SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) has established the position of a government chief sustainability officer to drive the nation’s sustainability efforts.

From Sunday, Mr Lim Tuang Liang, who is now MSE’s chief science and technology officer (CSTO), will take on the new role, the ministry announced on Friday.

He will also take on the concurrent role of deputy secretary of special duties at the ministry, and relinquish his position as CSTO when a replacement is found.

As Singapore’s first government chief sustainability officer, Mr Lim, 50, will drive sustainability efforts, such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which puts the country on the path to being more resource-efficient and climate-resilient, MSE said.

The plan, unveiled in February 2021, charts targets over a 10-year period to strengthen Singapore’s commitments under the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement, pushing Singapore towards net-zero emissions.

Mr Lim will oversee the ministry’s Public Sector Sustainability Office and Sustainability Partnerships Office, working with public sector agencies to develop and coordinate strategies for GreenGov.SG, a sustainability movement for the public sector.

He will also spearhead the Government’s partnerships with businesses, civil society groups and individuals to advance the national sustainability agenda.