Rachel Teng

Broadcast Journalist | CNA

Singapore

Hi there, I cover environmental matters in Singapore for CNA, one of Asia's leading news networks. This includes reports on the climate crisis, wildlife conservation and the island nation's sustainability efforts.

In the past year, I've delivered live and developing reports for Singapore's General Election, parliamentary and budget debates, and the United Nations climate conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

While I currently focus on scripting and fronting television news, I have also produced long-form digital pieces for the likes of Mongabay, Eco-Business, The HomeGround Asia and GovInsider.

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Highlights

CNA
01/20/2025
Wildlife groups report 65% more cases of animals in urban areas in 2024

There have been more cases of animals entering human-populated areas. Wildlife rescue groups say they saw a near 65 per cent increase last year, compared to 2023. But they add that people are more mindful to call for professional assistance in such cases of human-wildlife contact.

TheHomeGround Asia
04/14/2022
Sand and the land: Rethinking reclamation in land-scarce Singapore

Singapore is the largest importer of sand in the world. Following decades of narrative policing, youth environmentalists, artists, and researchers have come forward to present alternative ways in which we can connect with our land, its history and origins, and its finite nature.

CNA
05/17/2025
Local fish farms join forces under one brand to debut at big grocery chain

Six traditional local fish farmers on the northwestern straits of Singapore are now selling their produce on supermarket shelves for the first time. It is part of a concept from the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation to promote local produce, by helping farmers compete with imports. Rachel Teng with more.

CNA
12/10/2024
New facility aims to plant 100,000 corals over next 10 years

A new facility to grow corals has been launched at St. John's Island. Singapore is also starting its quest to plant 100,000 corals in its waters over the next 10 years and beyond. Apart from boosting marine diversity, corals protect coastlines from erosion.

COP30 Coverage

CNA
11/16/2025
Talks set to intensify in second week of COP30 as global leaders arrive

UN climate conference COP30 is at its halfway mark. Talks are set to intensify in the coming week, as global leaders arrive to help push for progress. Among them is Singapore Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu, who will deliver the country's national statement.

CNA
11/20/2025
Brazil tightens security at COP30 after protesters breach restricted zone

Host nation Brazil has tightened security at the COP30 climate summit, after protesters breached a restricted zone near the talks. Since then, most demonstrations have remained peaceful, many led by indigenous peoples from across the Amazon calling for greater inclusion in global climate decisions. This is the first ti

CNA
11/10/2025
The COP30 climate conference is underway in Belem, Brazil amid controversy

The world's biggest climate talks are officially underway in Brazil's Amazon city of Belem. Tens of thousands of delegates from more than 190 countries are attending the COP30 summit over the next two weeks. But even before it started, the event has stirred controversy. A particular issue is that of housing shortage.

Science and Climate Explainers

CNA
11/18/2025
What are carbon credits and how do they work?

Singapore and Thailand have taken a key step towards cross-border carbon trading, unveiling a joint list of approved carbon crediting programmes and methodologies. It paves the way for a 2026 call for projects as countries race to lock in deals before COP30.

CNA
06/27/2025
Singapore to study impact of rising sea levels on eight offshore islands

Singapore will be studying the impact of rising sea levels on eight offshore islands, including Pulau Tekong, Pulau Bukom and Sisters' Islands. National water agency PUB launched its tender for a risk assessment study today. Work will start by next year and is expected to take two years to complete.

CNA
12/25/2024
Experts now using AI to predict tsunamis and their potential impacts

Rising sea levels could significantly increase tsunami risks, potentially hitting up to 15 ports at once. That's the chilling forecast from a new study, which warns that swelling water levels could cause greater disruptions to shipping routes than past tsunamis. 20 years after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, experts are

GovInsider
12/09/2022
AI is helping Singapore achieve food security. Here’s how.

A new collaboration between the Singapore Food Agency and Singapore’s Government Technology Agency is helping automate tedious agricultural workflows using AI, helping the nation get one step closer to its ’30 by 30′ food security goal.

Mongabay Environmental News
03/30/2022
The ocean is a cacophony of fish talk, study shows. We just can't hear it

From finding a mate to defending their territory, fish employ a variety of innovative mechanisms to produce sounds, like vibrating their swim bladders or snapping their tendons. The findings mean marine noise pollution presents a big potential threat to the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Past Live and Developing Reports

CNA
12/31/2025
Countdown celebrations held at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach for the first time

Singaporeans ring in the New Year. And for the first time, Mediacorp’s countdown celebration has moved to the shores of Siloso Beach. The special beachfront edition features a mix of homegrown and regional acts, with first-time collaborative performances on stage. Aslam Shah reports from Sentosa's Siloso Beach. Meanwhile Rachel Teng joins the crowd at Marina Bay and Nadine Yeam joins the action at One Punggol – one of many heartland sites where people are gathered to welcome 2026.

CNA
21/11/2025
Fire at COP30 in Brazil: Confusion and fear as delegates evacuate

A fire at COP30 in Belem, Brazil led to chaotic evacuations on the second last day of the summit, with 13 individuals treated for smoke inhalation. CNA's Rachel Tang reported confusion and fear as delegates fled the scene, and although the fire was controlled within six minutes, significant negotiation time was lost.

International Stories

CNA
09/17/2025
CNA Correspondent - Man Vs Rats

Rat populations around the world are rising as cities get denser and the weather gets warmer. Local governments and private businesses from Asia to Australia and America find new ways to fight back.

CNA
11/20/2025
Dr Ching Thoo Kim on Malaysia's climate targets and latest action plan

Malaysia has pledged to cut between 15 million and 30 million tonnes of carbon emissions from its peak by 2035, under its latest COP30 climate action plan known as the NDC 3.0. But the country's success in meeting goals of this climate action plan depend in part on securing foreign funding and support.

Eco-Business
02/22/2021
Will Asian consumers pay for clean energy?

Clean energy is on the rise, even in Asia, where fossil fuels play a stubbornly resilient role in the region's energy story. The proportion of renewable energy consumed in Asia is projected to double within the decade. The big question is, what will persuade the region's consumers to switch to clean electricity?

Politics and Parliament

CNA
02/18/2025
Budget 2025: Changi Airport Development Fund to receive S$5b boost

Singapore will invest in infrastructure to unlock its growth potential. In the newly-announced Budget 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a S$5-billion boost to the Changi Airport Development Fund. He added that moving into clean energy is now a national imperative, as sunrise industries like AI, semiconductors

CNA
04/29/2025
GE2025: Day in the life of a candidate - WP's Eileen Chong

22:51:45 - Electoral candidates have been spending long hours walking the ground ahead of polling day. The second of a three-part series, we follow some to find out what a typical day on the campaign trail looks like. Cnn's Rachel Tang goes behind the scenes with the Workers Party's elite Chong.

CNA
05/04/2025
GE2025: WP congratulates PAP on obtaining strong mandate

The Workers' Party (WP) has congratulated the People's Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for achieving a strong mandate at the 2025 Singapore General Election. WP chief Pritam Singh also praised his team for fighting hard amid the national vote swing for the PAP. Rachel Teng reports.

People

THG
10/15/2021
In Conversation With: Ray Poh, Indoor Urban Farmer

Through our weekly series In Conversation With, TheHomeGround Asia amplifies and celebrates the ideas, achievements and experiences of extraordinary individuals who are creating ripples in unique ways. This week, we speak to urban farmer Ray Poh who founded the local indoor farm, <a href

Eco-Business
01/13/2021
How I got here... Joseph Chun, environmental lawyer, Shook Lin & Bok

Joseph Chun is an environmental lawyer who is a vocal advocate for policies that protect Singapore's threatened natural landscape. He has spoken out about Singapore's wildlife trade and conservation laws, and, more famously, the Protection of Nature Reserves Under the Parks and Trees Act - in response to the government's decision to construct a Mass Rapid Transit tunnel underneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.