Microsoft : Surface gamechanger creating a community cleaning up the seas

Over time, Seastainable Co.'s e-commerce list of eco-friendly items grew and the organization began running public outreach programs. Before long, Thian gained recognition as a green influencer.

She now spends much of her time consulting for corporations large and small. She helps develop their sustainability programs, increase transparency around their sustainability claims and improve their procurement policies.

She's also accelerated Seastainable Co.'s public programming. Last year, she established the East Coast Beach Plan after monsoonal weather and heavy seas generated a 90% increase in the amount of plastics and other debris washed up on Singapore's beaches.

So far, thousands of volunteers have taken part in clean-up efforts and collected more than 10,000 kilograms of trash. Thian is heartened by the response of the public. 'I am part of something bigger, something that matters,' she says.

'The thing about sustainability is that is not just about the land, sea or the animals. It is also about the community who live and thrive side-by-side with nature and that is an impact worth making and a change worth creating.'

With so much going on for Seastainable Co., Thian has had to prioritize and delegate.

'I used to try to do it all myself,' she says. 'But I've learned that by not holding onto everything, we can achieve a lot more together.'