The Pacesetter

When it comes to saving the environment, Esther A n bucks the trend and sets precedents.

- Ki’ern Tan

WHO

Esther An

Chief sustainability officer, City Developments Limited

–

WHEN SHE JOINED

1995

–

WHAT SHE DOES

Builds the company’s leadership in CSR/sustainability

While many of us now take our own shopping totes to the supermarket, Esther An was one of the first to introduce recyclable shopping bags to staff and key tenants of City Developments Limited (CDL) over 20 years ago. “People called me crazy. But, before long, we became visionaries,” recalls CDL’s chief sustainability officer.

She was only into her first year on the job when she spearheaded that movement. “Human nature is against drastic change, so you have to find ways to engage people, and let them share your vision and understand the reason behind it at a pace that is comfortable.”