• Singapore Management University (SMU) and DBS have partnered to launch “Sustainable Finance in Action,” a four-day programme aimed at senior executives.
• The initiative addresses Asia’s urgent need for green finance expertise by combining academic insights with practical applications.
• Participants will explore strategies in green, transition, blended, and biodiversity financing to drive sustainable growth within their organisations.

Why it matters: As regional economies face increasing pressure to meet global climate targets, there’s a critical demand for leaders skilled in sustainable finance. The Monetary Authority of Singapore projects the sustainable finance market in ASEAN to reach SGD 4 to 5 trillion over the next decade.

What’s happening: Running from 25-28 November 2024 at SMU’s city campus, “Sustainable Finance in Action” is designed to equip Asia’s future finance leaders with the tools and frameworks necessary for environmentally aligned economic growth.

Related Article: Isle of Man Launches Sustainable Finance Roadmap to Drive Green Investment

Programme highlights:

• Risk management and sustainability strategies in four key areas: green, transition, blended, and biodiversity financing.
• Engagement with experts: Participants will interact with SMU academics, thought leaders, and practitioners who have integrated sustainable finance into core business strategies.
• Real-world applications: The programme includes case studies and field visits, such as a deep dive into the Monsoon Project in Laos—a pioneering example of transition financing—and a guided tour of Singapore’s mangrove ecosystems to highlight biodiversity financing.

What they’re saying:

“With today’s pressing environmental and social challenges, we are thrilled to empower leaders to navigate this landscape of disruption. This programme is designed to equip participants with the insights and tools they need to drive meaningful change within their organisations. We invite all interested leaders to join us in this transformative programme, where they will deepen their knowledge of green finance and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

— Dr Flocy Joseph, Senior Deputy Director, SMU Executive Development

“Business executives face many competing priorities to build resilient businesses. A fast-growing number of actors globally across governments, the private and financial sector as well as society at large are embracing the need to address sustainability challenges. This has profound impact on the risks and opportunities businesses are exposed to. Against this backdrop, it is critical to equip senior executives with a deeper understanding of this, to help them see how sustainable financing strategies can support them in driving meaningful action within their organisations and across the broader economy. We are very pleased to be working with SMU to build sustainability-related skills to enable the transition towards a more sustainable future.”

— Helge Muenkel, Chief Sustainability Officer of DBS

The big picture: Upskilling the executive workforce is essential for maintaining Singapore’s competitive edge in the green economy. This programme aligns with SMU’s strategic priority of Sustainable Living, aiming to drive solutions in managing climate change and enhancing quality of life.

For more information on the Sustainable Finance in Action programme, click here.

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