Singapore bets on $35m waste centre, digitalisation drive to boost green economy

New funding, digital tools, and policy updates were announced at Catalyst 2026 gathering. 

Singapore has launched a coordinated set of initiatives to strengthen its environmental services sector, including the establishment of a $35m research centre for toxic industrial waste management, a refreshed digitalisation roadmap, and plans to expand its flagship industry platform.

The initiatives were announced by Senior minister of state for sustainability and the environment Dr Janil Puthucheary at Catalyst 2026 on 17 June.

The programme, organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), brought together around 300 industry leaders, policymakers, technology firms, and academics at Marina Bay Sands.

As part of the announcements, the Environmental Services Industry Digital Plan was refreshed by NEA and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

The updated framework reorganises solutions around business functions, including operations and scheduling, on-site service delivery, and corporate processes.

It also incorporates AI-enabled tools and robotics, aimed at supporting subsectors such as cleaning, waste management, and pest management.

Separately, NEA outlined a review of the Zero Waste Masterplan 2030, which will reassess progress since its launch in 2019 and identify areas to further strengthen recycling outcomes and upstream waste reduction strategies.

The updates come as Singapore seeks to improve circularity outcomes and reduce reliance on downstream waste treatment, according to NEA materials released at the event.

Catalyst 2026 also served as a platform for industry engagement, featuring discussions on environmental services trends, technology demonstrations, and cross-sector partnerships.