DBS, SMF, EY and NYP launch Singapore's first decarbonisation playbook for manufacturers
Singapore.28 May 2025
Empowers over 5,000 local manufacturers to overcome decarbonisation challenge with step-by-step guidance and real-world use cases
Draws on insights from over 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors
Integrated into NYP’s curriculum for over 1,600 learners annually
Singapore, 28 May 2025 - DBS Bank, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Ernst & Young LLP (EY), and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) have joined forces to launch the “Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers to a Low-Carbon Future”. Supported by Enterprise Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore, it is Singapore’s first decarbonisation playbook designed for the manufacturing sector – designed to help them embark on and advance their journey to net zero.
(L to R) Lee Wei Hock (Head of Assurance, Ernst & Young LLP), Melvin Tan (Vice President & Honorary Secretary of SMF, and Chairman of the SMF Sustainability Committee), Denise Leong (Senior Director (Student Affairs) & Registrar, Nanyang Polytechnic) and Chen Ze Ling (Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, DBS) at the launch of the “Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers to a Low-Carbon Future” on 28 May 2025. This initiative is Singapore’s first decarbonisation playbook designed for the manufacturing sector, and will empower over 5,000 local manufacturers.
The playbook is designed to benefit two key groups: over 5,000 manufacturers across Singapore, as well as 1,600 learners from NYP’s full-time and continuing education programmes – equipping both today’s businesses and tomorrow’s workforce to take meaningful climate action.
Singapore’s manufacturing sector is a major economic driver and one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, with many companies facing challenges in adopting sustainability solutions[1]. In a survey of over 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors, 80% of companies said they were still in the early stages of their sustainability journey. Another 65% said they lacked visibility over their carbon emissions. These insights underscore the need for sector-specific, actionable support.
In response, DBS and SMF formed a cross-sector partnership with EY and NYP to co-develop the playbook – guided by direct industry feedback and supported by deep technical, financial and educational expertise.
“Meaningful decarbonisation starts with practical, real-world support – shaped by close industry engagement and delivered in partnership across the manufacturing value chain. That is the spirit behind this playbook,” said Chen Ze Ling, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, DBS. “As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, DBS is committed to uplifting sectors and supporting business transformation – with tools, pathways and partnerships that help companies take the first step and stay the course.”
A Human-Centred, Action-Oriented Guide
At the heart of the playbook is the "DECARB" framework – a pragmatic, step-by-step model that helps companies discover emissions sources, evaluate opportunities, create business cases, implement solutions, refine internal skills and build long-term decarbonisation roadmaps. Backed by practical use cases and industry testimonials, the playbook simplifies complexity and empowers manufacturers to take immediate and achievable action.
“As the national voice of Singapore’s manufacturing community, SMF is proud to co-develop this playbook as a practical and inclusive guide for our members,” said Clara Kwan, SMF’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “It addresses the very real challenges our manufacturers face – from limited resources to regulatory pressure – and equips them with tools to move from sustainability ambition to implementation. We believe this playbook will empower businesses of all sizes to lead confidently in the green economy.”
EY, the playbook’s knowledge partner, highlighted the differentiated approach: “Unlike traditional frameworks, the playbook combines perspectives of manufacturing players with insights of ecosystem players who are familiar with decarbonisation,” said Praveen Tekchandani, Singapore Leader and Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & Young LLP. “It breaks down complex requirements and policies like Singapore’s carbon tax and sustainability reporting standards while integrating science-based strategies, sector-specific pathways and readily applicable solutions, providing tangible and industry-tested tools to help companies take their first step in sustainability.”
Integrating Sustainability into Future-Ready Education
To extend the playbook’s reach and impact, NYP will integrate its contents into both pre-employment training (PET) and continuing education and training (CET) curricula. It will also be shared with corporate partners under NYP’s Alliance for Sustainability Innovation (ASI) through knowledge sharing opportunities and project collaborations.
This marks a pioneering step in embedding decarbonisation knowledge and tools into the foundational learning of Singapore’s future workforce.
"The playbook enables industry partners to develop greater awareness about incorporating sustainability practices in their workplace," said Dr Graham Ng, Director, School of Engineering, NYP. "By integrating it across our programmes and platforms, we're creating a powerful ripple effect to equip our learners and industry partners with the ability to identify and tackle sustainability challenges to enhance their business operations.”
Estimated Impact Through NYP’s Curriculum:
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Founded in 1932, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) champions the nation's manufacturing sector by driving innovation and sustainable growth. Organized into 10 Industry Groups and supported by Associated Services, SMF addresses distinct industry needs. Focusing on sustainability, human capital, internationalization, and productivity, SMF enhances sector resilience. As a collaboration catalyst, it fosters strategic alliances and market expansion locally and globally. With above 5,000 diverse members, including SMEs, MNCs, and Affiliates, SMF shapes Singapore's manufacturing ecosystem and drives industry advancement.
Visit www.smfederation.org.sg for more information.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization.
About Nanyang Polytechnic
Established as an institution of higher learning in 1992, Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) academic schools offer quality education and training through 39 full-time diploma courses and common entry programmes. NYP also has a full suite of Continuing Education and Training (CET) options for lifelong learning, ranging from specialist and advanced diplomas to SkillsFuture-supported modules and courses. NYP's Asian Culinary Institute Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies are CET institutes set up in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to champion and transform Singapore's F&B and retail sectors, respectively. A third NYP CET institute - the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning - also set up in collaboration with SSG, will spearhead the development of progressive workplace learning strategies and programmes for companies here.
For more information, please visit www.nyp.edu.sg.
(L to R) Lee Wei Hock (Head of Assurance, Ernst & Young LLP), Melvin Tan (Vice President & Honorary Secretary of SMF, and Chairman of the SMF Sustainability Committee), Denise Leong (Senior Director (Student Affairs) & Registrar, Nanyang Polytechnic) and Chen Ze Ling (Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, DBS) at the launch of the “Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers to a Low-Carbon Future” on 28 May 2025. This initiative is Singapore’s first decarbonisation playbook designed for the manufacturing sector, and will empower over 5,000 local manufacturers.
The playbook is designed to benefit two key groups: over 5,000 manufacturers across Singapore, as well as 1,600 learners from NYP’s full-time and continuing education programmes – equipping both today’s businesses and tomorrow’s workforce to take meaningful climate action.
Singapore’s manufacturing sector is a major economic driver and one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, with many companies facing challenges in adopting sustainability solutions[1]. In a survey of over 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors, 80% of companies said they were still in the early stages of their sustainability journey. Another 65% said they lacked visibility over their carbon emissions. These insights underscore the need for sector-specific, actionable support.
In response, DBS and SMF formed a cross-sector partnership with EY and NYP to co-develop the playbook – guided by direct industry feedback and supported by deep technical, financial and educational expertise.
“Meaningful decarbonisation starts with practical, real-world support – shaped by close industry engagement and delivered in partnership across the manufacturing value chain. That is the spirit behind this playbook,” said Chen Ze Ling, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, DBS. “As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, DBS is committed to uplifting sectors and supporting business transformation – with tools, pathways and partnerships that help companies take the first step and stay the course.”
A Human-Centred, Action-Oriented Guide
At the heart of the playbook is the "DECARB" framework – a pragmatic, step-by-step model that helps companies discover emissions sources, evaluate opportunities, create business cases, implement solutions, refine internal skills and build long-term decarbonisation roadmaps. Backed by practical use cases and industry testimonials, the playbook simplifies complexity and empowers manufacturers to take immediate and achievable action.
“As the national voice of Singapore’s manufacturing community, SMF is proud to co-develop this playbook as a practical and inclusive guide for our members,” said Clara Kwan, SMF’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “It addresses the very real challenges our manufacturers face – from limited resources to regulatory pressure – and equips them with tools to move from sustainability ambition to implementation. We believe this playbook will empower businesses of all sizes to lead confidently in the green economy.”
EY, the playbook’s knowledge partner, highlighted the differentiated approach: “Unlike traditional frameworks, the playbook combines perspectives of manufacturing players with insights of ecosystem players who are familiar with decarbonisation,” said Praveen Tekchandani, Singapore Leader and Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & Young LLP. “It breaks down complex requirements and policies like Singapore’s carbon tax and sustainability reporting standards while integrating science-based strategies, sector-specific pathways and readily applicable solutions, providing tangible and industry-tested tools to help companies take their first step in sustainability.”
Integrating Sustainability into Future-Ready Education
To extend the playbook’s reach and impact, NYP will integrate its contents into both pre-employment training (PET) and continuing education and training (CET) curricula. It will also be shared with corporate partners under NYP’s Alliance for Sustainability Innovation (ASI) through knowledge sharing opportunities and project collaborations.
This marks a pioneering step in embedding decarbonisation knowledge and tools into the foundational learning of Singapore’s future workforce.
"The playbook enables industry partners to develop greater awareness about incorporating sustainability practices in their workplace," said Dr Graham Ng, Director, School of Engineering, NYP. "By integrating it across our programmes and platforms, we're creating a powerful ripple effect to equip our learners and industry partners with the ability to identify and tackle sustainability challenges to enhance their business operations.”
Estimated Impact Through NYP’s Curriculum:
- 1,000 PET students across 10 diploma courses
- 220 CET adult learners in part-time specialist and advanced diploma courses and work-study programmes
- 438 ASI member companies supported through workshops and reference material
Through NYP’s curriculum, learners will gain exposure to the “DECARB” framework and its real-world applications through practical case studies. They will also participate in learning journeys to companies featured in the playbook and attend sharing sessions led by industry speakers from organisations that have successfully implemented decarbonisation strategies.
A Living Resource for Industry Transformation
As part of its rollout, the playbook will be introduced via half-day industry workshops co-organised by DBS, SMF, EY and NYP. These sessions will onboard manufacturers and practitioners through hands-on walkthroughs and implementation guidance.
The playbook is the latest in a suite of solutions designed to connect manufacturers to a broader ecosystem of sustainability support – including DBS’ ESG Ready Programme, which provides a structured framework to build sustainability capabilities, develop tailored transition plans and access green financing solutions. This is complemented by SMF’s Chief Sustainability Officer-as-a-Service (CSOaaS), which offers on-the-ground expertise to help companies turn strategy into action.
For more information on the playbook, visit here.
[1] Based on NCCS data, the Industry sector (manufacturing) accounted for 49% of Singapore’s primary greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.
[END]
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Founded in 1932, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) champions the nation's manufacturing sector by driving innovation and sustainable growth. Organized into 10 Industry Groups and supported by Associated Services, SMF addresses distinct industry needs. Focusing on sustainability, human capital, internationalization, and productivity, SMF enhances sector resilience. As a collaboration catalyst, it fosters strategic alliances and market expansion locally and globally. With above 5,000 diverse members, including SMEs, MNCs, and Affiliates, SMF shapes Singapore's manufacturing ecosystem and drives industry advancement.
Visit www.smfederation.org.sg for more information.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization.
About Nanyang Polytechnic
Established as an institution of higher learning in 1992, Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) academic schools offer quality education and training through 39 full-time diploma courses and common entry programmes. NYP also has a full suite of Continuing Education and Training (CET) options for lifelong learning, ranging from specialist and advanced diplomas to SkillsFuture-supported modules and courses. NYP's Asian Culinary Institute Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies are CET institutes set up in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to champion and transform Singapore's F&B and retail sectors, respectively. A third NYP CET institute - the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning - also set up in collaboration with SSG, will spearhead the development of progressive workplace learning strategies and programmes for companies here.
For more information, please visit www.nyp.edu.sg.
