Announcement
On 9 September 2026, TÜV SÜD, the global testing, inspection and certification (TIC) leader, announced the launch of its Global Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Singapore. The centre is funded with more than USD 24 million of investment and is supported by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB).
Strategic Purpose
The CoE is designed to strengthen the infrastructure required for carbon market integrity and digital carbon verification across Southeast Asia. It will develop an end‑to‑end digital measurement‑reporting‑verification (dMRV) ecosystem that can unlock verification‑ready, high‑integrity carbon data from Singapore for the broader region.
Market Context
The release notes that fragmented regulation, inconsistent methodologies and monitoring challenges currently undermine investor confidence in ASEAN carbon markets. Estimates suggest that carbon markets in ASEAN could generate up to USD 3 trillion in cumulative opportunity by 2050. Additionally, the centre will address an estimated USD 2.1 trillion financing gap for nature‑based solutions and blue‑economy projects through 2030.
Five Strategic Areas
The CoE will focus on: (i) implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and international carbon market regulation; (ii) carbon markets and climate assurance, including dMRV; (iii) energy transition, security and alternative fuels; (iv) supply‑chain integrity and industrial decarbonisation; and (v) capacity building and ecosystem development for governments and industry.
Leadership Comments
Ishan Palit, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board of TÜV SÜD AG, said the centre combines independent assurance with digital MRV capabilities to turn regional climate ambition into credible, measurable impact. Png Cheong Boon, Chairman of EDB, highlighted the 20‑year partnership between TÜV SÜD and Singapore and noted the centre will create opportunities for the local workforce while supporting Singapore’s carbon services and trading ecosystem. Dr Céline Bilolo, Chief Sustainability Officer of TÜV SÜD AG, emphasized that the centre bridges the gap between climate targets and verifiable, credible action by providing technical expertise, digital tools and sector knowledge across energy, industry and carbon markets.
Organizational Background
The launch coincides with TÜV SÜD PSB’s 20th anniversary in Singapore. The 160‑year‑old organization operates in more than 50 countries and has been a long‑standing partner in Singapore’s sustainability, innovation and industrial transformation agenda.
Expected Impact
By providing trusted, interoperable carbon market infrastructure, the CoE aims to support the operationalisation of Article 6, enhance market participation, and contribute to high‑integrity carbon markets across ASEAN.