25 Oct 2023

Prof Zhang Weina, Deputy Director of SGFIN, was invited to share her insights on sustainable and transition finance at the roundtable discussion "Minimizing Risk and Unlocking Opportunity in the Realm of Financing the Energy Transition" at Asian Downstream Summit & Asian Refining Technology Conference 2023.

Also in the panel were Mayank Vishnoi, Chief Financial Officer of ChemOne Group, Roger Charles, Executive Director of IBG Sustainability at DBS Bank, and Maria Katryn Simanjuntak, Senior Manager Financing at PT Kilang Pertamina International. Galid Lahdahda, Head of Downstream & Chemicals at Standard Chartered Bank, was the moderator.

The discussion explored the global and Asian landscapes of transition finance where Galid also steered the conversation towards specific aspects of the field. Prof Weina highlighted the need for a shared understanding of the core principles of sustainable finance, emphasizing the urgent need for a shift in mindset to recognize the business opportunities within transition pathways. She pointed out that companies should use frameworks like the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC), Life Cycle Assessment, and circular economy principles to identify innovative solutions for reducing their carbon footprint. Sustainable financial products are increasingly available to companies committed to taking concrete steps towards their net zero goals, holistically incorporating economic, environmental and social considerations. Other panellists also shared their insights and experiences in transition investment and ongoing projects.