Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu at the NTUC LearningHub Sustainability Symposium.
NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) and Grant Thorton have launched the NTUC Sustainability Signature Programme (NTUC SSP) to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate sustainability into their business operations.
The programme, co-developed with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) ASEAN Network, is Singapore’s first implementation-led sustainability training initiative tailored for SMEs. It will support companies in identifying their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while enhancing compliance and risk management.
The NTUC SSP is offered under the newly established NTUC LHUB Green Academy, which was launched on 19 March 2025 at the NTUC LearningHub Sustainability Symposium.
The Green Academy, officiated by Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu, brings together more than 20 key stakeholders, including training providers, industry experts, and employers, to develop a skilled workforce for Singapore’s green economy.
In her opening address, she stated that Singapore must be ready to seize these opportunities as the demand for green skills grows.
“Today's symposium by NTUC LearningHub is an important step in this direction. These sessions help our workers understand what sustainability means for their careers and how to prepare for these changes,” said Ms Fu, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.
The NTUC SSP guides SMEs through sustainability transformation using a three-phase approach – diagnostic, transition, and implementation – to equip them with essential tools and knowledge.
The programme integrates NTUC’s Awareness, Resources, and Community (ARC) framework, developed with Grant Thornton in June 2024, to support employers in achieving sustainability goals while upskilling workers.
Businesses can also access the complimentary ESG Assessment for Sustainability Transformation (EAST), to evaluate their sustainability readiness.
The NTUC SSP runs for 12 hours over three sessions, followed by a three-month implementation phase for businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan shared SMEs form an essential part of our economy, but due to limited resources and expertise, they often face challenges in adopting sustainable practices.
He added: “Sustainable growth can benefit workers too, and NTUC is focused on helping them and businesses navigate these hurdles. The NTUC Sustainability Signature Programme offers practical training and support to help SMEs adapt to evolving standards, which can ensure better job opportunities, enhanced job security, and long-term career prospects for our workers.”
The academy focuses on five key areas: Sustainability Foundation, Sustainability Reporting, Cleaner Energy, Agri-Aqua-Tech, and Sustainable Finance, which will launch later this year.
NTUC LHUB signed agreements with 10 training and accreditation partners to develop and review the curriculum to ensure industry relevance.
It also partnered with ten employers to identify emerging green job roles, upskill workers, and promote sustainability awareness within their organisations.
NTUC LHUB Chief Sector Skills Officer Tay Ee Learn shared that sustainability is essential for businesses to remain competitive and resilient.
He said: “At NTUC LHUB, we are committed to equipping employers and workers with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable transformation.
“The NTUC LHUB Green Academy builds on this commitment by providing a dedicated platform to bring together leading industry and content partners and sectorial stakeholders into this ecosystem and to guide businesses and individuals embarking their upskilling journey in green skills.”
The Industry Insights Report 2025 on Driving Sustainability in SMEs, a joint research report by NTUC LHUB and GRI ASEAN Network was also unveiled at the symposium.
The report highlights gaps and challenges in sustainability awareness, adoption, and training among SMEs, providing insights that shaped the NTUC SSP curriculum.
The report found that less than one-third of SME leaders see sustainability as crucial, and fewer than one-fifth regularly assess their economic, environmental, and social impact.
Additionally, 61 per cent of SMEs do not comply with sustainability requirements, and 64 per cent lack sustainability certifications.
GRI ASEAN Network Director Allinnettes Go Adigue noted that the findings highlight significant challenges faced by SMEs in adopting sustainability practices.
“These barriers often prevent SMEs from seeing the long-term value of sustainability despite its growing importance in today’s business landscape.
“By addressing these gaps through tailored solutions, such as practical self-assessment tools, and capacity-building programmes, we can help SMEs overcome these obstacles and integrate sustainability into their operations,” he said.
Embark on your green journey with NTUC LHUB. Find out more at NTUC LHUB’s Sustainability Academy!
