SMU president bags top award for making sustainability part of university's DNA

Social enterprise co-founder also lauded for urban farming efforts

- Shabana Begum Correspondent

SMU president Lily Kong clinched a top accolade at the annual Sustainability Impact Awards for ensuring every undergraduate takes classes on sustainability to nurture the next generation of green talent.

On Sept 25, Professor Kong, 60, was named Impact Leader of the Year alongside Mr Bjorn Low, co-founder of social enterprise Edible Garden City.

The annual awards, organised by The Business Times and UOB, also honoured nine individuals and companies that demonstrate leadership in creating impact by spearheading sustainability efforts. They include Keppel, ComfortDelGro and FairPrice Group.

In her six years leading SMU, Prof Kong has ensured that sustainability and going green are part of the DNA of the campus, students and staff.

Understanding environmental regulations and how they influence business practices, and coming up with solutions to solve firms' sustainability challenges, are among the skills that the university aims to instil in its students.

Besides advocating compulsory sustainability education at SMU, Prof Kong helped establish the Singapore Green Finance Centre and SMU Urban Institute, which addresses issues shaping the future of Asian cities, such as climate change.