Singapore's Green Ambitions in the ASEAN Context: An Interview with Regional Ministers

On 17 June, the AFMM Council has come together to debate about the green economy Photo: Hailey Jim En

Faith So, Keslyn Tan, Hailey Jim En 

UPDATED JUN 17, 2025, 16:08 PM

SINGAPORE — As ASEAN pushes for a green economy, questions still remain about how member states, each with unique challenges, would align their national strategies with the ASEAN sustainability goals. At the recent ASEAN Financial Ministers Meeting (AFMM), during the press conference of the AFMM, the Straits Times spoke to the delegate of Singapore and the delegate of Timor Leste, to further understand how both developed and developing countries work towards a green economy. 

Due to financial struggle or space constraints, many of the ASEAN state members are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels or face complex challenges due to the limitation of their sustainability infrastructure. With limited access to funding and the extremely high costs of newer and more efficient technology, many of the ASEAN state members’, especially those who may be less developed, progress to turning green is ultimately hindered. Additionally, political instability and many more other factors further complicate the issues faced. 

The Straits Times asked: “Since Singapore is a country with very limited resources and they heavily rely on external power sources, how will the Singaporean government align its national development strategy especially considering its push for decarbonisation with ASEAN’s long term green investment goals?” 

The minister of Singapore responded: “As a country, we might have limited tools, however in the area of green finance and investments, we are a globally recognised powerhouse which has the tools and expertise and does not need to rely on external powers as much at this point in the conference. We are funding (the) majority of the AFMM’s solutions as well which further proves this.” 

Singapore is a nation with a rapidly growing reputation in green finance, especially within ASEAN itself. However, Singapore's responsibility does not end with just financing. Experts have stated that its willingness to fund the AFMMs many solutions showcases its confidence and capability. By funding the majority of the AFMM green solutions, Singapore is not only expressing its commitment to ASEAN, but is also further proving itself as one of the vital anchors of ASEAN. While financial support is very much needed, alliance between the member states must also be holistic. Singapore will need to continue deepening cross-border frameworks and ensure impartial investment in ASEAN’s less developed countries. 

During the press conference, the Straits Times has also posed another question: “How does ASEAN plan to align green investment goals with national development strategies, particularly countries that are still reliant on fossil fuels?” 

The Timor Leste minister responded by confirming that although many countries are reliant on fossil fuels and oil it does not mean that they will not be able to shift towards a more green economy. The delegate of Timor Leste cited his own country as an example of this. Timor Leste has come a long way in terms of environmental protection. Timor Lestes delegate argues that if his country could move away from harming the environment, others can also strive towards the green economy. 

The Timor Leste minister highlighted that the dependence on fossil fuels need not hinder countries from pursuing greener economies and implementing green solutions. From Timor Leste's environmental progress, the minister argued that if his nation can shift towards sustainability, other ASEAN member states can follow suit. 

Some of the initiatives that the Timor Leste Government has brought up to improve its green economy. Includes establishing a sovereign wealth Petroleum Fund to save oil and gas revenue for future generations, showing its deep commitment to long-term sustainability rather than short-term exploitation. 

In conclusion, it is abundantly clear ASEAN's approach is able to integrate green goals within national development frameworks, highlighting that even fossil fuel-dependent nations and nations with limited resources, like Singapore, can advance towards sustainable, low-carbon, green economy — a hopeful message that was exemplified by the minister of Timor Leste.