Category: ESG Asia

Key Impact Points: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced a significant commitment of $100 million toward climate transition investments in emerging Asia. This includes $75 million allocated to...

Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the World Bank are leading efforts to accelerate the coal transition through market-based approaches. Speaking at the New York Climate Week MAS-World Bank event,...

Rockefeller Foundation Hosts AsiaXchange 2024: A Blueprint for Asia’s Green & Resilient Future The Rockefeller Foundation will host AsiaXchange 2024, focusing on “Accelerating Asia’s Equitable Green Transformation: Taking a Systems...

Deloitte’s Latest Series Highlights CFO Leadership in Sustainability A new report series by Deloitte, titled “Asia Pacific Mandatory Sustainability Reporting,” positions Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) as pivotal leaders in navigating...

ACEN, GenZero, and Keppel Ltd. have partnered to drive the early retirement of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) coal-fired power plant (CFPP) in Batangas, the Philippines. The Memorandum...

SAP Taiwan has opened its first-ever ESG and AI Research and Innovation Center in Kaohsiung, marking a significant step towards accelerating sustainable transformation in Taiwan. This center is set to...

Middle Eastern Banks Invest $500M in Malaysia’s Pengerang Energy Complex Leading Middle Eastern banks and financial institutions have invested $500 million to finance Malaysia’s Pengerang Energy Complex, a facility that...

IBM’s “Sustainability Technology Guide for Executives” offers a comprehensive roadmap for Asia Pacific businesses to harness technology for sustainability. Despite the growing importance of sustainable practices, only 21% of organizations...

PETRONAS, ADNOC, and Storegga have signed a Joint Study and Development Agreement (JSDA) to evaluate the carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capabilities of saline aquifers and develop CCS facilities in the...

CBRE has significantly bolstered its sustainability advisory capabilities in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by acquiring Paia Consulting, a specialist sustainability consulting firm based in Singapore. This strategic acquisition doubles...

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) wrapped up its Tokyo meeting with a strong call for action on trade, digitalization, and climate response. Urgent Economic and Climate Action “Tackling trade...

Deutsche Bank has introduced BASF’s first sustainability-linked payables finance program in Asia, targeting operations in China. This tailored solution meets global standards while catering to local business needs. The program...

SAEL group has successfully issued its first US dollar-denominated green bonds, raising $305 million in the international markets. This marks a significant milestone, providing the company access to a deeper,...

Cyan Renewables (“Cyan”), Asia’s leading offshore wind services platform, announced its acquisition of Australian offshore marine services provider MMA Offshore (“MMA”) (ASX) for A$1.1B (US$702M). This landmark deal makes Cyan...

KPMG has been named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Sustainability/ESG Program Management Services 2024 Vendor Assessment. Why it matters The report emphasizes KPMG’s robust suite of digital tools...

The HKSAR Government has successfully launched an HK$25 billion green bond offering, denominated in Renminbi (RMB), US dollars (USD), and euro (EUR) under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme. Key Details:...

ESG Due Diligence Rising in Priority ESG due diligence is becoming a critical priority for Australian dealmakers, mirroring global trends. According to KPMG’s ESG due diligence study, 71% of investors...

In-Depth Analysis: ASIFMA’s ISSB Standards Report ASIFMA Asset Management Group (AAMG) has unveiled a comprehensive report on the adoption of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards across Asia. This first-of-its-kind...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a climate finance program in Thailand, partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE). The...

Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd. (MBAFC), part of the Mercedes-Benz Mobility group, has achieved a significant milestone by issuing its first Green Auto Loan Asset-Backed Security (ABS) in the Chinese Interbank...

The seminar on “Green Fintech: Catalyst for Scaling Sustainable Finance”, which focused on green finance technology, was one of the key events of Hong Kong Green Week held by the...

To catalyze a viable blue finance market, foster green bonds and support smaller businesses in Vietnam, IFC is providing a financing package of $150 million to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank,...

FedEx continues to make inroads in deploying lower-emissions fleets and facilities in the region and increased its engagement with community sustainability initiatives Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest...

Key Impact Points: A Bloomberg survey of over 150 market participants from the banking, insurance, securities, and technology sectors who attended the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum in Shanghai revealed significant...

Agreements with China Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank aim at financing infrastructure and industry in Brazil The Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC),...

Singapore published an Environmental Crimes Money Laundering (ML) National Risk Assessment (NRA) which identifies the key threats and vulnerabilities in environmental crimes ML that Singapore is exposed to, and outlines...

Neste and the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group have signed an agreement for the purchase of 1,000 tons of neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™. This will make SIA and Scoot, the...

The World Meteorological Organization has confirmed that 2023 is the warmest year on record, with annual average global temperature approaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Data also show that since the...

LG Electronics (LG) has successfully issued a global bond of USD 800 million, marking its first in 17 years. Despite the growing global volatility, LG managed to achieve a negative...

Singapore is spearheading a significant financial initiative designed to mobilize $5 billion alongside global partners to support climate-focused projects throughout Asia. This ambitious effort, termed the “Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership”...

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG), launched the Sustainable Finance Jobs Transformation Map (JTM), which lays out the...

JERA Co., Inc (“JERA”) recently signed a Joint Study Agreement (“JSA”) with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), through its subsidiary – PETRONAS CCS Solutions Sdn. Bhd. (“PCCSS”), to evaluate the feasibility...

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, and Idemitsu Kosan (IKC), one of Japan’s leading energy companies, today announced a joint investment into Skye Renewables Energy...

New ASEAN Energy (NAE) and ACTUAL have formed an agreement, leveraging ACTUAL’s AI-driven capital planning technology to develop a comprehensive net-zero emissions strategy for The Pengerang Energy Complex (PEC). PEC...

Air Liquide and Vopak sign MoU to collaborate on infrastructure for ammonia import, cracking and hydrogen distribution infrastructure in Singapore Air Liquide and Vopak have signed a Memorandum of Understanding...

Breaking down gender barriers to food security in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India Deutsche Bank, through its Corporate Responsibility programme in Asia, is helping women from local communities and...

A joint press release by the S-Hub consortium. The S-Hub consortium, comprising ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd., is proud to be selected to work with...

Climate reporting to help companies ride the green transition All listed issuers to report from FY2025 and large non-listed companies from FY2027 The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and...

12 initiatives and 5 enablers to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation sector and support sustainable growth  The Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint was launched today by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for...

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), India’s largest renewable energy (RE) company and the second largest solar PV developer in the world, has operationalized 551 MW solar capacity in Khavda, Gujarat, by supplying...

China’s cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy power generation is expected to surpass that of coal for the first time this year, amid optimized power supply capacity and accelerated transition...

EIB Global has signed memorandums of understanding for project co-financing with the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan and with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for a...

The launch of the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association (SSFA) marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s journey to becoming a leading center for sustainable finance in Asia. In his keynote speech,...

Key Impact Points: Coca-Cola India and India’s largest retailer, Reliance Retail, announced the launch of a sustainability initiative titled ‘Bhool Na Jana, Plastic Bottle Lautana’, focused on post-consumer PET collection at Reliance Retail...

Key Impact Points: Our youths play a crucial role in the journey towards a net-zero world. With their passion and fresh perspectives for a greener future, they are set to...

Key Impact Points: Company Outlines Direction and “Break Through Limits” Management Policy During Press Conference in Las Vegas LG Electronics’ (LG) CEO William Cho and key company executives introduced the strategies LG is...

Key Impact Points: A.P. Moller – Maersk, one of the founding members of the Green Fuels Alliance India, will take a seat on the steering committee as one of the...

Key Impact Points: Enters tier 2 and 3 cities, to double workforce, diversify store formats to meet customer preferencesAnnounces opening of second Starbucks Reserve® store and a new Indian arabica coffee...

The European Union will begin an anti-dumping investigation into biodiesel imports from China, which the bloc’s industry said has slashed domestic production. In August, it began investigating whether biodiesel from...

Bloom Energy and SK ecoplant, an engineering and energy solutions provider and subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate SK Group, announced a sale of Bloom’s electrolyzer technology to deploy hydrogen as...

Deutsche Bank has announced an increase that doubles its total local capital to IDR 10 trillion (€600 million) for its business in Indonesia.  The additional investment will support the bank’s...

The four-day event brought together more than 150 national and regional policy makers to discuss how energy efficiency can drive India’s clean energy transition The International Energy Agency (IEA) held...

JCB unveiled its pioneering hydrogen combustion technology at EXCON, India’s premier construction equipment trade show taking place in Bengaluru. In its first-ever trade show appearance anywhere in the world, the...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed an agreement to establish the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2) with capital of up to...

Singapore and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed an Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Agreement was signed by Minister for Sustainability and...

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is about to launch the first of its 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order. On 9 February 2024, it will enter service on the...

A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) announced more than USD$500 million investment to expand its supply chain infrastructure to support Southeast Asia’s emergence as a global production hub and a consumption powerhouse. Maersk’s...

Allied Climate Partners (ACP), International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Temasek announced the intent to establish a green investments partnership to address climate finance gaps...

The Coal to Clean Credit Initiative (CCCI), which has support from The Rockefeller Foundation, announced a new collaboration with ACEN Corporation to explore a pilot project in the Philippines that would leverage...

Bloomberg Philanthropies and Goldman Sachs announced that the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF) has completed allocating its $25 million in philanthropic concessional capital to help advance sustainable low-carbon economic...

US$140 billion investment and mass scale in domestic market drives China’s advantage Currently on target to reach a record-breaking 230 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar installations this year, China...

The International Partners Group (IPG), co-led by the United States of America and Japan and comprised of Canada, Denmark, the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic,...

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC HD,) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) (hereinafter referred collectively as the “Japan Consortium (JC)”) have agreed and signed...

Shanghai Electric announced to ink the “Carbon & Digital” Joint Laboratory Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. (Johnson Controls) during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2023, a move...

Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated a new floating solar plant on Cirata reservoir in West Java province. The 192 megawatt peak (MWp) plant is the third largest floating solar plant...

Represents Deutsche Bank’s 4th large-scale transaction in Taiwan’s offshore wind sector Deutsche Bank announced it has completed a bespoke deal-contingent interest rate hedge and a tailored financing for Hai Long,...

Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) announced its 2023-2028 strategic plan, reaffirming its commitment to transform its portfolio from brown to green and drive energy transition. In 2021, Sembcorp unveiled its strategic plan...

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, will return 200,000 hectares of palm oil plantations found in protected areas to the state to be converted back into forests. This is...

Barclays has announced the appointment of Denise Wong as Head of Sustainable and Impact Banking, Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Ms. Wong will be responsible for advising corporate and...

Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor has announced that Stellantis plans to invest €1.5 billion to acquire approximately 20% of Leapmotor, making Stellantis a significant shareholder. The deal also outlines the formation...

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued a set of consultation papers proposing guidelines on transition planning by banks, insurers and asset managers to enable the global transition to a...

Bayer introduces agricultural system for direct-seeded rice with potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use by up to 40 percent Bayer plans to bring direct-seeded rice to one...

Amidst the challenging macroeconomic environment in many countries and concerns around public debt sustainability, progress in financing climate action in Asia and the Pacific has only fallen further behind, even...

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Persero Tbk. (IDX: BBRI) has issued an IDR 6 trillion Green Bonds for 2023, with three series: 1-year (6.10% coupon rate), 2-year (6.35% coupon rate), and 3-year (6.30%...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million loan to help fund a $665 million project to Catalyse Green Transformation by reducing poverty, cutting carbon emissions and improving...

Hydropower-rich Tajikistan plans to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2040 for usage at home and exports to neighboring Central Asian countries, its Minister of Energy and Water...

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China has honored Trina Solar with the title of Decarbonisation Leader for its achievements in low-carbon transition and climate change mitigation. The company received the award...

South Korea’s leading chemicals producer LG Chem and Italian energy group Eni Sustainable Mobility jointly announced that they are exploring the possibility to develop and operate a new biorefinery at...

The official launch of the Green Digital Economy Platform (GDEP), an innovative international initiative was announced. The launch, endorsed by Dr. Moeldoko, Indonesia’s Presidential Chief of Staff, is a significant step for Indonesia and...

SGX Group and BlackRock are taking the lead in helping investors reach their low carbon transition objectives with the listing of iShares MSCI Asia ex-Japan Climate Action ETF. SGX, with...

Edelweiss Alternatives, part of Edelweiss group, said it has launched its maiden climate fund, which will invest in different ventures related to cleaner climate. The fund will have a corpus...

Singapore is planning to expand a pilot project that uses electricity to extract CO2 from seawater, in a bid to boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. The...

Keppel and DBS announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly scale up sustainable urbanisation and digitalisation solutions in Asia, with a focus on India given...

ASEAN’s biggest exhibition showcasing LED & Smart Lighting Solutions – LED Expo Thailand is set to return at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok from 20-22 September 2023. Organized by MEX Exhibitions and IMPACT Exhibition Management collaboratively,...

SFIA identifies ESG Book as a potential technology partner for Project SAFE, an initiative to address ESG data requirements and disclosure gaps in ASEAN markets.  ESG Book, a global leader...

LG Energy Solution Ltd., a leading global battery manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is planning to issue green bonds to fund a variety of ESG initiatives. The company has...

Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s leading automakers, is investing 527.2 billion won ($397.74 million) to acquire a 5% stake in Korea Zinc, a leading producer of nickel, a...

Climate projects, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women and farmers in Asia and the Pacific have benefited from record amounts of funding from IFC. The funds will alleviate poverty...

The government of Bangladesh and the World Bank signed a $300 million financing agreement to equip about 900,000 economically disengaged rural youth with skills and alternative education needed for employment...