Professor Sumit Agarwal, Managing Director of SGFIN discusses the MSc Sustainable and Green Finance program, the future of green jobs, the role of transition finance in achieving net zero and maintaining economic growth, and the importance of Data, Definitions and Disclosures in this crucial sector.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) proposed a slate of ESG regulations for financial institutions and listed companies at the launch of SGFIN official opening to align with emerging international standards. MAS is working with the International Energy Agency to develop decarbonization pathways for emissions-heavy sectors in the region.
At the official launch, SGFIN unveiled new scholarships for students in its MSc in Sustainable and Green Finance programme. MAS will expand the scope of its sustainable bond and loan grant schemes to include transition bonds and loans, with safeguards in place to mitigate the risk of “transition-washing”.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will set aside S$15 million for the sustainable bond and loan grant schemes and look to improve market confidence in funds that have environmental, social and governance (ESG) labels and ratings.
(Channel NewsAsia) Professor Sumit Agarwal, Managing Director of SGFIN, discussed how SGFIN’s research, education and industry outreach are geared towards addressing the sustainable and green finance challenges in Asia and how Singapore is taking the leadership role in this field.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched a Finance for Net Zero Action Plan, which aims to develop strategies to catalyze the transition towards net-zero carbon emissions in Asia, as well as decarbonization activities in Singapore and the region.
At the opening of SGFIN, NUS President Tan Eng Chye highlighted SGFIN’s focus on education and data-driven approach to research that will drive the development of innovative and progressive financial solutions for sustainable development in Asia and the world.
Assoc Prof Zhang Weina, Deputy Director of SGFIN, highlighted two educational programmes that help to equip participants with the key sustainable investment concepts and relevant financial instruments for strategic planning and investments. The programmes are Lifelong Learning Module on “Social and Sustainable Investing” and the Msc Programme in Sustainable and Green Finance (MSGF).
Assoc Prof Zhang Weina, Deputy Director of SGFIN, shared key takeaways from her case study by focusing on how investors can make better investment decisions by incorporating impact preferences, social return and risk into conventional portfolio theory in four Asian developing countries.
Professor Sumit Agarwal, Managing Director of SGFIN, reinforces the need for Singaporeans to inculcate sustainable habits in their daily practices besides the 5-cent charge for plastic bags.