SINGAPORE, 7 October 2024 - Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) is pleased to announce that its inaugural Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture held on 3 October 2024 saw over 200 attendees gaining insights into innovative approaches to sustainable and mindful building design and development. The attendees comprised Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (“NTU Singapore”) students, staff and alumni; members from the public including representatives from the academia, government and private sectors; and Mapletree employees.

Hosted by NTU’s Asian School of the Environment (“ASE”), organised by CIFAL Singapore at NTU and supported by Mapletree, the lecture series seeks to highlight new areas of interest in environmental sciences and broader topics connected to sustainability such as sustainable cities, future energy, ocean science and environmental conservation.

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree, said: “As a strong supporter of education and sustainability causes, Mapletree is committed to creating a positive environment and generating long-term sustainable returns. We hope that this inaugural lecture not only provided insights, but also inspired participants to delve deeper into creative and sustainable architectural approaches. We hope that the academia will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners and industry experts to advance environmental literacy.”

The session began with a lecture on ‘Humanising our Cities’, where guest speaker and founder of award-winning British design and architecture studio Heatherwick Studio Mr Thomas Heatherwick, shared his knowledge on how organisations can design and develop iconic human-driven and environmentally-friendly buildings that balance aesthetics with environmental considerations.

This was followed by an insightful panel discussion helmed by panellists Mr Heatherwick; Mr Craig Miller, Partner & Head of China, Heatherwick Studio; Dr Pang Chin Hong, Head, Group Sustainability, Mapletree, and moderated by Professors Adam Switzer and Perrine Hamel from NTU’s ASE. Themed ‘Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Building Design in Tropical Asia’, the panel discussion explored the intersection of cutting-edge architectural design, sustainable development and nature-based solutions in Asia, as well as how these elements can shape the future of urban environments in Singapore and abroad.

The lecture series is part of the Mapletree Sustainability Programme established in 2023 following a S$675,000 gift from Mapletree to NTU. The gift funds the Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture and Mapletree Sustainability Scholarships for NTU undergraduates committed to advancing sustainability causes.

Two NTU students – Ms Tay Yu Xun, a second-year student pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Systems Science, and Mr Daniel Loke Juin Ren, a second-year student pursuing a Double Degree in Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Systems Science and Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Policy and Global Affairs – were awarded the first Mapletree Sustainability Scholarship in Academic Year 2023/2024 (AY23/24). Both students have also recently renewed their scholarships for AY24/25.

Mr Thomas Heatherwick speaking on humanising our cities.

(Left to Right) Assistant Professor Perrine Hamel, Nanyang Assistant Professor (NRF), ASE; Dr Pang Chin Hong, Head, Group Sustainability, Mapletree; Mr Thomas Heatherwick, Founder, Heatherwick Studio; Mr Craig Miller, Partner, Heatherwick Studio; and Professor Adam Switzer, Director, CIFAL Singapore.

(Left to Right) Professor Tan Ooi Kiang, Deputy Provost (Education), NTU; Ms Ooi Chee Kar, Independent Member of the Investor Committee of Mapletree US Logistics Private Trust and Mapletree CSR Board Committee Member; Professor Adam Switzer, Director, CIFAL Singapore; Professor Ling San, Provost, NTU; Mr Thomas Heatherwick, Founder, Heatherwick Studio; Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree; Professor Emma Hill, Chair, ASE; Mr Craig Miller, Partner, Heatherwick Studio; and Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree (right) presenting a token of appreciation featuring three of Mapletree’s Punch Buddies to Mr Thomas Heatherwick, Founder, Heatherwick Studio (left) for speaking at the inaugural Mapletree Annual Sustainability Lecture.

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