The People’s Action Party (PAP) has formed a new Climate Action Group to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), overcome challenges in the green transition.
Announced by Assistant Secretary-General Desmond Lee on 21 January 2025, the initiative was launched at the Singapore Sustainability Academy and aligns with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Mr Lee stated that the group will table its fourth climate change motion in parliament later this year.
This motion aims to strengthen support for businesses in adopting sustainable practices and ensure an inclusive shift towards a low-carbon society.
Existing schemes such as the Enterprise Sustainability Programme and Energy Efficiency Grant have already provided a foundation for businesses, though SMEs continue to face hurdles in implementation.
Addressing climate change as a major priority
The Climate Action Group is one of two new bodies established by the PAP to tackle significant national priorities. The other, a mental health group, was launched in October 2024. These initiatives stem from the “Refresh PAP” exercise announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in June 2024, reflecting the party’s strategy to address challenges that transcend demographic lines.
Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon will chair the Climate Action Group, with Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng serving as co-chair. The group will consist of five sub-committees aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030:
- City in Nature (led by Nadia Ahmad Samdin)
- Energy Reset and Transition (led by Poh Li San)
- Green Economy (led by Don Wee)
- Resilient Future (led by Carrie Tan)
- Sustainable Living (led by Hany Soh)
At the launch event, Mr Ng revealed that dialogue sessions with SMEs, trade associations, and activists began in mid-2024 to gather feedback and refine proposals. Suggestions include creating handbooks and job transformation maps for various sectors to better equip businesses for the green transition.
Building on Singapore’s sustainability legacy
Mr Lee, who is also the current Minister for National Development, underscored Singapore’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, citing former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s initiatives and Singapore’s active role in global climate efforts. “Climate change poses an existential threat to Singapore and will be one of the defining challenges of our time,” he said.
The upcoming motion will build on previous efforts, including the first climate change motion in January 2021, which emphasised accelerating climate action. Mr Ng expressed hope that the latest motion would be tabled later this year.
Public concerns and criticism
Despite the PAP’s efforts, members of the public have raised concerns over perceived contradictions in government policies.
Online discussions on forums such as Reddit highlight issues such as the demolition of usable buildings, the construction of resource-intensive projects like Jewel Changi Airport, and Singapore’s reliance on economic considerations over environmental priorities.
One online commenter argued, “Singapore as a nation reacts very well to economic impacts, but our solutions often don’t address the root causes of climate issues. Climate change is a lifestyle and cultural challenge that demands fresh approaches from our leaders.”
Others criticised the focus on cycling infrastructure, questioning its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions compared to the environmental cost of deforestation and road construction.
While the PAP’s commitment to sustainability is evident, public feedback suggests the need for a more holistic approach to addressing climate challenges.
As the new Climate Action Group gathers momentum, it remains to be seen how effectively its initiatives will address the concerns of both businesses and citizens in creating a truly sustainable Singapore.
