Hoffmann Fellowship Programme: Collaboration between Singapore University of Social Sciences and the World Economic Forum

Collaboration

From 2024 to 2026, Dr Michael Kent from the School of Business (SBIZ) participated in the Hoffmann Fellowship Programme in collaboration with the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. The fellowship showcased an incredible opportunity to connect with thought leaders across the globe to drive new research on sustainability and climate action.

Key Outcomes

Insight Report

The partnership between SUSS and WEF has produced key outputs to promote positive change in Asia. These include an Insight Report that explores how impact investments in Asia can promote and scale nature and climate solutions through cross-sector collaboration. This publication features a foreword jointly authored by the SUSS Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Mildred Tan, along with two distinguished authors, Ms Poman Lo and Ms Neo Gim Huay, recognised leaders in impact and sustainability.

Strategic Intelligence Map

The collaboration also led to the creation of a strategic intelligence map on the well-being economy, highlighting important metrics beyond GDP that assess the social and environmental impacts of economies. This was showcased during Impact Week 2025 Singapore, hosted at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Forum Stories

Most recently, an article discusses how sustainable buildings in hot, humid climates like Singapore can reduce cooling energy consumption by using energy-efficient technologies such as fans. This was co-authored with Christina Eng, Project Engagement & Communications Speciality, World Economic Forum. Since cooling can account for up to 50% of a building’s total energy consumption in tropical regions, this article highlights the importance of low-energy cooling technologies in supporting the decarbonisation of the built environment.

Hoffmann Fellow Showcase

The SBIZ held its first 2025 Sustainable Asia Conference at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. It offered a rare chance for thought leaders from academia and industry across Asia to convene and discuss key sustainability issues.

A notable highlight was the participation of six Hoffmann Fellows from several institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Tokyo, who took part in a Hoffmann Showcase, kindly moderated by Veronika Linardi (Co-Founder of Eternami Global and WEF Young Global Leader).

Recently, Dr Michael Kent returned from Geneva, Switzerland, where past and current Hoffmann Fellows gathered for the Hoffmann Community Day. This event provided a rare chance to connect, network, exchange new ideas, and converse with Mr Andre Hoffmann, co-chair of the board of trustees at the World Economic Forum, and many notable leaders.