SINGAPORE: The energy and chemicals industry will continue to play an important role in Singapore's future growth, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday (Oct 9).
Speaking at the inaugural Honorary Partner in Progress Award presentation at the Istana, Mr Lee said that with Singapore's developed petrochemical and specialty chemical ecosystem, prospects for the sector are good.
The award, presented to Dutch oil giant Shell, is the Government's highest honour to recognise firms' contributions to Singapore. Shell is a pioneer investor in the country, setting up Singapore's first oil storage installation in 1891 and first oil refinery in 1961. Prime Minister Lee said the oil giant continues to be a good partner to Singapore after over a century of contributions.
Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said Singapore has been a good base as well. 'With the talented workforce that this country boasts, with the stability and the business-enabling environment that it offers, global companies will continue to see it as an exemplary host and ally'.
He also presented Mr Lee with a memento. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Lee said he was given a 3D-printed model of 'a new species (the Indopinnixa shellorum), discovered at St John's Island in a marine biodiversity survey that Shell had funded.'
Mr Lee also noted the energy and chemicals industry provides good jobs and career pathways for Singaporeans. He said this can be done in collaboration with the SkillsFuture Council, which is tasked with enhancing training and career progression prospects for Singaporeans.
Noting that it is a resource-intensive sector, he said that the Government will ensure a supply of land for the sector's further development. At the same time, he encouraged companies to optimise their use of land, citing the recently opened Jurong Rock Caverns for oil storage as an example.
Mr Lee also called on the sector to support Singapore's environmental sustainability efforts by reducing their emissions. The Government will continue to work with firms to develop the industry sustainably, and make it worthwhile for companies to operate in Singapore for the long term, he said.
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