Industry leaders, innovators, and government representatives convened at IPI’s Sustainability Forward event to share insights, launch IPI’s new Sustainability Hub, and showcase actionable technologies that empower businesses to proactively embrace sustainability.

 

From recycling to carbon offsetting, the sustainability landscape is constantly changing and advancing. Organisations—no matter the industry—must innovate beyond compliance to future-proof themselves, gain a competitive edge and tap into new markets.

On 12 March 2025, IPI’s Sustainability Forward event brought together industry leaders, technology pioneers and government officials in Singapore to explore practical solutions aligned with the nation’s ambitious Green Plan 2030.

IPI CEO Mr Wong Lup Wai kicked off the event with an opening address, in which he underscored the urgency of integrating sustainability into core business strategies. “Businesses that innovate in sustainability now will lead the market tomorrow,” said Wong in his speech, where he highlighted that the path toward sustainability involves overcoming significant challenges, especially for SMEs that often lack the resources and know-how.

To help SMEs address this gap, IPI officially launched its Sustainability Hub —a centralised digital platform offering businesses easy access to vetted sustainability technologies, expert assessments and direct connections to technology providers.

Launching the platform, Mr Lim Tuang Liang, Government Chief Sustainability Officer (GCSO) at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) Singapore, emphasised the critical role businesses play in advancing sustainability. “When companies assess their environmental impacts and invest in sustainability, they uncover innovative ways to do more with less," Lim said. “Today’s products and solutions are typically optimised for price and performance, but increasingly, consumers and companies are seeking new technologies and solutions that not only meet their needs but are also kinder to the planet.”

Since its launch, the Sustainability Hub webpage has attracted over 1,000 unique users, and generated 42 direct enquiries—demonstrating strong and growing interest from businesses exploring ready-to-adopt green technologies to support their sustainability goals.

 

Going beyond compliance

Illustrating the power of proactive sustainability, KS Ho, Operations Director of Acepac International, shared his company’s journey during a fireside chat at the event moderated by IPI Innovation Advisor Jeremy Lee. Acepac, a 30-year-old SME specialising in packaging solutions, began its sustainability journey over a decade ago, initially driven by customer demand rather than regulation.

Ho highlighted key challenges SMEs face, particularly around managing risks, costs and capability-building. Rather than undertaking sweeping, high-cost transformations, Acepac implemented incremental improvements, such as gradually switching lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and cautiously exploring electric vehicles. Acepac also invested significantly in human capital, establishing an internal sustainability task force and actively encouraging training and upskilling initiatives, including leveraging government-supported programmes.

Since 2022, Acepac has recycled over 200 tons of plastic packaging, diverting substantial waste from landfills. His advice to businesses still hesitant about sustainability was straightforward: “Just start—even small steps create significant impact in the long run.”

The fireside chat inspired many SMEs to relook at their approach. Since the event, IPI have engaged in 23 ongoing discussions—18 focused on potential technology adoption and 5 in advisory project scoping, reflecting strong interest in turning sustainability into business advantage.

 

Optimising resources through technology

During the event’s technology showcase, the innovative solutions demonstrated tangible ways businesses can optimise resources and enhance operational efficiency. Aleph Technologies presented an AI-powered software solution designed to reduce energy consumption in manufacturing plants. “Our AI co-pilot analyses complex operational data, helping engineers quickly identify inefficiencies and significantly cut energy costs," explained Aleph’s CEO and co-founder, Suwira Teo. Working with big names such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Pfizer and GSK, the platform has already delivered notable savings, including a case with USD 3 million in reduced energy costs.

On the other hand, Little Green Ranger brings energy to hard-to-reach areas. The company’s Sales Manager Kelvin Ong introduced compact, solar-powered battery generators designed to replace diesel generators in the construction and landscaping sectors. By automating energy management and offering detailed consumption analytics through IoT, the company helps clients significantly reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

RCTech showcased innovative cooling paints designed to reduce ambient heat, highlighting successful collaborations with Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB). “Our radiative cooling paint doesn’t just reflect sunlight—it actively emits heat into space,” explained Professor Ng Bing Feng from RCTech. Trials have demonstrated surface temperature reductions of up to a few degrees Celsius, directly contributing to lower energy consumption.

 

Turning waste into opportunity

Advancing circular economy principles, several presenters shared technologies designed to reduce and repurpose waste effectively. Nature’s Lab introduced a proprietary crop growth enhancer and a shelf-life extension solution, both derived naturally and proven effective across multiple crops and foods. “Our mission is to transform agriculture sustainably, addressing challenges from soil depletion to food spoilage,” explained Pearl Chan of Nature’s Lab.

Republic Polytechnic presented innovative biocomposite materials made entirely from agricultural and food waste using green chemistry, offering practical applications ranging from hydroponics to alternative packaging. Dr May Sim of Republic Polytechnic highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration: “We work closely with industry — we have just launched the Sustainability Grand Challenge, and we welcome industry players to reach out to us with any problems.”

NTi Memtech unveiled its energy-efficient membrane technology for drying and dehydration processes, capable of significantly reducing energy usage across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Co-founder of NTi Dr Wendy Ge emphasised the practicality and eco-friendliness of their solution, noting its capability to reduce both operational complexity and environmental impact.

The event ended with a networking session that allowed attendees to mingle with presenters and consider embarking on collaborative projects. Attendees shared positive feedback on the event’s relevance and practical focus, with many citing it as a valuable platform to gain insights, discover real-world solutions, and learn from technology providers. Exhibitors also reported strong engagement, with several already in follow-up discussions with potential adopters. “[Events like this] give us the opportunity to reach out to, as well as share knowledge with the industry,” said Professor Ng.

Overall, the event sparked meaningful connections and ongoing engagements across the innovation ecosystem. IPI continues to welcome interest from businesses keen to explore sustainable technologies or collaborate with solution providers. To find out more, visit the Sustainability Hub or reach out to us at techscout@ipi-singapore.org.

--END--