The election of Farah Naz, SJ Group’s global climate advisory director, and the reappointment of Hugh Lim from the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) highlight Singapore’s growing influence in global climate and sustainable development efforts.
Farah Naz, SJ Group’s global climate advisory director, has been elected to the board of directors of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), marking the company’s first representation on the board.
WorldGBC is an international network that works with industry and governments to promote a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
SJ Group, a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm headquartered in Singapore, said the appointment would strengthen its engagement with industry platforms and support its work in helping clients respond to evolving climate and sustainability requirements, from advisory services through to implementation.
The company said the built environment sector faces increasing pressure to turn climate ambitions into practical action, requiring stronger governance frameworks, investment-ready projects and solutions that can be implemented at scale.
Naz brings 25 years of international experience across the UK, the US, South East Asia and the Middle East.
At SJ Group, she leads projects focused on decarbonisation and climate resilience, working with governments, cities, developers and investors to integrate climate action into infrastructure projects, urban masterplans and investment portfolios.
“It is an honour to serve on the WorldGBC board at a time when the built environment must respond decisively to climate challenges, moving beyond target setting towards implementation and, increasingly, regenerative outcomes,” she said.
She added that her focus at SJ Group is to help clients align policy, investment, design and delivery to achieve sustainable and scalable outcomes.
“I look forward to working with fellow board members to advance approaches that support cities and organisations in delivering long-term environmental and social value, accelerating climate funding into real projects, and championing innovation that is inclusive, human-centred and responsive to the needs of cities and communities,” Naz said.
Her appointment comes alongside the re-election of Hugh Lim — who leads the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), a Singapore-based global knowledge centre — to a new term on the WorldGBC board.
According to the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), the appointments reflect Singapore’s growing role in global climate and sustainability leadership.
“For over a decade, SGBC member organisations have been represented on the WorldGBC board of directors. We are proud to see this continue with the election of Ms Farah Naz and Mr Hugh Lim,” said Yvonne Soh, CEO of the SGBC.
“Having two leaders serving concurrently reflects the growing recognition of Singapore’s approach to systemic transformation and sustainable urban development, from tropical climate solutions to integrated policy frameworks and industry collaboration,” she said.
Soh added that Singapore’s continued representation on the board would help advance the country’s contribution to a more sustainable and resilient built environment globally.
