Online Fireside Chat on Circularity, Nature & Energy
Jan 2026
Online Fireside Chats on Circularity, Nature, and Energy
The Al-Mizan Fireside Chat series has quickly become a vibrant platform for thought leaders, industry experts, and community members to exchange ideas on sustainability. The January sessions brought together over 100 online participants to explore three interconnected themes: Circularity, Nature, and Energy.
Circularity Policies in Southeast Asia
Alif from BCG Southeast Asia emphasized that circularity extends beyond waste management to product design and production. Singapore leads with extended producer responsibility and deposit return systems, while Indonesia focuses on waste-to-energy solutions. International support, such as aid from GIZ, is vital for scaling context-specific approaches.
Lithium Recovery from Desalination Brine
Naeem, a PhD candidate at NTU, presented groundbreaking research on lithium recovery using nanofiber-based adsorbents. His work achieved enrichment of 305 times the starting concentration, underscoring the potential of circularity in water systems. He stressed the importance of bridging academic and industrial research through pilot-scale projects and systems integration.
Circular Economy Opportunities in APAC
Firdaus Hamzah, Managing Director of CTP, highlighted the $4.5 trillion global circular economy opportunity, with APAC representing $2 trillion. Singapore’s water self-sufficiency goal by 2060 exemplifies regional leadership. Key skills for circular economy roles include chemical engineering, material science, and trading expertise, with challenges in balancing profitability and scaling resource recovery technologies.
Nature-Based Solutions
Shakura Bashir, a PhD student at NUS, presented on nature-based climate solutions (NbCS), which contribute to one-third of cost-effective climate mitigation. She categorized NbCS into protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems, while highlighting challenges in scaling due to funding mismatches. Strengthening integrity, expanding financing, and recognizing biodiversity and social benefits are essential for future NbCS growth.
Conservation Efforts in Singapore
Rohaya Saharom shared her journey from the Ministry of Environment to leading sustainability programs at Madai Wildlife Group. She emphasized ecological interdependence using the analogy of a house of cards and showcased initiatives such as the Madai Wildlife Bridge and ethical breeding programs. The recovery of the Raffles Banded Langur stands as a testament to sustained conservation efforts.
Businesses Tackling Nature Loss
Aisyah Firoz, advocacy lead at Business for Nature, highlighted the critical role of businesses in reversing biodiversity decline. Through coalition-building and advocacy, companies can drive systemic change towards a nature-positive economy.
Singapore’s Net-Zero Energy Strategy
Muhammad Suhaimi Ismail outlined Singapore’s ambitious multi-pronged approach to achieving net-zero energy. While natural gas remains a cornerstone of the energy mix, the country is preparing to import six gigawatts of electricity by 2035. Solar, hydrogen, geothermal, and carbon capture technologies are being integrated to diversify supply. Suhaimi also highlighted the complexities of nuclear energy adoption, stressing the importance of public acceptance and proactive infrastructure planning to avoid stranded assets.
Collaborative Decarbonization Initiatives
Syed Adam shared the evolution of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), now with nearly 300 members across diverse sectors. Collaboration between industry, government, and finance is key to driving decarbonization. Initiatives such as a carbon working group, business missions to Indonesia, and the PV Handbook 2 on electrical safety showcase SEAS’s role in fostering innovation. The digital marketplace developed with KPMG further connects companies to accelerate sustainability projects.
Renewable Transition and Nuclear Perceptions
Dr. Luqman Akasha from Sembcorp Industries discussed the financial realities of renewable energy projects, noting their reliance on gas revenues for funding. Carbon capture remains financially challenging without regulatory support, while intermittency and grid instability demand advanced solutions like energy storage and nuclear power. Luqman emphasized the need to address public perceptions of nuclear energy, comparing its safety record to everyday risks, and underscored its potential role in Singapore’s energy future.
Conclusion
The Fireside Chats on Circularity, Nature, and Energy provided a rich snapshot of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. From energy transition strategies to conservation efforts and circular economy innovations, the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and systemic change. As the series continues, it promises to inspire and empower stakeholders to build a sustainable future together.
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