Neste hosts foundation stone ceremony for Singapore expansion
Neste held a foundation stone ceremony on 31 July 2019 to officially mark the extension of the new production line in Singapore, since its expansion announcement in December 2018. The celebration brought together our various stakeholders, including government officials, embassy ambassadors, esteemed partners and employees.
The event commenced with an inspiring speech from Neste’s President and CEO, Peter Vanacker. He emphasized that sustainability has to be at the core of everything we do at Neste, as what we do here together, has a larger and deeper purpose for us all: we are here to combat the climate crisis.
Arriving in Singapore with 2,700 kilograms of toughest Finnish granite that was placed at the expansion site, Peter shared that this national Finnish stone symbolises many things - determination to build something that will last, and the solid cooperation we have with Singapore. These values are what we want to continue to embody, as the new chapter of Neste’s sustainability journey begins in the heart of the lion city.
He also said, “The most valuable resource in the world is trust. But to find trust one must earn it first. And to keep trust, one must continue to earn it. And here in Singapore, we have found the right people.”
Singapore’s Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, was also present at the ceremony to reiterate how the mutually beneficial partnership with Neste will help the world grow in an environmentally sustainable way.
Mr Tharman said that innovation is the critical piece required today in our efforts to tackle climate change, and the partnership with Neste is what Singapore needs to continue to grow in the right direction towards sustainability.
Not long after the uplifting keynote speeches, a beautiful melody filled the event hall. Hailing all the way from Finland, acclaimed musician Ida Elina serenaded the crowd with her performance on the Kantele, the national instrument of Finland.
The joyous ceremony was concluded with a heart-racing display of the traditional Chinese lion dance to the beat of the drums. Lion dances traditionally represent good fortune, longevity, and happiness.
We are honoured that Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong made reference to our expansion project during this year’s National Day Rally speech on 18 August 2019. He said that the project is a shining example of trust investors have in Singapore, and reiterated that it will create quality jobs for Singaporeans.
It is truly an exciting time for Neste, as we build a mutually-beneficial partnership with Singapore to move faster and bolder to realise our sustainability aspirations. Let us continue to work together to create a healthier planet for our children!
Read more about the Singapore expansion on The Straits Times, CNA and Reuters
