City Developments Limited named the Impact Enterprise of the Year under the Large Enterprise category

Singapore, 26 September 2024 – Eleven individuals and enterprises were recognised for demonstrating leadership to advance sustainability at the Sustainability Impact (SI) Awards 2024, jointly organised by The Business Times (BT) and UOB. Into its second year, the awards ceremony was held at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, where President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the Guest-of-Honour.

The awards honour and recognise individuals and enterprises whose sustainability efforts have made a substantial impact on both the environment and society. This year, there was an increase of about 20 per cent in nominations received for the awards.

City Developments Limited was named the Impact Enterprise of the Year under the Large Enterprise category for its capacity building and thought leadership in climate action. The property developer has, with the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore, built a sustainability academy that has hosted more than 1,000 advocacy events and reached out to 34,500 in-person visitors. Three other large enterprises – Keppel Ltd, Sentosa Development Corporation, and UOL Group-Pan Pacific Hotels Group (UOL-PPHG) were also presented the Impact Enterprise Excellence Award for their sustainability initiatives.

Among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), BlueAcres Pte Ltd stood out with its unique blend of environmental and social impact. The company enables individuals with moderate autism to acquire farming skills – allowing them to be part of the society while alleviating Singapore's labour shortage on farms. Three other SMEs – Edible Garden City, Ground-Up Initiative, and Seven Clean Seas, also received the Impact Enterprise Excellence Award for their diverse range of sustainability efforts.

Under the Individual category, Chief Sustainability Officer at City Developments Limited, Ms Esther An, was named the Impact Leader of the Year for pioneering sustainability advocacy. Ms An chairs the Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee which helps shape national regulations for sustainability reporting. She is the only Singaporean representative on the board of the Global Reporting Initiative, an international independent standards organisation that helps businesses and organisations take responsibility for their impacts.

Two other sustainability champions, Mr Cheng Hsing Yao and Mr Jeffrey Sim, clinched the Individual Excellence Award. Mr Cheng Hsing Yao, Group Chief Executive Officer of property developer, GuocoLand, and Director of Discover Tanjong Pagar, was recognised for his contributions to Singapore's urban landscape. Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer of SBS Transit, was honoured for his incorporation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into the operations of the transport company.

BT editor Ms Chen Huifen said, "In today's evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer optional—it is imperative. Through the Sustainability Impact Awards, we are not just acknowledging sustainability achievements, but also challenging ourselves and others to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable innovation. By honouring these exemplary efforts, we hope to inspire others to take meaningful action towards a more responsible future."

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, "UOB is committed to be a catalyst for change in our collective drive to build a sustainable future. As a responsible financial steward, we collaborate with ecosystem partners to provide innovative solutions to support our customers in their sustainability journey. By extending our efforts to the wider community, we hope the Sustainability Impact Awards will inspire more individuals and companies to create lasting, positive impact."

The Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore Business School is the Knowledge Partner for SI Awards.

More information on SI Awards can be found at