Icon of Change in Singapore - Adam Reutens-Tan

Icons of Change Awards 2025

Adam Reutens-Tan
Principal Consultant
Community Foundation of Singapore

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Excellence in Circular Advocacy and Sustainability Education

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Advancing Responsible Action for a Sustainable Future: Honoring Adam Reutens-Tan for His Transformative Work in Environmental Stewardship and ESG Literacy

In the global effort to foster sustainable progress, few individuals embody both the strategic insight and the heart-centered dedication necessary to mobilize communities and institutions toward genuine environmental responsibility. Adam Reutens-Tan exemplifies this rare balance—merging professional expertise with a deeply personal commitment to the health of the planet, and to the empowerment of people through inclusive, accessible sustainability education.

Adam’s sustainability journey began not merely as a career choice, but as a values-driven calling—one that evolved into decades of influential work in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As former Senior Manager for Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility at StarHub (2011 to 2016) one of Singapore’s leading telecom firms, Adam played a pivotal role in institutionalizing green practices at scale. Under his leadership, the now-iconic RENEW (REcycling Nation’s Electronic Waste) initiative became the country’s largest and most inclusive public e-waste program, deploying over 185 collection bins island-wide and diverting over 42 tonnes of electronic waste from landfills. The initiative earned multiple international recognitions, including the WWF "Best Effort Beyond the Hour" Award and the Asia Communication Awards’ Green Award, cementing its legacy as a model of circular innovation.

Yet Adam’s influence extends well beyond boardrooms and sustainability reports. Today, he serves as Principal Consultant at the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), where he continues to elevate the environmental agenda through Green Philanthropy—strategically aligning donor engagement with urgent climate action. In this capacity, Adam collaborates with charitable institutions, education providers, and social enterprises to integrate environmental principles into funding programs, capacity-building initiatives, and public awareness campaigns.

Notably, Adam has been a steadfast advocate for environmental literacy and capacity-building for underserved groups. His recently published e-book, “ESG - Sustainability Made Easy for Charities and SMEs,” is a free resource aimed at demystifying environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks for small organizations with limited resources. This practical guide, born out of Adam’s own lived experiences and observations, offers accessible strategies that empower nonprofit leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs alike to take their first steps toward sustainability with clarity and confidence.

Through a wide array of hands-on programs—ranging from introductory sustainability talks and case-based workshops, to “Sustain•A•Map” guided sessions, Mindfulness in Nature Walks, and plogging (eco-friendly jogging and trash collection)—Adam has designed learning experiences that are not only impactful but deeply human. His ability to translate complex environmental issues into personal action makes sustainability relatable, achievable, and enduring.

Adam’s commitment is further bolstered by academic and professional qualifications that include a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Climate Policy, and certifications from globally respected institutions such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the SDG Academy. However, it is his community-centered philosophy and generosity in service that truly distinguish his leadership.

In all these endeavors, Adam brings to life the principles enshrined in SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production—advocating for systems that reduce waste, promote circularity, and promote informed consumer behavior. He has worked tirelessly to encourage both individuals and institutions to reflect on the environmental impact of their choices and to embrace alternatives that serve both people and the planet.

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Icons of Change 2025 Recognition

In recognition of his commitment to sustainability education, his pioneering leadership in circular economy practices, and his steadfast advocacy for accessible ESG adoption across sectors, the Icons of Change Awards 2025 proudly confers the Excellence in Circular Advocacy and Sustainability Education award to Adam Reutens-Tan.

His work is a timely reminder that transformative change often begins at the grassroots—one organization, one household, one mindset at a time. Adam’s journey exemplifies the power of informed action and the profound ripple effect that one passionate individual can create when purpose is aligned with principle.

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