Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore can now tap into a first-of-its-kind mentorship programme that will make it easier for them to kickstart their sustainability journeys and build capabilities to decarbonise.
Known as the “SME Kickstarter Decarbonisation Programme”, the initiative is conceptualised and implemented by Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The programme, supported by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) under the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), was announced by the Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling at the SME Centre Conference held in Singapore.
Under the programme, Schneider Electric will provide training and mentorship to participating SMEs over three years, to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and guidance needed throughout their sustainability journeys with a focus on decarbonisation. Participating SMEs will undergo workshops covering key concepts on sustainability as well as emissions reporting frameworks. Schneider Electric will also support the SMEs in charting their strategies by establishing their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, developing decarbonisation roadmaps and identifying opportunities for energy efficiency.
In addition, the programme will enable SMEs to undertake digital transformation and grow a pipeline of skilled digital talent. They will receive hands-on guidance to track their energy consumption as well as emissions via Schneider Electric’s digital solutions. SMEs can also expect to adopt Schneider Electric’s cloud-enabled platform, which aims to simplify energy management and provide data and insights on energy usage. Schneider Electric will also support the SMEs in keeping track of their energy savings and corresponding emissions reduction throughout the three years.
Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, Schneider Electric, said, “Schneider Electric is excited to be partnering with Enterprise Singapore to enable our SMEs to kickstart their sustainability journeys, in support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Many SMEs may not have the resources, knowledge, talent, and skills to realise sustainability targets. Hence, we hope this comprehensive mentorship programme will help them overcome their challenges, and by leveraging innovative technological solutions, the SMEs will also be empowered to strategically digitise and achieve progress in decarbonisation.”
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The “SME Kickstarter Decarbonisation Programme” is expected to benefit about 100 SMEs over the next three years. The programme is supported by EnterpriseSG under the ESP, which was launched in October 2021 to support Singapore businesses on sustainability initiatives, and to capture new opportunities in the green economy. The ESP aims to uplift the sustainability capabilities of local enterprises through such partnerships with industry experts, which complement existing initiatives such as sustainability courses to build awareness and knowledge, support for sustainability projects via the Enterprise Development Grant, and Enterprise Financing Scheme – Green which facilitates access to green financing.
Geoffrey Yeo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Urban Solutions, Sustainability & Enterprise Finance), EnterpriseSG, said “We are happy to partner Schneider Electric to enhance the sustainability capabilities of our SMEs, who play a crucial role in Singapore's green economy. The focus on decarbonisation and energy efficiency is timely for enterprises seeking to invest in green innovation and optimise their energy usage. Enterprise Singapore welcomes more of such partnerships to support SMEs along their sustainability journey and bring us closer to achieving Singapore’s carbon emissions goals."
The programme is open to Singapore-registered SMEs across all sectors. Currently SMEs such as precision engineering solution providers including Ichi Seiki and PLC Industries, as well as office automation systems company, The Automated Lifestyle, IT systems integrator, ServBridge Incorporated, and building system designer, IG Solutions, are looking to participate in this programme.
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Simon Lim, Executive Director, Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA) said “We are encouraged that there is now this programme specifically tailored to helping SMEs to embrace sustainability and develop the relevant capabilities more easily. With the digital solutions and expertise shared by Schneider Electric, our SMEs will be better equipped to become more sustainable in their own practices and ready themselves for a more digital and greener future.”
Interested SMEs can find out more about the “SME Kickstarter Decarbonisation Programme” here and register their interest through this link. Companies that work with Schneider Electric to enable efficiency and sustainability, will also be able to apply and participate in the inaugural Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards. Nominations are open until 25th November 2022.
