Michael Pulch, the European Union’s ambassador to Singapore, opens the inaugural EU Business Avenues Clean Technologies programme in Southeast Asia by noting that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are “the backbone of the European economy”.
Soh Yap Choon, assistant chief executive of Singapore’s Energy Market Authority, highlights the importance of global clean technology companies in light of concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, while speaking at SIEW 2014.
By Lionel Choo
From organic waste management systems to advanced construction materials and solar photovoltaic modules for green buildings, 38 small and medium-sized companies showcased some of Europe’s most innovative clean technology at Singapore International Energy Week 2014 on Tuesday as they look for opportunities in Asia to promote sustainable development.
Michael Pulch, the European Union’s ambassador to Singapore, opened the inaugural EU Business Avenues Clean Technologies programme in Southeast Asia by noting that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are “the backbone of the European economy”.
About 20 million SMEs are responsible for 50 percent of gross domestic product in the European Union and 70 percent of employment but most have not thought about exporting their technologies, he said.
The current programme, featuring companies from 16 European countries, “would help SMEs extend their reach” into Southeast Asia, Pulch said.
Soh Yap Choon, assistant chief executive of Singapore’s Energy Market Authority, highlighted the importance of global clean technology companies in light of concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability.
Citing a report by the World Bank, he said “investment in clean technology sectors is estimated to reach up to US$6.4 trillion in the next 10 years”, adding that business opportunities for SMEs represented US$1.6 trillion of that amount.
Soh said the enormous rise in energy demand in Southeast Asia underlined the potential for clean technologies. In Singapore, the clean technology industry is expected to contribute S$3.4 billion (US$2.7 billion) to the economy and employ 15,000 people by 2015.
The companies displaying their products in Singapore included Lithuania-based Solitek OU, which produces integrated solar photovoltaic glass modules. Paulius Kuncinas, Solitek’s representative for Southeast Asian markets, said the company aims to “combine the best in solar and glass” and is targeting the construction and architecture sectors.
Another example was Motortech GmbH from Germany, which is looking for new opportunities in gas engine applications in Asia.
Watch the full session of EU Business Avenues Clean Technologies 2014 Mission here.
About Singapore International Energy Week (www.siew.gov.sg)
The 7th annual SIEW 2014 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, energy practitioners and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions. SIEW brings together a robust line-up of world's leading conferences, exhibitions, roundtables and networking events to provide insights and perspectives on the emerging trends and innovations across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing – in one week, one location. Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for further information.