Evolving with Singapore in a lower carbon future

More than 130 years ago, ExxonMobil brought kerosene to Singapore through Vacuum Oil for lighting. Today, the city-state is home to the energy major's integrated refining and petrochemical manufacturing complex, powering far more than lamps as it lights the way to a lower carbon future.

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From Singapore, ExxonMobil fuels the planes that connect Asia to the world, and powers ships and trucks that are vital parts of supply chains. It produces chemicals that are the building blocks of modern essentials. Petrochemicals can be found in many things, from food packaging, vehicle components, diapers, even surgical masks and gowns.

It has journeyed alongside Singapore's own transformation from trading port to a global energy and chemical hub.

Six decades of growthThe foundation was laid over the decades: from Mobil refinery in 1966 to Esso refinery in 1970. They are seamlessly inter-linked as the company's Singapore Refinery post-merger - and further integrated with its chemical plant.

These investments stand at over S$30 billion in fixed assets, making ExxonMobil one of Singapore's largest foreign manufacturing investors.

"Singapore sits in the middle of a growth region - Asia-Pacific - with a lot of potential," says Geraldine Chin, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific. "Population growth and higher per capita purchasing power will increase the demand for energy and consumer goods. Whether it be transportation fuels, lubricants for industrial use, or the chemicals in consumer goods."

But Asia-Pacific's growth prospects are only part of the story. Sound economics - access to feedstock and markets - and strong enablers - human capital and constructive government policies - are essential for the company's investments. Singapore has delivered on these for six decades.