Singapore plans to attract major multinational companies though maintaining a green approach to all areas of their city infrastructure according to Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water resources speaking at the launch of the Singapore Sustainable Manufacturing Centre, (SMC). "Major MNCs that traditionally value strategic forward-thinking to ensure the sustainability of their business interests, have also begun to pay greater attention to the environmental impact of their operations and are starting
to green their supply chain. For example, Wal-Mart, a major retailer in the United States, has launched an initiative to have all the products sold through its stores labeled with a Sustainability Index that covers the products’ entire lifecycles, from raw material to how it is made and finally disposed."
He also noted that if international companies decide to manufacture and operate in singapore they will require that there is ongoing local support from suppliers. Ibrahim continued "To continue doing business with such companies, our local suppliers, especially the SMEs, will need to build up their competence in this area or risk being sidelined as companies begin to ‘green source’. Indeed, sustainable manufacturing is particularly important and relevant as we steer our manufacturing sector towards higher-value production."
After the launch of the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint in Apri 2009 there was a map for all governmental bodies to follow and a strong understanding by the private sector about the government's committment going forward. Companies are also incentivised to improve in the areas of energy efficieny.
"I understand that over the next five years, SIMTech will be spending S$ 10 million
for the development of sustainable manufacturing technology" he noted in his conclusion.
