Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) have launched SPEED, a one-stop training and readiness programme aimed at equipping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools and expertise to advance their sustainability goals.

The 15-month programme will guide SMEs on how to track and optimise their energy usage and carbon emissions using Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. It will also equip them with the skills needed to meet their customers’ sustainability requirements.

EnterpriseSG will subsidise up to 70% of eligible costs for each participating SME.

“We know that businesses want to be sustainable, but the journey can be complex, costly, involve multiple stakeholders and require specialised knowledge. We designed this holistic programme with businesses in mind, making knowledge acquisition, application and implementation of green solutions in the workplace easy. We encourage enterprises who wish to improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint to reach out to us,” says Ng Tian Chong, Singtel Singapore’s chief executive officer.

Geoffrey Yeo, assistant managing director of Enterprise Singapore, adds: “Singtel’s SPEED programme delivers practical IoT solutions that give SMEs real-time insights into their energy usage and emissions, empowering them to make data-driven decisions to achieve cost savings while advancing their sustainability goals. Enterprise Singapore is pleased to partner Singtel to help SMEs in their adoption of sustainable practices.”

SPEED was developed in partnership with solution providers and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Apart from this, Singtel and NYP will be collaborating to drive sustainability efforts in Singapore through industry training programmes and seminars, as well as internships and attachments for NYP students and staff.

“We are committed to equipping enterprises with the essential knowledge and skills to kickstart their green transition. Beyond offering training programmes to these businesses, we will also co-create learning opportunities with Singtel to empower these businesses with the know-how to drive real impact in sustainability,” says Dr Phua Chee Teck, deputy principal (Sustainability & Technology) at NYP.

What does SPEED entail?

SPEED stands for smart technologies, purpose-driven innovations, enhanced capabilities, and achieving effective digital transformation.

The programme includes:

• Assessment and advisory: Enterprises will first undergo an e-assessment to gauge their sustainability readiness. They will then receive training in sustainability and digital technologies to enhance their performance and optimise resource use.
  
  Additionally, businesses will be guided on meeting bid requirements that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, enabling them to seize new opportunities in the green economy.
   

• Deployment of IoT services: IoT solutions will be deployed to help enterprises establish resource usage baselines and track their carbon emissions and energy usage.
  
  A real-time dashboard will provide actionable insights, enabling businesses to implement rule-based automation for greater efficiency. These data-driven insights will enhance precision in monitoring and support more informed decision-making on sustainability efforts.
   

• Comprehensive progress review: Singtel will also check in with SMEs to ensure they are progressing towards their sustainability goals.

SPEED is Singtel’s latest initiative under its 4D Environmental Sustainability Strategy –  defend, decarbonise, dematerialise and deliver sustainable value – which articulates the four approaches to climate action that the company takes.