ITE students turn business challenges into greener solutions for Singapore SMEs

HSBC Singapore, the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) today announced the winners of the fourth phase of the HSBC-NYAA-ITE Sustainability Initiative, which empowers ITE students to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) address real sustainability challenges.

Launched in October 2025, Phase 4 brought together 99 students and 29 SMEs. Guided by NYAA Climate Change Advisor Professor Jeff Obbard, the students conducted environmental reviews of business operations. They worked with companies to co-create practical solutions that improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and strengthen business resilience.

The top project, developed with All Big Frozen Food Pte Ltd, transforms fish-processing by-products into a natural seasoning powder rich in calcium, collagen and essential minerals. The solution applies circular-economy principles to a major food-waste stream and could create value from materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Other winning teams developed a biodegradable mycelium-based material from food and cardboard waste; improved cold-room efficiency to reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent; repurposed discarded glass bottles into hospitality products; created a mobile hydrogen fuel-cell prototype; and introduced a simple method that increased hair-colour product utilisation to 88 per cent.

Practical innovation with measurable business value

Mr Wong Kee Joo, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Singapore, said, "HSBC is proud to continue our support for this initiative, which creates meaningful opportunities for young people to tackle real sustainability challenges alongside businesses, educators and mentors. By turning ideas into action, students are building the curiosity, confidence and skills that future leaders need. Their contributions demonstrate that progress towards a more sustainable future for Singapore is something we can create together."

Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer of ITE, said, "Our students learn best when they can apply their skills to real world challenges. Through this initiative, they worked closely with companies, analysed operational needs and turned ideas into practical solutions that reduce waste, conserve resources and lower environmental impact. These experiences build confidence, deepen technical capabilities and prepare our students to contribute meaningfully to Singapore's green economy."

Mr James Soh, Executive Director of the NYAA Council, said, "The initiative was created to show that young people can be effective partners in Singapore's sustainability journey. Phase 4 reflects the strength of collaboration among education, industry and the community. The students' solutions are practical, scalable and grounded in the needs of businesses. Just as importantly, the experience nurtures a generation of young leaders who understand that sustainability is both a responsibility and an opportunity to create lasting value."

Since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the initiative has grown from an inaugural cohort of 15 SMEs into a sustained youth-industry collaboration. Across four phases, 132 companies have participated, with students developing solutions in sectors including food, hospitality, engineering, manufacturing, energy and community services.

At the ceremony held at ITE College East, Guest-of-Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development, will present awards to the six winning companies and student teams. The HSBC, NYAA and ITE will also launch an e-book documenting the Phase 4 projects and their impact on 30 September 2026.

The initiative supports Singapore's transition to a low-carbon economy by equipping young people with the skills, values and industry experience to drive sustainable change, while helping SMEs identify solutions that can deliver environmental and commercial benefits.