On 21 October, students of the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) programmes at SMU School of Accountancy (SOA) visited the A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE²) on Jurong Island — Singapore’s national research hub for sustainable energy, chemicals, and low-carbon innovation.
The visit, part of the Managing Sustainable Value Creation module taught by Dr Vincent Lim, A*STAR’s Chief Financial Officer and SMU SOA adjunct lecturer, provided students with a first-hand view of how sustainability and strategy intertwine in real-world enterprise settings. This course — which explores how strategy, culture, accounting information, managerial controls, and financial decisions are linked to an organisation’s long-term value creation — came to life through the A*STAR experience.
The visit was made possible through the support of Dr Lim and with the ISCE² staff support. The students also had the honour of Dr Ng Wai Kiong, Senior Director of ISCE² personally giving detailed briefings and rare access to a high-security compound, typically closed to the public. Through guided tours and briefings, participants saw how advanced research directly contributes to Singapore’s Green Plan and Zero Waste Masterplan.
“At A*STAR, sustainability is one of our seven key missions. We invest in high-impact R&D — from sustainable chemicals and energy to green materials — to build solutions that deliver long-term national value. This long-horizon investment mindset is essential for climate technology.”
— Dr Vincent Lim, A*STAR’s Chief Financial Officer and SMU SOA Adjunct Lecturer
Inside ISCE², students saw how research, policy, and business intersect in the pursuit of sustainability. A key highlight was the methanation catalyst system, which enables the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen into methane (CH₄) — the main component of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that powers Singapore’s electricity grid. Rather than storing captured carbon, this process transforms emissions into fuel, exemplifying how scientific innovation drives sustainable industrial practice.
Students also explored other translational projects on carbon utilisation, hydrogen carriers, and process engineering, gaining a holistic view of how data, technology, and governance come together in the national decarbonisation effort.
“Visiting A*STAR’s ISCE² showed me how Singapore’s blend of science, planning, and collaboration drives real sustainability. From converting CO₂ into clean energy to building efficient industrial systems, I saw how innovation, teamwork, and thoughtful strategy turn environmental goals into action.”
— Zhan Fanghao, current SMU MSA student
“Before this visit, I had always thought the ‘E’ in ESG — Environmental — was the most important. However, after seeing the governance and commitment behind these initiatives, I now realise that ‘G’ — Governance — plays an equally crucial role. A strong governance framework enables impactful environmental actions that genuinely benefit society.”
— Xie Wentan, current SMU MSA student
The visit deepened classroom discussions from the Managing Sustainable Value Creation module, allowing students to connect theoretical concepts — such as performance evaluation, incentive design, and strategic resource allocation — with how public institutions manage sustainability at scale. By examining how A*STAR balances innovation with accountability, students gained practical insights into how enterprises create and enhance long-term value for stakeholders.
“With carbon taxes and IFRS ISSB standards, finance and accounting expertise is central to driving decarbonisation. We need professionals who bring rigour and assurance to environmental data — and that’s exactly what SMU is preparing through its Accounting Masters Programmes.”
— Dr Vincent Lim, A*STAR’s Chief Financial Officer and SMU SOA Adjunct Lecturer
About SMU Accounting Masters
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) programmes at the SMU School of Accountancy prepare professionals to navigate the evolving business landscape with confidence and purpose. Through experiential learning, industry immersion, and cutting-edge data analytics training, students gain the skills to excel in assurance, financial management, and ESG leadership — driving impact at the intersection of business performance and sustainability.
