SINGAPORE: European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Singapore went a step further in its Sustainability Awards 2020 with a nature-inspired trophy. They granted the design task to an award-winning designer who understands the aesthetics and sustainability message.
EuroCham Singapore has taken a keen interest in sustainability, which they believe will further only accelerate after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, European and Singapore business communities inspect the idea of sustainability, and many have taken steps to shift their business practices towards sustainability.
EuroCham has chosen their theme of European Excellence in Sustainability for 2020, with an awards ceremony and trophies highlighting business practices under the categories of Smart Mobility, Green Finance, Clean and Efficient Energy, Sustainable Food and Nutrition, and Circular Economy.
Green development across the world
Grace Fu, the Minister of Sustainability and the Environment for Singapore, presented the sustainable trophies to the winners. She also gave her remarks at the virtual seminar. She said, “Singapore and the European Union (EU) are important trade and investment partners. Including strong rules on sustainable development in the landmark EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) confirms that we share common goals to protect the environment.”
She adds, “I commend the EuroCham for embracing sustainability as your focus this year. Singapore is similarly committed to putting sustainability at the core of everything we do. Even as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to press ahead with our plans to understand, mitigate, and adapt to climate change, and to realize our vision for a climate-resilient and sustainable Singapore.”
Sustainability inspired trophy and awards
The program launched ten sharing sessions in the first quarter of 2020, the Sustainability Whitebook, and the EuroCham’s Sustainability Awards 2020 on 17 November. It brings together different companies to showcase their sustainability efforts. Therefore, each of the five winners, from 29 nominations of 25 companies, received a sustainable trophy in their respective categories.
Johanna Tay, the Marketing and Events Manager of EuroCham Singapore, said in an interview with Transcontinental Times the inspiration behind the design of the sustainable trophy, “We requested a nature-inspired shape. And, we’re pleased with the structure suggested by Willie Garcia because it is reminiscent of a drop of water and the budding leaves of a new plant.”
She adds, “The bamboo base of the structure and the recycled packaging wrapped around the metal frame adds color and vibrancy to the sustainable trophy. Thus, it emphasizes our message of a circular economy where ingenuity and innovation give life to discard waste.”
Meet the award-winning designer of the sustainable trophy
EuroCham chose award-winning interior designer (IDr.) Willie Garcia because they have known her to turn junk into aesthetic functioning artworks. Her artworks satisfy her desire to solve plastic pollution. She turns her frustration into a social enterprise, a livelihood that empowers communities through a site called JunkNot.
Tay highlights Willie Garcia’s work and ability, “She showed her ability to understand the aesthetics and message required for our trophy. Her community work is evidence that a sustainable future can be economically viable. Her efforts to educate and enrich the lives of the villagers she works with are just as admirable.”
IDr. Garcia shares her emotions as they grant her to design a sustainable trophy. She said, “I felt honored, commissioned in such a prestigious event. And, a wow feeling – why me?” She giggles.
She adds, “Each project is an exciting new challenge. I’ve done this storytelling of what sustainability is all about to transform into a trophy. This one is a tremendous impact because they are awarding this to top sustainable companies in Singapore. But, they are a welcoming and very supportive group even when I felt pressured at first.”
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