapore's Quality Infrastructure & Sustainability Initiatives." Their session provided invaluable insights into the support available for organizations to drive sustainability and internationalization. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how Enterprise Singapore's Quality and Excellence infrastructure plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses as they transition toward more sustainable practices. The presentation also highlighted how Enterprise Singapore's Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) infrastructure contributes to advancing the goals of the Singapore Green Plan across various areas, showcasing their commitment to growing Singapore's Green Economy. TEMBUSU Asia’s Sharing: Our Managing Director, Mr. Tan Seng Chuan, delivered an insightful presentation on the systematic approach to sustainability reporting and roadmap development. Through his session, he aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of these critical processes, equipping them with the knowledge to meet evolving regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations. EVERCOMM's Sharing: Ted, the CEO of EVERCOMM, showcased real-world solutions for accelerating net-zero goals through the integration of advanced technology and innovative approaches. He shared about EVERCOMM's carbon reduction management software suite, a powerful tool designed to help transition organisations toward a low-carbon future efficiently. Both Mr. Tan and Ted encouraged attendees to take the first step—or the next step—in their sustainability journey, emphasizing that they don’t have to navigate it alone. As we’re all on this sustainability journey together, support and guidance are always available to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals and create meaningful impact. Partnership Agreement Signing A memorable moment of the event was the Partnership Agreement signing between TEMBUSU Asia Consulting and EVERCOMM, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing sustainability goals through collaboration and innovation. Networking and High Tea The event concluded with a delightful networking session over high tea, where attendees connected with like-minded professionals and exchanged ideas and knowledge on impactful sustainability initiatives. TEMBUSU Asia Consulting and EVERCOMM remains committed to empowering organizations with sustainability expertise and innovative solutions. Stay tuned for more updates and future events as we continue driving impactful change in the Sustainability landscape. Check out some of the event highlights below!

Tembusu Asia Consulting is pleased to share the recent development by SGX RegCo that, starting in financial year (FY) 2025, all issuers will be required to report their climate-related disclosures incorporating the climate-related requirements in the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).  With the compliance deadline approaching, it is critical for companies to start adapting their reporting frameworks to meet these standards. Early preparation will help ensure smooth implementation and position companies to fulfill these obligations effectively.  “This is a positive step towards more globally consistent and comparable sustainability-related disclosures, which will enable SGX-listed companies to demonstrate resilience against climate risks as well as seize opportunities in our transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Mr Lim Tuang Lee, Assistant Managing Director (Capital Markets), Monetary Authority of Singapore.  At TEMBUSU Asia Consulting, we are ready to help your company navigate this transition and are proud to be one of the few licensees of the IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards and SASB® Standards.  With our team management consultants accredited as Practicing Management Consultants (PMC) by SBACC and recognized by EnterpriseSG, we offer:  • Customized consulting services aligned with the new SGX requirements  • Comprehensive training to equip your team for these changes.  • Guidance on ISSB Reporting that is eligible for the Sustainability Reporting Grant from Enterprise Singapore.    This mandatory reporting requirement is a significant step towards climate resilience. For more information on the SGX mandate, click here.  Contact us today to see how we can assist you in preparing for these changes.  #TembusuAsiaConsulting #IFRS #ISSB #SGX #SustainabilityReporting

8 July 2024 - TEMBUSU Asia Consulting (TAC) is now accredited by the Asia Carbon Institute (ACI) as the first Singapore Validation and Verification Body (VVB) to verify carbon credits. This strategic move reinforces TAC’s expertise to drive the regional carbon trading market alongside ACI, catalysing the generation and issuance of high-quality carbon credits to meet the increasing market demand in Asia. The World Economic Forum projects that Asia's green economy will play a transformative role globally in the next decade, with its market for green businesses expected to reach between USD 4 to 5 trillion by 2030. In 2023, Asia led in terms of carbon credit transaction volume in the voluntary carbon market. Despite a notable pullback from REDD+ projects last year, the Asia carbon market shows ample room for growth. Meanwhile, carbon credits from engineered projects overtook nature-based credits in 2023. With a special focus on engineered projects such as technology-based and urban-related carbon reduction and removal solutions, ACI provides greenhouse gas mitigation project proponents in Asia an alternative standard that is closer to home for credit registration. TAC will offer its technical expertise and regional knowledge to verify the integrity of the carbon credits based on relevant standards. Pooling their network together, ACI and TAC are expected to expand their reach to more companies in Asia and beyond, providing an avenue for more Asian players to participate in the emerging Asia carbon market. Celebrating its 6th year anniversary on 7th July 2024, TAC recounts the role it has in driving Singapore corporates’ decarbonisation efforts. From Sustainability-Linked Loans and Resource Efficiency Grants to Verification under Singapore’s Carbon Pricing Act, TAC has been conducting greenhouse gas validation and verification for companies in Singapore as part of the companies’ carbon reduction journeys. Supported by Enterprise Singapore, TAC deepened its capabilities and was accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) for its greenhouse gas verification competencies. This provided greater assurance that TAC’s verification process is aligned to international standards and opened doors for TAC to access new opportunities in the carbon services space. To date, TAC has verified over 9.16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas for various industries. With ACI’s accreditation, TAC can support project developers from Asia in fuelling Asia’s decarbonisation agenda. As carbon taxes and Emission Trading System in Asia mature, the demand and value of carbon credits are anticipated to rise in the near future. This timely accreditation by ACI enables TAC to verify the additionality and verifiability of carbon credits from energy, manufacturing and chemical industries to mining, waste, and afforestation and reforestation sectors, giving Asia’s greenhouse gas mitigation project proponents more access to register their carbon credits. From left to right: Alexander Zehnder (Steering Board Member of ACI), John Lo (Founder of ACI), Tan Seng Chuan (Chairman and Managing Director of TAC) and Lee Shiau Ping (Department Head of Carbon & Sustainability at TAC). About TEMBUSU Asia TEMBUSU Asia began operations in July 2018 and has been accredited by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) to conduct greenhouse gas emissions verification under the Carbon Pricing Act since 2019. Subsequently, TAC attained accreditation by the Singapore Accreditation Council as a validation and verification body in 2023. With ACI’s accreditation added to its laurels, TAC is poised to verify carbon credits registered under the ACI program. TAC is also a licensed assurance provider under AA1000AS. For more information, please visit https://www.tembusuasia.com/. About Asia Carbon Institute Asia Carbon Institute (ACI) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering sustainable climate action throughout Asia and beyond. As a voluntary carbon credit standards body and registry, ACI focuses on developing and implementing climate-positive initiatives and tailored solutions to address the unique environmental challenges and opportunities in Asia. ACI's mission is to provide a reliable and substantiated platform for generating, assessing, and validating premium carbon credits. With rigorous project validation and verification protocols, ACI ensures that each carbon credit represents a verifiable, quantifiable, and lasting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please visit www.asiacarboninstitute.org For media enquiries, please contact: Joy Lim Training & Development Manager Email: joylim@tembusuasia.com Phone: 6238 4009

On the 19th of March 2024, Singapore Accreditation Council celebrated the achievements of the newly accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) at SAC Customer Day 2024. We, Tembusu Asia Consulting, was also one of the newly accredited CABs celebrated! *In 2023, we became a SAC-Accredited GHG Validation and Verification Body. In addition to representing Tembusu Asia in receiving the Certificate of Accreditation on stage, our Managing Director, Seng Chuan Tan was also one of the four panellist on that day for a discussion with the theme ‘Accreditation: Empowering a Smart and Sustainable Future’. Lastly, we agree with SAC that "There is no 'right' time to start" on one's sustainability journey. " The time is now. "

TEMBUSU Asia Consulting's consultants were certified by Singapore Business Advisors & Consultants Council (SBACC) as Practising Management Consultant (PMC). In addition, they have been awarded specialisation in sustainability. PMC status is being recognised internationally over 80 countries including The International Accreditation Forum (IAF), a global association of accreditation bodies. In an era of intense global competition, the dynamic business landscape in Singapore has undergone constant transformation. There is then an expectation for management consultants to have heightened skills and expertise in the industry. The Scheme was established in 2008 to raise the professionalism of the management consulting industry in Singapore. Government agencies such as Enterprise Singapore (ESG) endorse the PMC Scheme for its stringent process in certifying management consultants. The obtainment of this certification would mean that there is an additional level of confidence that can be placed on us as our certified consultants are bound by the PMC Code of Professional Conduct. In addition, this certification enables us to support Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their sustainability journey by obtaining funding from the government. #CarbonAbatement #Certification #CarbonVerification #CarbonAuditing #CarbonEmission #SDG11 #SustainableCitiesAndCommunities #Grants #Sustainability

11 July 2023 – TEMBUSU Asia Consulting (TAC), formed by a group of Singapore Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), celebrated its fifth anniversary since commencing operations in July 2018. The local sustainability and environmental consulting company was set up to meet the urgent need for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action; and provide one-stop solutions that integrate management consulting, science and engineering expertise to support the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and help companies in their sustainability journey. TAC embraces the United Nations’ (UN) SDGs at the heart of its services. The anniversary celebration was held at NUSS Suntec City Guild House on 7 July 2023, with more than 100 guests from partners and clients of TAC, government agencies, private sectors, institutes of higher learning, associations and non-governmental organisations. Key Achievements TAC is the only Singaporean company accredited by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) as a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Verifier under the Carbon Pricing Act (CPA). It is also the first Singaporean company accredited under the Singapore Accreditation Council’s (SAC) Accreditation Scheme for GHG Validation and Verification Bodies. These achievements recognise TAC’s GHG validation and verification expertise in supporting the industry’s decarbonisation effort. TAC’s members have also obtained the Singapore Business Advisors & Consultants Council’s (SBACC) certification as Practicing Management Consultant (PMC) for Sustainability, which allows TAC to better assist SMEs in obtaining grants to support their own sustainability journeys. “TEMBUSU Asia Consulting leverages on our local SMEs’ expertise and builds local competency in the field of sustainability and the environment. Over the past five years, our work has created jobs in Singapore and created opportunities for local SMEs to expand into the global market,” said Er. Tan Seng Chuan, Managing Director of TAC. To date, TAC has verified over 2.5 million tonnes of CO2e (or GHG), carried out biodiversity surveys in over 385 hectares of land in Singapore, trained more than 320 sustainability professionals and completed projects in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia. Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) TAC has signed two MOUs to explore collaborative opportunities during the anniversary event. The first MOU is with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) which aims to foster the growth of future engineers in climate action by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience. The second MOU is with Stichting Deltares, a Dutch knowledge institute for water, to explore new business and research opportunities in areas such as flood management and nature-based solutions. “We are happy to extend our long-term cooperation with TAC, an excellent local environmental consultant. As Deltares, the Dutch National Research Institute for water and the subsurface, we share our knowledge with local, national knowledge partners, like NUS, TCOMS, and TMSI, and with local private partners like TAC. We congratulate TAC on their 5th anniversary and look forward to an excellent cooperation,.” said Mr. JanJaap Brinkman, Director of Deltares Singapore. This collaboration will allow both companies to work together to address the climate challenges faced in Southeast Asia. About TEMBUSU Asia Consulting TEMBUSU Asia Consulting Pte Ltd was established in November 2017 and started operations in July 2018. The company’s vision is to be the leading sustainability consulting firm in Asia and its mission to provide one-stop, innovative solutions, and consulting services to clients on their sustainability journey. TAC’s clients come from industries such as finance, manufacturing, built environment, oil & gas, chemical, utilities and power, and infrastructure. Through the deployment of science and engineering expertise, TAC strives to support the industries in Asia to meet the needs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN).

TEMBUSU Asia Consulting is now accredited under the SAC Certificate of Accreditation to the following validation and verification criteria: ISO/IEC 17029:2019 Conformity assessment – General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies ISO 14065:2020 General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information ISO 14066:2011 Green House Gases Competence Requirements for Greenhouse validation teams and verification teams ISO 14064-3:2019 Greenhouse gases – Part 3: Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas statements TAC is committed to maintain impartiality in our service performance to provide 3rd party validation and verification services to clients from multiple sectors including: general manufacturing (physical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products), power generation and electric power transactions, chemical production and oil and gas exploration, extraction, production, refining and pipeline distribution, including petrochemicals. Formed in 1996, The Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) is Singapore’s national accreditation body that maintains the integrity and impartiality of conformity assessment practices. #CarbonandSustainability #GHG #ValidationandVerification #SAC #Certification #Accreditation #CarbonFootprint #3rdParty #VVB #ISO17029 #ISO14065 #ISO14066 #ISO14064-3

Jun 10, 2022 Disruption of food imports On 1st June 2022, Malaysia halted the export of 3.6 million chickens per month to Singapore to address rising prices and the domestic shortage of chickens, causing panic amongst many in Singapore, as a third of our chicken supplies come from Malaysia. Due to this, eateries and wet market stallholders were hit hardest by the export ban, with chicken sellers already facing a 20 to 70 per cent chicken shortage, as reported by Channel News Asia in May 2022. By the time the export ban started, prices for whole chickens, chicken parts, and chicken dishes in hawker centres had already increased across the board. News like this may seem unexpected, given how Singapore is known for its preparedness and foresight on meeting citizen’s basic needs and demands, but it only remind us on the vulnerability of Singapore to food shortages, being a land-scarce island. Figure 1. Stalls selling Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice, were affected (Unscrambled, 2022) The chicken shortage is not the only food security crisis that Singapore faces at the moment. The cost of fish from Malaysia has increased as well, partially due to increased fuel prices. The more concerning fact pertaining to this issue is that fish sightings have also been dropping in recent months, with Malaysian fishermen estimating decreases in fish sightings by 15 to 30 per cent. For example, fish landings that used to be at 4,000 metric tonnes per day, have landed only at 3,250 tonnes per day in the last week of May. As Malaysia supplied 25 per cent of Singapore’s seafood in 2021, it will be no surprise should the fish shortages in Malaysia result in shortages in Singapore as well. Importance of local food produce Such disruptions in food imports, coupled with the ramifications of climate change, have placed even more emphasis on increasing the food security in Singapore. With our meat being supplied by countries as far as Brazil, our rice from Thailand and India, and our vegetables from all over the world, it is almost certain that the chicken and fish import disruptions from Malaysia will not be our last. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reduce our reliance on imports and increase local food production. In light of this, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) launched a ‘30 by 30’ goal in 2019 with the objective to produce 30 per cent of the nation’s nutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030. In such uncertain times, local produce is essential to serve as buffers during any supply chain disruptions. As of 2021, SFA has reported that we are producing less than 10 per cent domestically. Hence, there is still room for continued growth and expansion in the local food industry. Figure 2. Locally produced vegetables with “SG Fresh Produce” logo on packaging (SFA, n.d.) Role of domestic marine aquaculture One important sector in the local food industry is marine aquaculture. According to a study mentioned in an article by TODAY, marine aquaculture “is one of the most efficient sectors available for production of animal proteins”. As compared to other forms of livestock farming, such as beef, pork and poultry, marine aquaculture is more cost-effective in converting feed into protein for human consumption. In addition, the operations are more sustainable as they typically involve a smaller carbon footprint and require less land and fresh water. As such, domestic seafood production is indeed vital in our progress towards the city-state’s ‘30 by 30’ vision. For example, the constant production of food by local fish farms was able to minimise the impacts of a two-week closure of the Jurong Fishery Port (JFP) in July 2021. Figure 3. Local fish farm on Singapore’s waters (SFA, n.d.) To support the expansion of a robust domestic aquaculture industry, SFA has created a Singapore Aquaculture Plan which will further boost our sea-based fish farming capabilities. Measures include the introduction of temporary occupation licences (TOL), which makes fish farming more affordable and attractive to newcomers and current farmers alike. New sea spaces are being unlocked in the Southern Waters and East Johor Strait, with long lease periods to let companies and fish farmers make long-term investments and commitments. Furthermore, annual licence fees are being lowered from 1 Jan 2023 onwards, in addition to the $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund available to fish farmers to adopt new technology, innovate, and upgrade their farming practices. Beyond financial aid, the government is also supporting the research and development of sustainable aquaculture practices and solutions. The Marine Aquaculture Centre (MAC) on St John’s Island, which is operated by SFA, conducts research into hatchery technology, aquaculture nutrition, and aquatic husbandry. MAC also partners with local universities and polytechnics to create new solutions that improve efficiency and yields of fish farms. An example is the development of new breeds of Asian seabass that grow quickly and are resistant to disease. Adoption of sustainable marine aquaculture practices Research has already produced viable sustainable aquaculture practices. Blue Ocean Aquaculture Technology (BOAT) has developed a factory-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) that allows for indoor fish farming, which means that fish farming does not need to be sea-based anymore. As for fish farming on the sea, Aquaculture Centre for Excellence has developed a floating closed-container system that reduces the environmental impacts of fish farms and protects fish from adverse environmental conditions. A separate floating closed-container system has also been developed by EcoArk, which incorporates RAS and green energy for a sustainable fish farming solution. Figure 4. Fish being raised in a tank in BOAT’s RAS system (SFA, 2022). Some of these new practices are recent developments, but others have already proven to be very effective. Barramundi Group, a local fish farming company, was the first company to secure a 4-star Best Aquaculture Practices rating in both Singapore and Australia. This means that their farmed seafood was sustainably produced at all levels, which includes hatchery operations, fish feed production, and processing of harvested fish. Barramundi Group is now working with WWF-Singapore to implement further plans that will qualify them for Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification, which will recognise them as world-class sustainable fish farmers. Environmental impacts of marine aquaculture These sustainable practices are needed as traditional aquaculture farms can negatively impact marine ecosystems in various ways. For instance, excess nutrients that enter the water via feed or waste could result in algae blooms, and the construction of pilings to keep the fish farm in place could destroy coral reefs. Nutrient depletion could also affect marine organisms that require good water quality and light penetration to thrive, such as giant clams. Endangered species are at risk as well. Singapore is not only part of the coral triangle, but also contains intertidal habitats such as sandy shores, rocky shores, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These habitats are home to a variety of native marine megafauna species like the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered green sea turtle. As such, keeping the waters clean is another reason to turn away from traditional aquaculture operations that might threaten the rich biodiversity and marine ecosystems in Singapore’s waters. Figure 5. Critically endangered hawksbill turtle (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, 2011) The Way Forward In TEMBUSU Asia Consulting (TAC), we believe that with proper assessments and measures put in place, the negative impacts of fisheries can be. In addition, TAC has been actively involved in urban resilience projects, of which one aspect is food security. TAC partnered with subject matter experts to assessing the coastal hydrodynamics and modelling the movement of water-borne pathogens to assess the water quality of the potential sites. This eventually aims to improve the reliability of local fish farms and elevate the food security in Singapore. Ultimately, the expansion of sustainable aquaculture is vital to increasing food security in a changing environment. With our efforts, TAC hopes to contribute to enhancing the sustainability and resilience of food supply in Singapore. References Ang, R. (2021, September 29). S’pore fish farm to aim for highest sustainable farming standards in aquaculture. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/spore-fish-farm-to-aim-for-highest-sustainable-farming-standards-in Baker, A. (2022, May 26). Chicken shortage at some Singapore wet markets ahead of Jun 1 Malaysia export ban. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/wet-market-chicken-seller-supply-shortage-malaysia-export-ban-2708901 Best Aquaculture Practices. (n.d.). Best Aquaculture Practices. Best Aquaculture Practices. https://www.bapcertification.org/OurLogo Lee, L., & Low, Y. (2022, May 23). Fish farms may be set up near 3 southern islands with high coral diversity, endangered marine life; public feedback underway. TODAY. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/sfa-feedback-fish-farming-islands-1904801 Lim, K., & Lee, L. (2022, May 26). ‘Never seen prices like this’: Fish, chicken stallholders fret over passing on higher costs to customers. Today Online. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/chicken-fish-stallholders-fret-passing-higher-price-customers-1908961 Malaysia to halt export of 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1 to address domestic shortage, rising prices. (2022, May 23). TODAY. https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysia-halt-export-36-million-chickens-month-june-1-address-domestic-shortage-rising-prices-1905231 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2020, September 30). Aquaculture Supports a Sustainable Earth | NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/aquaculture-supports-sustainable-earth Razali, N. A. (2022, May 4). Singapore’s challenging 2030 food security goals underlined by new production data. Food Navigator Asia. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2022/05/04/singapore-s-challenging-2030-food-security-goals-underlined-by-new-production-data Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (n.d.). The Singapore Aquaculture Plan. Our Food Future. https://www.ourfoodfuture.gov.sg/uplifting-aquaculture-industry/sg-aquaculture-plan Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (n.d.). 30 by 30. Our Food Future. https://www.ourfoodfuture.gov.sg/30by30 Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (2022, February 28). Singapore poised to be hub for tropical aquaculture technology. Singapore Food Agency. https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-for-thought/article/detail/singapore-poised-to-be-hub-for-tropical-aquaculture-technology Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (2022, March 7). Strengthening Singapore’s Food Security Through Sustainable and Productive Aquaculture. Media Release. https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/20220307-cos-2022—media-release-on-aquaculture-plan.pdf Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (2022, March 31). SFA | Agri-food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund. Singapore Food Agency. https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-farming/funding-schemes/act-fund Yusof, A., & Tan, V. (2022, May 31). CNA Explains: What’s behind rising fish prices in Malaysia? CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/cna-explains-malaysia-fish-price-hike-supply-problem-weather-labour-2718431 Yusof, A., & Tan, V. (2022, May 31). Weather, labour shortage affect fish supply in Malaysia, say industry players as prices go up. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-fish-supply-weather-labour-shortage-price-hike-2717796