S'pore forms new govt committee to look into sustainable development
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 January 2008 2249 hrs

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SINGAPORE : A new Inter-Ministerial Committee has been formed to come up with sustainable development strategies for Singapore.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this announcement at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.

He stressed that sustainable development would continue to be a priority for Singapore going forward.

The new committee will be co-chaired by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. It will look into a holistic sustainable development strategy for Singapore.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee also includes Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Transport Raymond Lim, and Minister of State for Trade & Industry S Iswaran.

The committee will first come up with a national strategy to achieve a high quality living environment that is consistent with economic growth in Singapore.

"How do we get economic development and growth, and at the same time, grow in an environmentally friendly way? That's the idea of sustainable development, where you build into your whole development strategy this awareness of the environment, energy, conservation and efficiency," said PM Lee.

Second, it will seek to build new competencies and facilitate mindshare across the public, private and people sectors to develop Singapore as an "Eco-Hub". The aim is to make Singapore an innovative thought centre and hub for urban and environmental sustainability.

Mr Lee said businesses will also stand to gain from this national effort on sustainable development. For example, with efficient energy use, companies can enjoy cost savings.

Mr Lee cited an example: "If you construct an office building, and you design it right from the beginning, you can make it energy-efficient and friendly. The heat load from the sun can be less and air-conditioning can be more efficient. You can have a better environment, at a lower cost."

The committee's co-chairman, Mr Mah Bow Tan, said the plan is to make sure that "people would be happy to stay in Singapore because there are economic opportunities, and it is a great place to live, for them and their children."

The committee would consult widely to tap the ideas of the public and the business community. According to the committee's other chairman, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, he said there will be efforts to harness expertise, both locally and overseas.

Globally, every country is faced with the challenge of climate change. And if Singapore comes up with good solutions on sustainable development, Mr Lee said the standing committee can also share its knowledge and expertise with other nations.

The committee is expected to convene early next month and Mr Lee said more details can be expected during the Budget debate. - CNA /ls