Esther An is an expert in corporate sustainabilityinSingapore. In 2018, An became the first person from Singapore to be recognized as a UN SDG Pioneer.[1][2] An is the Chief Sustainability Officer of City Development Limited (CDL), a Singaporean multinational real estate operating organization, and serves as a board member, chair, or founder of many corporate sustainability-focused groups.[3][4]
An was born and raised in Hong Kong. As a child, she was passionate about nature.[1]
An began her career in public relations in Hong Kong. Her first job was promoting Hong Kong's "Clean and Green" campaign.[1]
An joined CDL in 1995 in a PR capacity. Along with Kwek Leng Joo, An helped establish the corporate ethos of "Conserving as we Construct.[1] Under An's guidance, CDL has been recognized as a leader in corporate sustainability numerous times, such as the Time's World's Most Sustainable Companies[5] and Corporate Knights' The Global 100 List.[6] In 2022, she created the CDL Future Value 2030 Sustainability Blueprint to further these goals.[7]
An has also served on international and local sustainability organizations. She is the Chair of World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Corporate Advisory Board,[7] developed the Young CSR Leaders Award in collaboration with Global Compact Network Singapore,[7] founded the Business Council for Sustainable Development Singapore, and serves on the property working group of the United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative.[2] In 2022, An became a G20 Empower Advocate.[8]
An has been recognized on various lists for contributions to corporate sustainability:
