Singaporeans continue to place high expectations on businesses to lead on sustainability, but many believe corporate performance has yet to match public commitments, according to a new study by communications firm SEC Newgate.
The survey found that 84% of respondents expect large companies to take the lead on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. However, only 68% believe businesses are currently meeting those expectations, highlighting a gap between stated commitments and delivery.
Public confidence in Singapore’s overall direction remains strong. Around 88% of respondents said the country is “on the right track”, suggesting broad support for national policy settings even as scrutiny of corporate behaviour increases.
Climate and energy issues remain central to public expectations. Nearly three-quarters (73%) said it is vital for Singapore to act decisively on climate change, while 77% pointed to the importance of shifting towards renewable and clean energy.
The findings suggest climate action has moved into the mainstream rather than being viewed as a specialist concern.
The survey also showed a preference for strengthening domestic capacity. More than half of respondents said Singapore does not produce enough of its own food, while 47% identified gaps in local manufacturing and 45% cited limited energy independence.
Businesses were viewed more favourably when they produce locally, are headquartered in Singapore, or source materials domestically. However, price sensitivity remains a constraint, with 64% saying they would still prefer global sourcing if it results in lower costs.
72% said companies should prioritise suppliers with strong ethical and responsible practices on corporate conduct, , while 71% believe businesses should invest in local communities even if revenues are affected.
When it comes to technology, 60% said artificial intelligence should only be adopted if it does not lead to job losses, pointing to cautious acceptance rather than outright resistance.