Buddies - Andrew Tay

Andrew Tay

Business Development Director - KGS

MAIN SKILLS

Circularity Strategies

e-waste

ITAD

Singapore

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Andrew’s introduction

I'm a Director at KGS, a leading e-waste recycling company specializing in ITAD, e-waste recycling, data destruction, and battery recycling. My background is in Mechanical Engineering (BEng) and Management of Technology (MSc). I'm passionate about driving sustainability and helping others adopt more environmentally responsible practices. I believe in the power of technology and innovation to create a circular economy. I'm always looking for opportunities to connect with others who share this vision.

Top 3 pieces of advice to The Matcha Initiative (TMI) users ?

Start the conversation with someone in this network and you might be surprised where it leads.
Sustainability is a journey and not a quick fix. Many efforts will be required.
As consumers of products or services, we all have the power to vote with our dollars. Vote green.

How could you help TMI users ?

I can help to start the sustainability conversation and connect to any solutions I might have in my network.

Expertise in the following

How did KGS started? what are the main e-waste you collect? and what services do you offer? How do you make sure what you collect is properly recycled ? What are the processes in place?

KGS started in 2016 with the vision to be the answer to thee-waste problem. Main e-waste we collect is ICT equipment ranging from laptops to servers. With ICT equipment, it often contains data so data sanitization services such as magnetic degaussing are value added services we provide when we help clients recycle e-waste. From Dec 2020 to June 2021, we have been instrumental in executing and promoting the PMD disposal and recycling program with the support of NEA and LTA.

We sort the e-waste we collected into various types and funnel them for refurbishment or recycling. Qualified products are refurbished in-house and be channelled for remarketing under the brand Swiftly. For recycling, we proceed to dismantle the items down into its component level, segregate into respective materials and send for further recycling. We are audited to international standards like R2 for our processes and partners we work with to ensure proper recycling.

Today KGS has a wide range of services and capabilities to better serve our clients. We managed e-waste recycling programs for over 250 buildings and have in-house recycling capabilities like refurbishment, battery recycling, solar panels recycling and general e-waste recycling.

What are the challenges in the e-waste industry? The EPR came into effect on July 1st 2021, what did it change for your industry?

Main challenge in our industry is manpower. The collection,sorting and recycling processes are very labour intensive.

With the EPR, it provides the public with an avenue to recycle their electronic waste. Today KGS works alongside the EPR operator and NEA to offer greater recycling options such as e-waste bins and the TakeBag program.

KGS recently launched the TakeBag program. Can you tell us more about it?

The TakeBag initiative improves e-waste recycling in Singapore by making it more accessible, convenient, and secure.

It allows residents to easily dispose of electronic waste through a structured collection system using KGS TakeBag and a network of over 1000 Pick! lockers across Singapore. By ensuring responsible recycling and offering data destruction, it reduces improper disposal and environmental harm. Additionally, some collected items are refurbished, extending product life cycles. This initiative encourages more people to recycle e-waste responsibly, enhancing sustainability efforts in Singapore.

More details: https://takebag.kgs.com.sg/pages/faq

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud to be playing a part of some of these projects and initiatives to help improve sustainability in Singapore.