SMU partners DBS to promote sustainability, launch Singapore’s first sustainability major

Singapore Management University (SMU) and DBS have established a partnership on a comprehensive initiative focusing on promoting and growing sustainability.

Key programmes of the initiative include the introduction of Singapore’s first sustainability major, as well as funding for sustainability research, scholarships, fellowships and community engagement.

DBS intends to commit more than SGD 1 million towards the DBS-SMU Sustainability Initiative. In the first two years of the partnership, the bank has committed to contribute SGD 600,000.

SMU Vice Provost (Research) Professor Steven Miller and DBS Singapore Country Head Shee Tse Koon met at DBS-supported social enterprise Bettr Barista to discuss the details of the multi-faceted DBS-SMU Sustainability Initiative. Photo courtesy: SMU

For the first time, the SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business will be offering a major in sustainability in Academic Year 2019. The major aims to develop graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices in businesses that lead to long-term, measurable impact.

The partnership was sealed with the signing of an agreement by Professor Gerard George, Dean of Lee Kong Chian School of Business at SMU and Shee Tse Koon, Singapore Country Head at DBS Bank.

“Being purpose-driven is part of DBS’ DNA," said Shee Tse Koon, Singapore Country Head at DBS Bank. He explained that one focus area for the bank is how it can create social impact, be it through support of social enterprises, or by partnering with business, communities and the public.

"In many ways, Singapore is well-placed to become a model city for sustainable development and our hope is that this partnership will cultivate a thriving pool of talent and businesses that will help us become a world-class centre of sustainable development excellence,” he added. 

Professor Gerard George, Dean of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business said, “Many companies consider a sustainability strategy necessary to be competitive today and in the future. The multi-pronged efforts under the DBS-SMU Sustainability Initiative will help nurture SMU students to meet the needs of the job market, foster research excellence and build intellectual capacity among our faculty, as well as raise the general awareness of sustainability issues.”