首席执行官李国坚：Cora数码转型推动可持续废弃物管理
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © SPH Media Limited.
Cora Environment Commits S$200 Million Investment to Rethink Waste and Accelerate Growth
• Five-year S$200 million strategic roadmap to drive transformation and growth in waste-to-resource and recycling capabilities
• Collaboration and education remain core to Cora Environment’s vision of shaping a more circular waste ecosystem aligned with Singapore Green Plan 2030
Singapore, 11 September 2025 – Cora Environment, formerly known as SembWaste and Sembcorp Environment, today announced its new identity as Cora Environment, marking a new chapter in its journey as a purpose-driven sustainable waste management leader. Anchored by a five-year strategic roadmap, Cora Environment is committing S$200 million to drive transformation and growth in waste-to-resource and recycling capabilities – while supporting the Singapore’s transition towards a zero-waste future under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
The investment will strengthen its core capabilities, alongside upgrades to existing facilities and the launch of a new digital platform to provide customers with actionable sustainability insights through data analytics. By aligning resources towards emerging opportunities and developing new capabilities to meet future needs, these initiatives will reinforce Cora Environment’s integrated expertise and enhance its position to deliver longer-term value and stronger outcomes across the waste management value chain for its customers, stakeholders and the wider community.
Mr Lee Kok Kin, Group CEO of Cora Environment said: “Cora Environment is built on a strong foundation of governance, stakeholder trust, and operational depth. Our new identity, ‘Cora’, inspired by the words, ‘collaboration’ and ‘heart’, reflects our commitment to the values that will guide us as we rethink the waste value chain and transform it into a catalyst for positive change. Our integrated waste management capabilities uniquely allow us to redesign processes and deliver real solutions that support Singapore’s sustainability journey, to shape the future of waste management in the region and generate meaningful outcomes for our customers, the wider community, and the nation in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.”
Cora Environment currently serves approximately 450,000 households and trade premises in the City-Punggol and Clementi-Bukit Merah sectors under the National Environment Agency’s Public Waste Collection Scheme, as well as a wide base of industrial and commercial clients across Singapore. Its owned and operated facilities include a material recovery facility and an energy-from-waste plant on Jurong Island – delivering a full suite of sustainable waste solutions.
In June 2024, the company launched the Closed-Loop Partners Network, Singapore’s first platform to foster industry collaboration and ensure responsible recycling. In 2023, Cora Environment launched a school recycling programme, Cora School Recycling League, which aims to educate students about the importance of clean stream recycling at source and empower educators to integrate sustainability into everyday learning. Since inception, the programme engaged over 400 schools in Singapore, across pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
With a clear roadmap and strong foundation, Cora Environment is poised to play a pivotal role in Singapore’s zero-waste ambition and to shape the future of waste management across the region.
A New Beginning for Cora Environment
SembWaste and Sembcorp Environment are now Cora Environment
For decades, our ubiquitous green and blue bins have been a familiar sight across the island, with our established presence contributing to a robust and reliable waste management infrastructure in Singapore. Today, under the ownership of TBS Energi, we are evolving into Cora Environment, a refreshed brand with a deep legacy and a bold new vision.
CORA ENVIRONMENT: TURNING IDEALS INTO ACTION
As the saying goes “What’s discarded by some is cherished by others”. At its core, Cora Environment is committed to turning ideals into action – rethinking waste and inspiring everyone to see waste not as an end point, but as a valuable resource.
Every action matters, and each individual effort contributes to a greater collective impact. Together, we can close the loop by converting waste into resources and reducing the volume that ends up in landfills. In doing so, we can protect our one and only planet, ensuring that future generations can thrive.
Our name reflects this philosophy. “Cora” draws inspiration from the words: collaboration and heart. We put our people, our purpose and our planet at the heart of our work, repurposing waste and enabling our customers on their sustainability journeys in meaningful ways that change mindsets and uplift communities towards a sustainable future.
We bring our ideals to life through meaningful collaborations that advance circularity. One example is our pilot trials with SUTD and A*Star, where we are using AI to improve the accuracy of plastic waste sorting. The trained model can identify and sort plastics into seven distinct types, enhancing recycling efficiency.
Another partnership we have built is the Closed-Loop Partners Network, a first-of-its-kind network that fosters industry partnerships among recycling service providers. This network bridges the supply and demand gap for recycled feedstock and assures customers of responsible recycling practices with measurable long-term impact.
Most recently, we signed a Collaboration Agreement with Singapore Polytechnic, which will see us establish partnerships for hands-on projects and test-bedding initiatives that will accelerate digital transformation, sustainability innovation and talent development in our industry.
OFFICIAL BRAND LAUNCH
On 11 September 2025, we celebrated a major milestone: the official launch of our refreshed brand identity and a bold new vision to shape a future where zerowaste is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
We were honoured to have the event officiated by Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Defence, who captured the essence of our renewed focus when he said:
“The official launch of Cora Environment marks a bold step forward. A step that reflects the organisation’s transformation, its growing role in the sustainability space, and its ambition to lead the way forward.”
Mr Lee Kok Kin, Group CEO of Cora Environment, also shared our vision with our guests:
“At Cora Environment, we believe waste is not an end point but a beginning – a resource with untapped potential, waiting to be transformed into value. However, tackling waste requires collective effort and we cannot achieve this vision alone. That is why collaboration is at the heart of Cora Environment.”
Besides partnerships, we are also strengthening community action through the Cora School Recycling League, launched in 2023. This flagship initiative has engaged over 400 schools to date, nurturing good recycling habits among youth and driving awareness from the ground up.
WHAT STAYS AND WHAT HAS CHANGED?
In the coming months, you will start to see our bins and trucks sporting a refreshed look, as we continue our mission of contributing to a robust and reliable waste management infrastructure in Singapore. While our name has changed, our management team remains the same – along with our governance, strategy, and unwavering commitment to our stakeholders.
Cora Environment will continue to uphold the waste management and recycling excellence we have built over the past 45 years, maintaining the strong track record that has earned your trust.
School Recycling League 2024: Fostering Recycling Awareness in Young Leaders
Close to 300 pre-, primary, and secondary schools participated in the School Recycling League 2024 jointly organisedby Sembcorp Environment and the Singapore Environment Council. It is an initiative that fosters a culture of environmental responsibility amongst children and youths. In addition to promoting good recycling habits, the programme aims to inspire a collective commitment towards sustainable practices, driving long-term positive change.
Cultivating Recycling Awareness Amongst Students
The year-long School Recycling League programme kicked off with schools transforming their spaces into personalised recycling hubs, where students took ownership of creating vibrant and functional recycling corners. These spaces, designed for the collection of recycled paper, plastic, metal, and glass, empower students to actively participate in sustainability efforts, making recycling a hands-on, relatable experience.
Through a series of engaging awareness talks and activities led by educators and Circularity Consultants from Sembcorp Environment, students were immersed in the core principles of recycling – learning both the dos and don’ts, as well as best practices for waste reduction and resource recovery.
Recognising Sustainability Excellence
At the award ceremony held on 5 November 2024, the top-performing schools which demonstrated exemplary commitment and effort in recycling were celebrated. Congratulations to My First Skool @ Blk 153 Bishan, Mee Toh School, and Manjusri Secondary School for winning the Gold Award in the Pre-, Primary, and Secondary School categories respectively.
In his remarks, Mr. Lee Kok Kin, Chief Executive Officer of SembWaste emphasised, “Reducing waste and enhancing circularity are crucial steps in driving sustainability on a global scale. Every individual, every institution, and every community have a role to play. It is inspiring to witness the active role that schools are taking in shaping a more sustainable future, and as a leading environmental services provider, we are proud to support this movement.”
Ms. Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman of Singapore Environment Council remarked, “The School Recycling League is a vital component of Singapore’s Green Plan, which aims to significantly boost recycling rates and minimise landfill waste. It is encouraging to see how this initiative helps students internalise these critical goals, creating a foundation for lasting environmental change.”
A Testament to Education and Community Involvement
The participation of schools in recycling programmes underscores the transformative power of education and community engagement in driving sustainable change.
Mr. Sim Chong Boon, Principal of Manjusri Secondary School, remarked, “Over the past few years, teachers and students have been discovering innovative ways to lead the charge for reusing and recycling materials. Being part of this larger, nationwide movement reinforces our commitment to fostering sustainable practices for generations to come.”
Fostering Partnerships for a Sustainable Ecosystem
The success of initiatives like the School Recycling League highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in building a sustainable ecosystem. By collaborating with like-minded companies, we can provide the resources, expertise, and support necessary to engage schools and students in meaningful sustainability practices. These partnerships enable the creation of innovative recycling programmes, equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to drive environmental change.
As we continue to nurture these alliances, we are not only advancing the green agenda but also fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility that extends far beyond business. Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability is a shared priority, and every effort counts toward a circular economy.
For more information on the School Recycling League, please visit School Recycling League.
SembWaste Launches New Closed-Loop Partners Network to Drive Collaboration and Circular Transformation
• The first-of-its-kind platform in Singapore will bridge the supply and demand gap for recycled feedstock
• Two new-to-market sustainable waste management solutions will enable customers to establish a long-term recycling roadmap
Singapore, June 19, 2024 – Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), through its wholly-owned subsidiary SembWaste, today launched a Closed-Loop Partners Network (Network), the first-of-its-kind platform in Singapore aimed at fostering industry partnerships to advance a circular economy. This aligns with Singapore’s ambition to become a zero-waste nation. The Network aims to bridge the supply and demand gap for recycled feedstock by fostering collaboration among recycling service providers and enabling customers to recycle through innovative waste management solutions.
Mr Lee Kok Kin, CEO, SembWaste, said: “As a leading environment services provider, SembWaste is dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management, a critical but often overlooked aspect of environmental stewardship. To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, we are excited to introduce the Closed-Loop Partners Network. The platform aims to eliminate barriers among recycling service providers and connect like-minded partners in the pursuit of circularity. By joining the Network, service providers will gain access to a collaborative ecosystem that enhances their operational capabilities and impact. Additionally, through this Network, customers are assured of responsible recycling practices with measurable long-term impacts, reinforcing our dedication to a sustainable future.”
SembWaste marked the launch of the Network with 10 recycling service providers1 at the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore 2024. The providers are committed to collective standards of material handling and operational processes, ensuring responsibility and quality throughout the value chain.
Dr Tan Yong Tsong, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bluefield Renewable Energy, said: “We are honoured to be one of the pioneer recycling solution providers in SembWaste’s Closed-Loop Partners Network. The Network provides us with access to market insights, infrastructure support, and engagements with key industry stakeholders. This initiative aligns with Bluefield Renewable Energy’s vision to inspire businesses to reimagine waste as a valuable resource, leading the way to proactively steer waste away from landfills and incineration, and champion environmental sustainability.”
In addition, SembWaste’s customers can now utilise its new-to-market sustainable waste management solutions: Mixed-waste Off-site Normative Assessment (MONA ) and Landfill Incineration Strategic Avoidance (LISA ). These solutions offer a holistic approach towards zero waste, by using total waste output baseline data to help customers develop strategies for diverting waste from landfills.
In Singapore, non-domestic waste accounts for 75% of total waste output2. MONA and LISA offer adaptable and scalable frameworks tailored to various industry needs, driving significant collective impact and boosting the supply of recycled feedstock. MONA employs waste auditing and profiling techniques to assess and categorise total waste output, while LISA helps customers use this data to develop long-term strategies for waste reduction and resources recovery.For more information about MONA and LISA , please visit Sembcorp’s booth located at G10 at the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore 2024.
For more information about the Closed-Loop Partners Network and how to get involved, please visit our website here.
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1 The partners are Bluefield Renewable Energy, ECO-Mastermelt, Global Enviro Technology, Hiroyuki Industries, KGS, Klothn Circularity, Life Lab Resources, Plaspulp Union, Samwoh Corporation and Zero Waste Solution.
2 NEA: Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling
SembWaste Partners Singapore Polytechnic to Pilot Smart Recycling Initiative in Punggol Shore
SembWaste, a wholly-owned subsidiary under Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) today launched a joint initiative with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Rebottle, which aims to boost PET bottle recycling rates in Singapore, starting with Punggol Shore precinct. Rebottle was unveiled at an event witnessed by Grassroots Adviser to Pasir Ris-Punggol Grassroots Organisation, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, where a three-month pilot for this initiative will be deployed at 10 selected HDB blocks within the Punggol Coral estate, as well as Prime and Ang Mo supermarkets in Punggol Shore.
Rebottle is a smart recycling initiative that uses refurbished roller cages incorporating IoT solutions to provide real-time waste collection data. This data will enable SembWaste to monitor the number of bottles disposed off in the cages and optimise collections when the cages are full.
SembWaste’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Lee Kok Kin said, “Our waste, if sorted, can be recycled as a valuable resource. The roller cages at void decks and supermarkets make it convenient for Singaporeans to deposit and recycle plastic bottles. With Rebottle, we hope to encourage better recycling rates in Singapore, which also reduces the country’s landfill disposal.”
Before the launch, SembWaste completed a waste profiling exercise to study the composition of materials placed in the blue recycling bins at Punggol Coral. Statistics from the study showed that only 1% of the materials were recyclable PET bottles and about 52% were eliminated for recycling either due to contamination or rejected items that are not recyclable. SembWaste will be working closely with the Punggol Shore constituency to triple their overall PET collection rates while lowering the estate’s waste contamination rate by at least 10%, hence effectively improving recycling rates.
Rebottle was jointly developed with students from SP’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering as well as Media, Arts and Design schools. The students tapped on insights from interviews with residents and their skillsets to support their design and deployment of the smart receptacles. For instance, by identifying the common areas with the highest footfall such as void decks and lift lobbies, the smart receptacles could be placed at accessible and convenient locations for the deposit of used PET bottles.
Acting Director of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic, Dr Lim Joo Ghee said, “In land-scarce Singapore, there is a pressing need to conserve our limited landfill space, which is set to run out by 20351. Through Rebottle, our students learnt how to ideate, design, and implement innovative sustainability solutions for real-life issues. SP is dedicated to working with SembWaste to encourage residents to cultivate a habit of recycling, by making it easier and more accessible. We hope that by bringing these smart recycling receptacles to the heartlands, more people will be motivated to make a difference.”
SembWaste will also be partnering with Sheng Siong to roll out Rebottle at their 301 Punggol Central outlet. This partnership aims to lower the carbon footprint by leveraging the partner’s existing resources and centralised collection point to consolidate the materials. In the longer term, results from the Rebottle pilot will be used by SembWaste and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to jointly determine the most cost-effective and lowest carbon-footprint methods to harvest clean stream recyclables.
“By focusing on the correct methods for recycling PET bottles, Rebottle presents a unique opportunity to both reduce waste and raise awareness of proper recycling practices. On a broader scale, this collaboration between SEC and Sembcorp, engaging large groups in the community, is yet another step towards achieving one of our nation’s 2030 Green Plan targets: to reduce waste sent to landfills by 30%,” said Ms Jen Teo, Executive Director of the Singapore Environment Council.
Through the Rebottle initiative, residents from the 10 selected blocks in Punggol Coral can take part in a block recycling competition when they recycle PET bottles through smart receptacles. Participating households from the winning block will receive a S$10 reward voucher at the end of the pilot.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Grassroots Adviser to Pasir Ris – Punggol Grassroots Organisations shared “We are glad to have mobilized both community partners and our residents to support this pilot initiative. Recycling is a topic close to the hearts of our Punggol Shore Community as we continue our efforts of sustainability towards achieving Punggol in Bloom – a livable neighbourhood that our Punggol Shore residents would be happy and proud to call home. Through this pilot, I hope that more neighbourhoods too can replicate these efforts for it is only when we come together as one that we can rally behind our Punggol Shore residents to build a vibrant community featuring beautiful common spaces, meaningful activities and lively events that brings all of us closer and more united through shared experiences.”
1 https://www.towardszerowaste.gov.sg/zero-waste-masterplan/
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About SembWaste Pte. Ltd.
SembWaste, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, is a leading environmental services provider in Singapore, focused on waste management, public cleaning and recycling services. It offers a comprehensive suite of services such as collection, processing, recycling and disposal of solid waste to customers in the municipal, industrial and commercial sectors.
About Singapore Polytechnic
Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic. It has 10 schools that offer 30 full-time diploma courses and three common entry programmes for more than 12,800 students. SP adopts a proven creative teaching and learning framework and offers students a holistic, authentic and industry-relevant curriculum, innovative and vibrant learning spaces, and enriching overseas programmes.
The Polytechnic is committed to producing competent and versatile graduates who are also imbued with sound values so that they can be work-ready, life-ready and world-ready. Currently, SP has more than 218,000 graduates and among them are successful entrepreneurs, top executives in multi-national and public-listed corporations, and well-known professionals across various industries and leaders in government.
SP clinched the inaugural ASEAN People’s Award in 2015 for its contributions toward the region’s community-building efforts. SP is also the first polytechnic to be awarded the President’s Award for the Environment in 2010 and the President’s Social Service Award in 2011, as well as the President’s Award for Teachers in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
Follow SP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/singaporepolytechnic/ and Twitter and Instagram at @singaporepoly.
About People’s Association
The People’s Association (PA) is a statutory board established on 1 July 1960 to promote racial harmony and social cohesion, and to act as a bridge between the Government and the people. We offer a wide range of community programmes and volunteering opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life. Our network includes close to 2,000 Grassroots Organisations (GROs), over 100 Community Clubs, five Community Development Councils, National Community Leadership Institute and PAssion WaVe. More information at www.pa.gov.sg.
About Singapore Environment Council
Established in 1995, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) enables businesses in their sustainability journeys through its globally recognised environmental certification programme under the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). In line with the national targets outlined in the SG Green Plan 2030, SEC focuses on raising public awareness on sustainability issues and fosters capability and capacity building through Public Private People (3Ps) partnership. As a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO), SEC is approved under the Institution of Public Character (IPC) which extends tax exemption to donors.
For details, please visit https://www.sec.org.sg.
SembWaste Partners Singapore Polytechnic To Pilot Smart Recycling Initiative In Punggol Shore