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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore publishes guide for firms planning to use carbon credits to cut emissions voluntarily
Firms are urged to prioritise all possible ways to reduce their emissions before turning to carbon credits. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE - The authorities are urging companies to prioritise all possible ways to reduce their emissions before turning to carbon credits to offset their remaining carbon emissions. This is one of the key recommendations that the Government has sent to Singapore companies that are thinking of using carbon credits voluntarily to decarbonise and meet their respective net-zero targets. The eight-page draft guide – prepared by the National Climate Change Secretariat, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Enterprise Singapore – was made available online on June 20. Public feedback on the guide is welcomed until July 20. One carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide that is either removed from the atmosphere, such as through carbon capture, or prevented from being released. There are two main types of carbon credits – nature-based ones like reforestation, and technological ones that include switching from pollutive firewood to cleaner cooking stoves. In the draft, the authorities also emphasised that the credits that companies buy will not be counted into the country's climate targets. This is because companies will be buying credits from the voluntary carbon market (VCM). Carbon credits can be bought and traded in the voluntary market or the compliance market – which is regulated by the authorities. For example, carbon tax-paying firms are subject to compliance because they are allowed to use eligible credits to offset up to 5 per cent of their taxable emissions each year. These credits will be counted under Singapore's emission reductions, and they can only be bought from carbon projects hosted by countries that Singapore has bilateral agreements with. The seven countries include Paraguay, Bhutan and Ghana. Whereas, credits from the voluntary market are not legally required or regulated to be used to offset carbon emissions, and this has led to criticisms about the effectiveness and quality of such credits. In 2023, The Guardian reported that more than 90 per cent of rainforest credits did not represent genuine carbon reductions. The Singapore Government is therefore putting out this guidance document to help raise the standards of the VCM. The authorities have received feedback from the industry on the need for the Government to provide guidance on the voluntary market and how companies can use carbon credits as part of a credible decarbonisation plan. 'The growth of carbon markets has been constrained by a few factors. One of the main challenges in the VCM is the lack of standardisation which has led to confusion around various industry-led standards. This has undermined market confidence, and companies concerned about reputational risks are holding back from the VCM,' said the three government bodies in a joint statement. To address these, the eight-pager defines what a high-quality carbon credit should be, emphasising that there should be no double counting of credits or fraud, where one credit is claimed by more than one firm. Firms should buy credits that have been registered with a reputable registry that keeps count of the trading, and claim each credit only once. The authorities also encouraged companies to transparently disclose their use of credits and make known the amount and type of credits they bought, why they chose to use credits, project location, and which registry they used. Mr Rueban Manokara, global lead of the carbon finance and markets task force at conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature, said of the draft: 'By offering clarity on what that high integrity means, including highlighting that credits are not a substitute for real emissions cuts... it may give companies more confidence to include carbon credits as part of their climate action.' He noted that the guide could go further in recognising how high-integrity credits can help firms raise their climate ambition, invest in nature-based solutions, and deliver greater impact. Associate Professor Daniel Lee, director of the Carbon Markets Academy of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University, said the document underscores the Government's support for the role of the voluntary carbon market in helping firms decarbonise. 'Such clarity is important because there are many conflicting opinions out there on the role of carbon credits, including views that suggest carbon credits are simply greenwashing,' he added. The draft guidance can be found on NCCS' website. Feedback can be submitted via Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
More home owners tapping HDB's lease buyback scheme to boost retirement income
As at Dec 31, 2024, 13,734 households have taken up the Lease Buyback Scheme. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – Owners in Singapore are tapping their homes and other schemes to add to their retirement kitty. There is a steady increase in the number of home owners, for instance, who are selling part of the lease of their flats back to the Housing Board, with most of them getting between $100,000 and $300,000 in proceeds. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
NDP 2025 packs to come in 7 designs, feature works by artists with disabilities
These themes were created by 21 artists aged 20 to 73 at ART:DIS, a non-profit organisation aimed at creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI NDP 2025 packs to come in 7 designs, feature works by artists with disabilities SINGAPORE – The 2025 National Day Parade (NDP) packs will come in seven designs, featuring works of art by 41 artists with disabilities. Through these artworks, the artists aged 10 to 73 aim to express their hopes for Singapore, and what the Republic's journey and future mean to them. Multiculturalism, Resilience, Openness and Boldness are the themes of four of the NDP pack designs. These themes were created by 21 artists aged 20 to 73 at ART:DIS, a non-profit organisation aimed at creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts. The other 20 artists are special education school students between 10 and 18 years old, who portrayed the themes of Care, Contribute and Future in their art, the parade organisers announced on June 9 as they gave the media a first look at the design of the packs. As for the contents of the NDP pack , Major Desmond Lim, chairman of the NDP 2025 pack committee, said it will contain several staple food items to keep the audience refreshed and energised throughout the show. The public can also expect several interactive items, such as clappers, in their packs. Maj Lim said show attendees will find out what is inside the packs when they receive them . 'We will keep the suspense there.' The works of art will be printed on the packs , which are recycled polyester tote bags. They will also be incorporated in a National Day 2025 stamp set produced by national postal service Singapore Post. The NDP pack will be distributed to those attending National Education shows, NDP preview shows and the National Day Parade on Aug 9. (From left) Nur Fazira Binte Mohd Nuruddin, artist representing the 'Contribute' Artwork; Rihansh Manoj Chugani, artist representing the 'Contribute' Artwork; Mohammad Zulkhari Lutfi Bin Mohd Azam, artist representing the 'Boldness' Artwork; Tay Hong Yao Brennan, artist representing the 'Resilience' Artwork; Tay Bee Lian, artist representing the 'Openness' Artwork; and Sage Tan Song Yen, artist representing the 'Multiculturalism' Artwork. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI For the first time, the live show on Aug 9 will be extended from the Padang to Marina Bay, as part of an 'expanded canvas' to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence. Those who have registered to visit five heartland celebration sites and various Bay Celebration sites, or participate in pledge events , will also be eligible to collect the NDP packs on-site. A pledge event is a new initiative to support Singaporeans in organising their own community celebrations from July, with the Government's help. Of the seven themed artworks , Multiculturalism, for instance , celebrates local cultures, highlighting the nation's diversity through iconic symbols such as the traditional Malay food staple ketupat, and capteh, a traditional game where players keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air by kicking it with their feet. Another theme, Future, gives Singaporeans a glimpse of a nation shaped by innovation and care. The artwork features elements of artificial intelligence and technology to celebrate the Republic's spirit of progress and the embrace of new inventions. Meanwhile, Resilience honours the strength and unity of Singaporeans, such as front-line workers during challenging times, and the artwork for Care is set among Housing Board blocks and green spaces to show people from all walks of life coming together. HDB blocks were also featured in another design , under the theme of Contribute . Rihansh Manoj Chugani, who has cerebral palsy, proudly held up the pack as he pointed to the HDB block he drew. Rihansh Manoj Chugani, the artist representing the 'Contribute' Artwork. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Speaking to the media, the 12-year-old said: 'I drew HDB blocks because they are Singapore's pride. I also coloured them green to represent nature. Next time, I hope to see (more) solar panels on HDB blocks , so that we can save electricity together.' Meanwhile, Madam Tay Bee Lian, 73, illustrated the Mandarin phrase for 'How are you?' as part of the Openness artwork . Madam Tay, whose polio diagnosis causes muscle weakness in her limbs, said: 'I wrote 您好吗? (How are you?) using calligraphy because it is what we say every time we greet each other.' Madam Tay Bee Lian, the rtist representing the 'Openness' Artwork. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI After two hours of practice writing the phrase and more than 10 attempts , Madam Tay said she was excited to see it come to life on the NDP pack. 'Every year, I see how nice the NDP packs are, so I am very honoured that I am a part of creating it this year,' she added. MAJ Lim said the hope is that the collaboration with the artists will honour their abilities, recognise their talents and bring their vision for the country to fellow Singaporeans. 'Drawing on the artists' unique strengths and shared experiences, they have co-created seven pieces of unique artworks for this year's NDP pack, inspired by their reflections on Singapore's heritage, shared experiences, and their imagination of Singapore's shared future,' he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
06-06-2025
- The Star
Barge grounded off Tanjong Beach in Singapore's Sentosa, no reports of damage, injuries or pollution: MPA
There have been no reports of damage, injuries or pollution, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore in a statement. -- ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A container barge was grounded off Tanjong Beach in Sentosa on the morning of Friday (June 6). There have been no reports of damage, injuries or pollution, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement. The barge, Marco Polo 802, remains stable, and tugboats are en route to tow it out to sea. 'There is no impact to navigational safety,' said MPA, adding that the beach remains open to the public. 'MPA and Sentosa Development Corporation are working with the relevant agencies to ensure minimal disruption,' added the statement. There have been no reports of damage, injuries or pollution, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore in a PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Kong Pei Ling, a kayak guide at eco-tour agency Kayakasia, said she saw the barge when she reached the beach at about 7.15am. The barge was blocking the lagoon, and had destroyed floating sea barriers, she added. 'We were getting ready to start our kayak trip around the coast of Sentosa but we couldn't launch because of the barge, so we left for Palawan beach instead,' said Kong. According to the website of shipping company Maersk, Marco Polo 802 is an Indonesia-flagged vessel that was scheduled to reach a terminal in Singapore at 10am. MPA is investigating the incident. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Former Middleton Hospital earmarked for lifestyle hub use
The former Communicable Disease Centre as viewed from 23 Akyab Road on Oct 10, 2024. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Former Communicable Disease Centre in Moulmein Road put up for use as lifestyle hub SINGAPORE – Once a place for the treatment of patients with infectious diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis and Aids, the former Middleton Hospital and Communicable Disease Centre could soon house pickleball courts, cafes and art galleries. A tender for the 91,541.27 sq m site in Moulmein Road to be used as a lifestyle hub on a short-term tenancy was launched on May 28 by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). Approved uses for the site include office spaces, serviced apartments, spa and wellness facilities and urban farming plots, among others. It is currently zoned for residential use. Of the site's 44 buildings, 23 have been safeguarded for potential conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and will be subject to addition and alteration guidelines from the authority. This is to ensure the retention of their character and key architectural elements and features. The other 21 buildings cannot be demolished, but will not be subjected to the addition and alteration guidelines. SLA said that the site 'served as a pivotal institution in Singapore's healthcare history for over a century'. It was established in 1913 as an infectious diseases hospital and named the Middleton Hospital in 1920 after Dr William Robert Colvin Middleton, a public health advocate. Of the 12,978.88 sq m of gross floor area across the site's buildings, a maximum of 3,893.66 sq m – or about 30 per cent – can be used for retail or food and beverage purposes, or both. F&B uses, including outdoor refreshment areas, can form no more than half of the allotted 3,893.66 sq m. The SLA said in a press release that it envisions 2 Moulmein Road to be 'a dynamic lifestyle hub with offerings that will cater to families and multi-generation communities'. The successful tenderer will be awarded a tenancy of five years , with the option of a four-year extension, subject to the Government's approval. Based on the URA's Master Plan 2019 – a statutory document that guides developments for the next 10 to 15 years – the site is currently zoned for residential use, subject to detailed planning. When vacant state properties are not earmarked for immediate development, SLA, as the custodian of state land, can put them up for rent in the interim period. Other state properties that have been converted for lifestyle use recently include the former Nan Chiau High School in River Valley, now New Bahru ; and the former St Andrew's Mission Hospital near Maxwell Road, now Kada . Block 807, the former hospital's mortuary, is one of 23 buildings being considered for conservation. PHOTO: ST FILE The former Bukit Timah Fire Station is also being turned into a lifestyle hub. Dr Yeo Kang Shua, vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Singapore, welcomed the announcement that 23 buildings have been earmarked for potential conservation, as future works will likely be guided by the relevant authorities to avoid adverse impact on the buildings' heritage value. 'This gives the tender more transparency and helps to moderate the expectations of potential bidders,' he said. 'Realistically, some works will be needed to make the site suitable for new programmes and functions, and the question is how intervention much is too much and how little is too little – a right balance needs to be found,' Dr Yeo added. He said the hospital's lush and spacious layout is notable, as it gave patients fresh air and daylight – elements associated with health and hygiene, even today. Block 804, the administration block of the former Middleton Hospital, is among those being considered for conservation. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The concept of such a cultural landscape should be retained on the site, said Dr Yeo. Ms Tricia Song, head of research for Singapore and South-east Asia at CBRE, said that the addition and alteration guidelines by URA for the 23 buildings are unlikely to affect demand for the site, as the short tenure does not justify heavy capital expenditure and redevelopment. However, Dr Chua Yang Liang, JLL's head of research and consultancy for South-east Asia, said the conservation-related requirements are a dual-edged sword for developers – they add complexity, costs and constraints to development plans, but also offer unique character and heritage value that can become distinctive selling points. Ms Song said that the site is relatively well-located – within reasonable walking distance from Novena MRT station and flanked by Novena Health City and Balestier Road, which provide a business and residential catchment. If the future hub is well-planned with ample and cheap or free parking, the location is attractive for fitness, spa and wellness and sports facilities such as pickleball courts, which she said are lacking in the area. The former hospital was home to some of Singapore's last Nightingale wards, which featured no subdivisions and were designed to be airy. PHOTO: ST FILE Ms Catherine He, head of research at Colliers Singapore, similarly said that recreational uses would be suitable for the site, as these have relatively lower fit-out costs and are in line with the site's medical legacy. 'The area is already well-served by a number of hotels, retail and offices and hence these uses are unlikely to be duplicated,' she said. Dr Chua added that pre- or postnatal care centres and spa and wellness facilities could generate strong demand by complementing the existing healthcare ecosystem in the area. He said that a critical consideration for potential bidders will be the traffic implications, as the Novena area 'already experiences considerable traffic congestion, which could pose a significant operational challenge for certain uses'. Century-long healthcare association In its 2020 book Uncommon Ground, SLA said that Middleton Hospital had its roots in a smallpox hospital and quarantine facility that began in the 1870s, and was set up at Balestier Plain. Plans to replace this facility were drawn up by the British Municipal Commission in 1905, with the infectious diseases hospital eventually opening at the 2 Moulmein Road site in June 1913. The former Middleton Hospital's iconic gatehouse, which was demolished in 1982 for road widening works. PHOTO: ST FILE In 1985, the hospital came under Tan Tock Seng Hospital as its Department of Communicable Diseases, later renamed Communicable Disease Centre. It played a role in the fight against various infectious diseases – such as the Sars outbreak in 2003 – until December 2018, when it was decommissioned and replaced by the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, located at Jalan Tan Tock Seng. SLA said that the site supported Covid-19 operations until it was returned to the state in 2023. Heritage author and blogger Jerome Lim, who edited SLA's book, said he hopes that besides the 23 buildings in the former hospital that have been earmarked for potential conservation, lesser-known aspects like its drainage system will also be retained. He said the drains were 'built by the municipality with beautiful brickwork and used to be lined with ceramic', a feature that is rare in Singapore. The former Middleton Hospital, pictured in 2009, was from 1992 to 2018 the Communicable Disease Centre. PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO Mr Lim added that there is also evidence that a double-drain system was originally installed at the hospital, which separated contaminated discharge from the wards from the public drainage system, thus preventing the spread of diseases. He said that the site also has some portions of the hospital's original fence, which have sharp tips that were meant to prevent quarantined patients from escaping. Retaining such features would allow future visitors to better appreciate how the hospital was designed, he said. SLA's tender closes on Aug 6, and is slated to be awarded on Nov 30. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
