ITE students deliver practical solutions, driving business value as part of the HSBC-NYAA-ITE Sustainability Initiative

HSBC Singapore (HSBC), the National Youth Achievement Award Council (NYAA) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) today announced the winners and participating teams of the third phase of the HSBC-NYAA-ITE Sustainability Initiative with  businesses in Singapore (the "Initiative").

The Initiative aims to promote sustainability with students from ITE collaborating with businesses to enhance their sustainability practices and reduce carbon emissions. Since its inception in 2020, the Initiative has seen over 260 ITE students developing sustainable solutions for more than 80 companies across the three phases.

At the award ceremony today, prizes and tokens of appreciation were presented to the winning and participating companies from the Initiative's third phase, which involved 46 businesses and 153 students. Some projects are being adopted as real business solutions for these companies, offering practical industry experience and future employment opportunities for students.

Mr Wong Kee Joo, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Singapore, said, "The remarkable achievements from the participants demonstrate the incredible potential and impact that the youth can deliver when given the opportunity to bring their energy, innovation, and action to tackle real-world business challenges. From developing water-saving technologies to creating breakthrough plant-based food alternatives, our youth are actively shaping the future of sustainability.”

He added, “What is also remarkable is the continued commitment from businesses in Singapore, to be part of this journey and to open their doors to students, experimenting together to find innovative ways to green their operations. It is only through such public-private collaboration where the most impact in our fight against climate change can be attained and I’m encouraged that this initiative has already benefited over 80 companies and 260 students. As we continue our collaboration with NYAA and ITE, HSBC remains committed to empowering the next generation of green leaders while supporting businesses on their transition journey towards a net-zero future."

Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE, said, "This is a good opportunity for our students to use their knowledge and skills to make real-world impact. Our students have created innovative energy-saving, water-saving and carbon-reducing solutions for companies while gaining valuable understanding and insights into companies’ operations. This Initiative demonstrates how technical education can be a catalyst for environmental innovation and a greener economy.”

Student Innovation Creates Real Business Impact

Aligned with Singapore's focus on building capability and future talents in sustainability, the Initiative tackles environmental challenges, fostering a greener future for businesses and young minds. Students are trained and mentored by NYAA Climate Change Advisor Prof Jeff Obbard, with a "Triple-Win-Formula" for businesses, students and the environment, creating positive impact that extends beyond the classroom.

Mr James Soh, Executive Director, NYAA, said, "The third phase has exceeded our expectations in both the diversity of solutions developed and the measurable environmental impact achieved. Our youths are proving that innovative thinking can drive substantial environmental benefits, and our business partners have also seen tangible benefits on the business side. When companies embrace sustainability, they often discover new competitive advantages, operational efficiencies, and market opportunities. We’re excited to see how the next cohort will continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible when sustainability meets creativity and determination.”

Winning projects from the third phase of the Initiative showcased how student innovation translates into measurable environmental and business benefits. Taking home the top honours was the team for BMS Enineering & Trading Pte Ltd (BMS), a subsidiary of Daikin Airconditioning Singapore Pte Ltd. The students developed a solution — Smart Refrigerant Detector (SRD) — to address the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the prototype resulted in a projected 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and an estimated 5,097 tons of CO₂ emissions that can be avoided.

Two other standout projects also demonstrated the Initiative's ability to bridge student innovation with real-world business implementation. The collaboration with Wholesome Savour produced the "Kindness Meat" burger—a clean-label plant-based alternative with a 94% lower carbon footprint than traditional beef burgers. Wholesome Savour has committed to implementing this student-developed solution in their next menu planning cycle, while also expressing interest in employing the three student developers upon their graduation.

Mr Jason Fong, CEO and Founder of Wholesome Savour, said, “This initiative with NYAA, ITE and HSBC reflects our shared values of sustainability and environmental stewardship, driven by innovation in food wellness and nutrition. The students’ contributions have not only enhanced our menu offerings but also shown the potential of future changemakers we are proud to support.”

Meanwhile, another group of students who first initiated a sustainability project and later continued their efforts through internships with Stewart Engineering Works Pte Ltd evaluated the machinery component cleaning process. They proposed the implementation of a Parts Washer machine that significantly reduced water and electricity consumption. Stewart Engineering Works has since integrated the Parts Washer machine into their regular cleaning operations.

Group member, Muhammad Nor Aqil Bin Kamis, who graduated from Higher Nitec in Marine & Offshore Technology earlier this year, said, “It was exciting to be part of a project that delivered real change. Through research and hands-on testing, we found a solution that not only cuts costs and energy use, but also reduces environmental impact. We learned a lot in the process.”

Please click here for summary of winning projects.