In a world where resource depletion and environmental degradation have become urgent concerns, the circular economy stands as a beacon of hope. This innovative approach reimagines the traditional “take, make, dispose” model by emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the creation of closed-loop systems. By shifting towards sustainable practices, businesses can not only address global challenges but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The Top 10 Voices in the Circular Economy Industry in Singapore are at the forefront of this transformative movement. These individuals are leveraging their expertise to inspire action, drive systemic change, and integrate circular principles into industries ranging from real estate to technology. In Singapore, a city known for its commitment to sustainability, these trailblazers are proving that circular economy strategies are not just beneficial but essential for long-term business success.
Highlights
Grace Fu
Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, leads national efforts in enhancing sustainability and trade relations. With over two decades in policymaking, she also oversees bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations as the Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations. Previously, Grace championed cultural diversity and social cohesion as the Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth. Armed with an MBA from NUS Business School and a passion for public service, she works tirelessly to create a vibrant and inclusive Singapore. Her dedication to sustainability exemplifies her vision for a greener future.
Esther An
Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at CDL, has been a pioneer in green building and ESG innovation for over two decades. Under her leadership, CDL became the top real estate company on the 2020 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations list and issued Singapore’s first green bond. Also recognized as a UN SDG Pioneer and TIME100 Business Leader, she actively champions sustainable finance, corporate governance, and climate action. Furthermore, through initiatives like Women4Green and Youth4Climate, Esther continues to empower future sustainability leaders.
Joelle Chen
Joelle Chen, Head of Sustainability Asia Pacific at LaSalle, is actively transforming the real estate industry with her strong focus on decarbonization and sustainable development. Furthermore, with a flair for strategic partnerships, she excels in simplifying complex sustainability challenges for C-level executives. Moreover, her innovative work on decision-useful disclosures and sustainability strategies ensures impactful and practical solutions. Joelle’s passion for creating meaningful change drives her unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable future for cities across the region.
Durreen Shahnaz
Durreen Shahnaz, Founder and CEO of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), bridges financial inclusivity and sustainability. Her groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Women’s Livelihood Bond™ Series and the Orange Bond Initiative™, empower underserved communities and drive social impact. Recognized globally, Durreen is a TED Speaker, Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree, and Business for Peace Award recipient. Her work spans over 53 countries, unlocking millions in private capital and positively impacting millions of lives worldwide.
Eugene Tay
Eugene Tay, a passionate sustainability advocate, brings together 22 years of experience across government, NGO, and private sectors to drive systemic change. As the co-founder of Circular Economy Singapore, he consistently champions circular and sharing economy solutions to address pressing urban challenges. Additionally, from leading sustainable audits to spearheading training initiatives, Eugene’s contributions emphasize practical and scalable approaches. Ultimately, his work not only inspires individuals and organizations but also empowers them to adopt impactful sustainability practices.
Benjamin Tan
Benjamin Tan, CEO of World Vision Singapore, leverages over 20 years of leadership experience to transform the lives of vulnerable children globally. His expertise spans strategic growth, operational excellence, and sustainable innovation. Having scaled businesses from startups to large enterprises, Benjamin is also an adjunct lecturer and board member, nurturing future leaders. His commitment to social and environmental causes fuels his mission to create a sustainable and compassionate world.
Gin Keat Ong
Gin Keat Ong, Chair of Zero Waste Singapore, pioneers innovative solutions for the circular economy. His achievements include developing Singapore’s first registered CDM project and biomass-based energy systems to uplift communities. With decades of expertise in renewable energy, bioenergy, and waste management, Gin Keat’s contributions extend to regional business advisory and M&A initiatives. His relentless pursuit of sustainable development positions him as a key figure in the green economy.
Nisheeth Srivastava
Nisheeth Srivastava, Head of Group ESG Reporting at AIA, redefines sustainability reporting by aligning strategies with global frameworks. With over a decade of expertise, he focuses on ESG governance, decarbonization, and impact assessment. His international experience across six countries underscores his ability to drive sustainability in diverse industries. Passionate about creating measurable impact, Nisheeth ensures ESG becomes a strategic advantage for organizations.
Vivek Kumar
Vivek Kumar, CEO of WWF-Singapore, leads impactful climate action and nature conservation initiatives globally. Under his leadership, the organization has fostered strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and pioneered the WWF Earth Summit. With 25 years of cross-sector experience, Vivek excels in transformational growth and operational excellence. His governance expertise further strengthens his mission to advance sustainable finance and resilient ecosystems.
Sorouch Kheradmand
Sorouch Kheradmand, Chief Sustainability Officer and performance coach, merges business acumen with sustainability to create competitive advantages. Through over 400 interviews with industry leaders, he identified opportunities to align profitability with sustainability. Sorouch now helps organizations craft ESG strategies that deliver financial outcomes and environmental impact. His innovative approach empowers businesses to achieve decarbonization and net-zero goals at scale.
Embracing the Circular Economy: Lessons from Singapore’s Top Innovators
The shift towards a circular economy is no longer a choice—it is a necessity for businesses looking to stay relevant in an era of increasing environmental awareness. The Top 10 Voices in the Circular Economy Industry in Singapore demonstrate that adopting circular principles can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create value across entire ecosystems. Their work highlights how sustainable practices can transform industries and address some of the most pressing global challenges.
By following the path paved by these trailblazers, businesses can align their goals with broader environmental and social imperatives. The Top 10 Voices in the Circular Economy Industry in Singapore serve as an inspiration for companies worldwide, showing that sustainability is a key driver of resilience and growth. As they continue to lead by example, their contributions remind us that embracing the circular economy is not just about protecting the planet—it’s about building a future where businesses, communities, and the environment can thrive together.
Highlights
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