Singapore.

Singapore’s approach to social capital in the maritime sector is characterized by inclusive governance, strong institutional coordination, and active participation in regional and global sustainability efforts. While the country does not yet have a dedicated blue economy policy, sustainable ocean development is embedded within the Singapore Green Plan 2030—a whole-of-nation initiative that integrates maritime contributions toward net-zero emissions and broader environmental goals. Singapore is actively engaged in multinational blue economy frameworks, including the Changwon Declaration, ASEAN initiatives, and the Commonwealth Blue Charter. These partnerships reflect its commitment to collaborative progress and shared responsibility in ocean sustainability.

Beyond maritime trade and transport, Singapore’s blue economy efforts are expanding into areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, marine renewable resources, sustainable aquatic food production, and desalination (Quirapas-Franco et al., 2021).

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is the leading institution in the development of Singapore's maritime economy. MPA has launched numerous initiatives to ensure that sustainability is integrated into the development of the maritime cluster in Singapore. The country's whole-of-governance approach adds significant value to the collaborative and inclusive efforts aimed at advancing sustainability. This approach balances the three key pillars of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental factors. Examples include initiatives for green ports and shipping pathways, environmentally friendly development, and inclusivity in business opportunities that cater to both large industrial companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The maritime cluster approach has enabled a comprehensive stakeholder engagement in public policy, including the pro-business regulatory framework that is one of the strengths of this approach, in addition to the wider opportunity to establish a strong network links with ocean stakeholders, including private firms, the universities and public research institutions (Osman, 2020).

In the natural biodiversity conservation, NParks (National Parks Board) is the leading agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management. NParks lead the adoption of the Partnerships in the Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia’s (PEMSEA’s) Integrated Coastal Management framework in Singapore (Integrated Urban Coastal Management [IUCM]) that provides a model of a sound coordination of governmental stakeholders characterised by a holistic approach of consultative planning, coordinated policy formulation and demonstration of whole-of-government approach (NParks, 2018).