Synopsis
As sustainability becomes a key priority for businesses, many companies are setting ambitious decarbonisation and net-zero targets. Transitioning from conventional energy sources to renewable energy offers significant opportunities to support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, but it also poses challenges. Companies must navigate the unique technological, financial, and regulatory landscapes in Singapore while maintaining growth and competitiveness in the global market.
This panel discussion will bring together representatives from leading European companies operating in Singapore who are committed to decarbonisation. They will share their strategies for reducing carbon emissions and aligning their operations with Singapore’s sustainability goals. Experts from academia and the local energy sector will provide insights into the broader implications of Singapore’s energy transition for industrial players, focusing on both medium- and long-term strategies.
Key takeaways will include:
- Corporate decarbonisation strategies: Practical examples of how companies are integrating renewable energy into their Singapore operations.
- Challenges and opportunities: Insights into the barriers companies face in Singapore and innovative solutions emerging locally.
- Future outlook: Projections for Singapore’s evolving energy landscape and how businesses can adapt.
- Collaboration: The importance of partnerships between corporates, academia, and the local energy sector in achieving Singapore’s sustainability targets.
Programme
3.00 pm Registration and Networking
3.30 pm Welcome Remarks by Mr Eduardo Karlin, Co-Chair of the Sustainability Committee at EuroCham (Singapore) and General Manager Asia Pacific at Mainstream Renewable Power Asia
3.35 pm Opening Remarks by Ms Ana Locatelli, Site Head at Novartis
3.40 pm Keynote Presentation by Dr S. Viswanathan, Professor of Operations & Corporate Sustainability at the Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Director of the Centre for Business Sustainability, Cluster Director at Energy Research Institute@NTU (ERI@N)
3.55 pm Keynote Presentation by Mr Manuel Ungerer, Head of Site Development APAC at Novartis
4.10 pm Panel Discussion and Q&A moderated by Dr S. Viswanathan
- Mr Manuel Ungerer, Head of Site Development APAC at Novartis
- Mr Kent Chai, Director at STMicroelectronics
- Mr Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President – Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei at Schneider Electric
4.55 pm Closing Remarks by Mr Benjamin Treves, Co-Chair of Climate Tech Sub Committee at SwissCham
5.00 pm End of Event
The organisers reserve the right to change the programme content without giving prior notification or any reasons thereof.
Speaker and Moderator
Dr S. Viswanathan
Professor of Operations & Corporate Sustainability
Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Director of the Centre for Business Sustainability, Cluster Director
Energy Research Institute@NTU (ERI@N)
Dr S. Viswanathan (Vish) is a Professor of Operations & Corporate Sustainability at the Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He is also the Director of the Centre for Business Sustainability and Cluster Director at Energy Research Institute@NTU (ERI@N). He also serves as Academic Director of the Executive Masters Programme in Sustainability Management.
His research interests include Corporate Sustainability, Decarbonization Strategies, Energy Modelling, LCA, Supply Chain Systems, and Urban Mobility. His research has been published in top-tier academic journals in Business, Engineering and Manufacturing. He is currently working on several sustainability-related NRF grant projects such as “Singapore’s Pathway to Carbon Neutrality: Analysis of New Technologies”. He teaches Corporate Sustainability in many Graduate and Executive Programs at NTU.
Panellists
Mr Manuel Ungerer
Head of Site Development
Novartis
Experienced Leader of Engineering and member of the Site Leadership team, accountable to manage and optimising the facility infrastructure and acting as project director for the major Site Expansion.
Together with his team, he is driving the transformation of the Singapore manufacturing site into a green and sustainable future, driving proven and innovative engineering applications to reduce carbon emissions, water consumption and generation of waste.
Mr Yoon Young Kim
Cluster President – Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei
Schneider Electric
Yoon Young Kim is leading the company’s digital and sustainable transformation in energy management and automation. He focuses on driving digital solutions in high-growth sectors like Data Centers, Buildings, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing while helping customers operate more sustainably.
Kim brings with him over two decades of global experience in leading teams across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, and Russia. This includes experience in the energy management and lighting industries, as well as a strong background in sales and marketing.
Kim is serving as a Board Member of the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore; a Board Member for UN GCNS (Global Compact Network Singapore); a Board Member at NaviX Solutions; and a Global DEI Board Member at Schneider Electric. He is also a Sustainability Advisory Member to the Board at United Overseas Bank (UOB).
Mr Kent Chai
Site Director
STMicroelectronics
Kent Chai is Site Director for STMicroelectronics for Singapore Hub Front-End and Back-End manufacturing. With over 25 years of experience in Environmental Health, Safety & Sustainability, he is responsible for EHS, Sustainability, Security Management, Risk Management and General Services within the Singapore Hub.
POST EVENT
On 25 April, EuroCham Singapore and SwissCham Singapore brought together business leaders and sustainability experts for an insightful session on “Competing in a Net-Zero Economy: Energy Transition Strategies for Singapore”.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our hosts, Ms Ana Locatelli and Mr Manuel Ungerer from Novartis Singapore and the speakers, Dr S. (Vish) Viswanathan (Nanyang Technological University Singapore), Mr Yoon Kim (Schneider Electric), Mr Kent Chai (STMicroelectronics) and Mr Manuel Ungerer.
We were honoured to have Ms Ana Locatelli open the session, followed by a thought-provoking keynote presentation by Dr S. Viswanathan on Singapore’s decarbonisation journey, the key pressure points in the energy transition, and the challenges faced by hard-to-abate sectors. Mr Manuel Ungerer offered a closer look at Novartis’ global and local roadmap to achieve net zero by 2040, including concrete measures already implemented in Singapore.
Our expert panel brought industry insight into how companies, especially in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors, are adapting to the realities of energy transition. Speakers explored barriers such as resource constraints, regulatory complexity, and innovation needs while also highlighting tangible solutions being implemented across the region.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Mr Benjamin Treves, CFA, Co-Chair of the Climate Tech Subcommittee at SwissCham.
This event marked the second in our joint sustainability series between EuroCham and SwissCham, following our inaugural session on water. The consistent takeaway: achieving net zero demands cross-industry collaboration, strategic leadership, and scalable innovation.
Thank you to all our speakers, members, and partners for contributing to this important dialogue. We look forward to continuing the journey with you.
