Singapore gov't allocates $235m to build green workforce
The government aims to slash carbon emissions by 50 million tonnes through this new labour framework.
The Green Skills Committee (GSC) has outlined plans for green job opportunities and skills development following the government’s plans to transition to become a low-carbon economy under the Singapore Green Plan.
The plan aims to cut emissions between 45 and 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and eventually reach net zero by 2050.
Established in 2023, the GSC aims to study how Singapore can better prepare its workforce for a low-carbon future.
The group launched a Skills Plan framework. The framework provides a structured process for sector leads to identify emerging jobs and skills demand, assess the effectiveness of current initiatives, and develop new interventions where gaps exist.
A green skill refers to specific knowledge and abilities needed to carry out “green” tasks
Horizontal green skills, which cut across multiple industries, are being prioritised to help businesses meet rising sustainability requirements while enabling workers to capture new opportunities in the green transition.
In the financial sector, professionals will increasingly take on sustainable finance-related tasks, driven by technological innovation, stricter ESG regulations, and growing demand for sustainable financing to support clean energy projects, carbon markets, and broader economic transition needs.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has allocated $35m via the Financial Sector Development Fund to develop a pipeline of sustainable finance specialists over the next three years. In partnership with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), MAS has trained over 4,100 professionals through IBF-accredited courses, and more than 8,200 IBF Skills Badges have been issued.
Existing finance roles are being augmented with sustainability responsibilities, while new roles in risk and strategy are emerging.
Legal services are also experiencing growing demand as ESG requirements and stakeholder expectations rise. Expertise is increasingly needed in structuring green finance deals, carbon credit projects, and other sustainability-focused transactions.
Supply chains are being transformed as companies respond to regulatory pressures and consumer expectations, adopting sustainable practices such as supplier engagement, technology-enabled transparency, and processes that reduce downstream emissions, including reverse logistics.
Meanwhile, vertical green skills, which are sector-specific, are developing in areas such as aviation, the built environment, and carbon services and trading.
The aviation sector is pursuing sustainable air travel through cleaner-energy airport vehicles, increased use of sustainable aviation fuel, and advanced waste management practices. Technicians are upskilling in EV maintenance, while catering staff are learning advanced waste segregation techniques.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched a $200m OneAviation Manpower Programme to attract, develop, and retain talent, and is partnering with local higher education institutions to align curriculum with evolving industry needs.
In the built environment, the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, developed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Singapore Green Building Council, is driving ambitious sustainability standards.
Industry practitioners are being equipped with skills to design and implement integrative, adaptable, and sustainable urban systems. BCA Academy provides continuing education and training aligned with industry needs and the Built Environment Industry Transformation Map.
Carbon services and trading are another emerging sector, supporting regional and international decarbonisation through carbon credits and advisory services. Singapore is home to over 150 carbon services and trading firms, and demand is rising for roles in carbon accounting, decarbonisation advisory, and reporting.
Initiatives such as SkillsFuture courses, postgraduate programmes at NTU and NUS, and Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme for Sustainability Professionals aim to bridge knowledge gaps and support mid-career transitions into these green roles.
