Sustainability Seedling Summit 2024
Sustainability Seedling Summit has come to a close! We are thrilled to announce that the event was a success. A heartfelt thank you to our partners: Gracelyn Lin, our opening keynote speaker and venue sponsor; Amy Tan, panelist; Matthijs Rikken, panelist; Mike Gao, panelist; Michelle Mah, panelist; Tan Ching Hwee, moderator; Ashley Mun, our gift appreciation sponsor; and Edred Wee and Brian Ho, our closing keynote speakers.
We hope that attendees enjoyed learning from our panelists and made the most of the networking opportunities to forge new partnerships with other businesses in the sustainability realm.
Summit Highlights:
Mike Gao showcased how his business model emphasizes efficiency to reduce waste through circular economy practices and vertical integration. By maintaining zero inventory—only producing furniture on a made-to-order basis—he minimizes the need for extra storage while catering to the demand for custom orders. Additionally, myseat.sg buys back furniture that customers no longer want, repurposing the materials to continue the circular economy.
Michelle Mah highlighted the critical connection between employee mental health and business performance. She pointed out that mental burnout can lead to decreased productivity, which negatively impacts a company's operations. By prioritizing employee well-being, businesses can achieve higher performance and, in turn, greater success.
Amy Tan is a strong advocate for sustainability through the circular economy of faux flowers. She encourages clients to rent her faux flowers and repurpose real flowers to minimize waste. A notable example of her commitment to sustainability is her decision not to sell flowers on Valentine's Day.
Matthijs Rikken consistently advises his clients to adopt sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly packaging. He initiated DAM GOOD PLASTIC, a project that melts plastic to create coasters, as a demonstration of his commitment to sustainability. His message is clear: if he can invest in expensive capital for sustainable initiatives, consumers can certainly embrace small inconveniences for a greener future.
At Fraction Design Studio, we believe that the journey toward sustainability is ongoing, and taking one step at a time is crucial. The summit was just the beginning of a larger conversation, one that we are committed to continuing. We invite you to join us on this journey by following our blog and social media channels for updates on future events and initiatives. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Together, we can cultivate the change we wish to see in the world.
