SINGAPORE – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) have established a new programme aimed at nurturing future sustainability leaders and providing a flagship platform to raise greater awareness and advance conversations on key environmental, social and governance issues. 

The new Mapletree Sustainability Programme was established following a S$675,000 gift from Mapletree to NTU. The gift, which includes the setting up of an endowment, will fund annual lectures and scholarships for undergraduates of the University to promote continuous learning in the field of sustainability. 

The Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture will highlight new areas of interest in environmental sciences and broader topics connected to sustainability. The lecture series is slated to start in 2024. Participants will be able to hear from top voices and world-leading experts in sustainability and the environment. 

Organised by NTU’s Asian School of the Environment (ASE), the lecture series will engage NTU students, staff, faculty, and the general public on topics in environmental sustainability such as sustainable cities, future energy, ocean science and environmental conservation. 

The interdisciplinary school is a world leader in environmental research, offering programmes that integrate earth and environmental life science, ecology, engineering and technology, human ecology, humanities, and the social sciences to address key issues of the environment and sustainability. 

The Mapletree Sustainability Scholarship will be awarded to two NTU undergraduates pursuing full-time degrees in sustainability-related courses each year. The scholarships recognise students’ potential and excellence in courses related to environmental sustainability.

Professor Adam Switzer from NTU ASE and Assistant Dean (Development) at NTU College of Science said: “Sustainability is one of humanity’s key challenges today, and true sustainability requires a concerted effort in education, research, and public outreach to tackle it. The Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture, organised by the Asian School of the Environment, will broaden engagement with sustainability in both the university and the wider community. The lecture series and scholarships aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of thought leaders and innovators in creating a sustainable future for all.”

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of Mapletree, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with NTU to nurture a new generation of professionals who will blaze a trail in sustainability. As a strong supporter of education causes, the S$675,000 gift affirms Mapletree’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to invest in communities that we operate in. We hope students will emerge with a multidisciplinary understanding of sustainability problems to strengthen climate resilience and address environmental hot buttons.” 

Mapletree endeavours to create a positive environment and generate long-term benefits to the society, and is actively transitioning its business in support of the low-carbon economy. To that end, Mapletree actively collaborates with like-minded partners and environmental experts, including NTU, to prepare the next generation in sustainability and environmental literacy.

Sustainability is a key pillar in the five-year NTU 2025 strategic plan. The University launched its Sustainability Manifesto in 2021 that guides its actions and solidifies its reputation as one of the global leaders in sustainability. 

In 2022, the University established the NTU Sustainability Office to strengthen and integrate sustainability initiatives across the university by working with both internal and external parties in to pave the way towards a sustainable future.