Interview Highlights
Clara, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), joined the panel “Decarbonising the Tech Industry: The Path to Net-Zero” at Asia Tech x Singapore 2025 (ATxSG 2025) to share perspectives on sustainability in manufacturing, circular economy adoption, and long-term decarbonisation strategies.
Her central message was consistent throughout the discussion: sustainability in tech is a long-term commitment, not a short-term fix.
“Sustainability is a long-term goal. We need to look at things in totality — from nature and climate to the communities involved.”
Across the panel, Clara emphasised that achieving net-zero requires systems thinking — where technology, manufacturing, policy, and people move together.
Register for ATxEnterprise 2026 to explore sustainability in tech: https://asiatechxsg.com/registration/
Sustainability Insights from ATxSG 2025: A Systems-Driven View
When discussing decarbonising the tech industry, Clara highlighted the importance of viewing sustainability holistically. Net-zero strategies must account not only for emissions reduction, but also for manufacturing systems, material lifecycles, and societal impact.
A key theme from the session was the circular economy in Asia — particularly how reuse, regeneration, and long-term resource planning are becoming central to sustainability in manufacturing.
“Circular economy is the key. Every material has a past, a present, and a future. The goal is to keep these resources in continuous action.”
This approach supports more resilient supply chains while reducing environmental pressure across the technology and manufacturing ecosystem.
Related reading: Real-World Examples of Sustainable Innovation: How Tech Enterprises Are Driving Change
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building at ATxEnterprise
Reflecting on her three days at ATxSG 2025, Clara described the event as a convergence point for sustainability, technology, and enterprise collaboration.
From SatelliteAsia and advisory firms to the Singapore Pavilion and international delegations, the event showcased how ecosystem-driven collaboration accelerates sustainable innovation.
“Events like ATxEnterprise bring people with similar missions together and help widen the ecosystem.”
She was particularly drawn to the startup showcases, noting how early-stage sustainability ideas evolve year after year — a clear signal of how circular economy strategies and green technologies are scaling across Asia.
Related reading: Sustainability in Data Centers: Balancing Growth and Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability in Manufacturing: Why Circularity Matters
As CSO of SMF, Clara works closely with manufacturers navigating sustainability transitions. She sees the industry actively moving toward:
Cleaner and more energy-efficient production cycles
Industrial reuse and recycling models
Low-emissions manufacturing processes
Sustainable material sourcing
Circular supply chain frameworks
These shifts are foundational to net-zero strategies and critical for keeping materials in productive use while minimising waste.
Related reading: Healthtech Innovation Leaders Across APAC
A Circular, Collaborative Future for Asia’s Tech Industry
Clara’s perspective reinforces a broader takeaway from ATxSG 2025: sustainability in tech cannot be achieved in silos. Progress depends on collaboration across industries, startups, governments, and communities.
“It’s always good to meet new partners and reconnect with familiar ones. Collaboration is how we move the ecosystem forward.”
Her insights closely align with the goals of Decarbonising the Tech Industry: The Path to Net-Zero — where shared responsibility, circular thinking, and long-term planning shape Asia’s sustainable future.
Discover more sustainability insights and register for ATxEnterprise 2026: https://asiatechxsg.com/registration/
About Clara
Clara is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), where she leads national initiatives in sustainability in manufacturing, circular economy strategy, and long-term decarbonisation. Her work supports enterprises transitioning toward resilient, low-carbon, and future-ready business models.
About Asia Tech x Singapore 2025
Asia Tech x Singapore 2025 brings together global leaders across government, tech, and sustainability to shape the future of digital and green transformation.
Through its anchor platforms ATxSummit and ATxEnterprise — the event explores next-gen technologies, regional collaboration, and the future of sustainable innovation. Clara joined the Decarbonising the Tech Industry: The Path to Net-Zero panel to share her perspectives on circularity, climate responsibility, and collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem.
FAQs
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy focuses on keeping materials and resources in continuous use through reuse, recycling, and regeneration, reducing waste and environmental impact.
How does ATxSG promote sustainability?
ATxSG features panels, startups, and enterprise showcases focused on decarbonisation, circular economy strategies, and sustainable technology adoption across Asia.