Sustainability reporting: listed firms report mixed experiences

Singapore

SINGAPORE-LISTED companies have started to file sustainability reports under the new comply-or-explain guidelines - but for some, it's been a steep learning curve as they grapple with unfamiliarity and issues like costs and staff buy-in.

The Singapore Exchange's guidelines for sustainability reporting apply to listed companies on a "comply or explain" basis from the financial year ending on, or after 31 Dec 2017, with reports to be published from 2018.

In addition to revenue, earnings and other financial data and business information, businesses are now publishing information on everything from electricity use to staff welfare initiatives.

Baker Tilly TFW head of governance and risk Lim Wei Wei said: "Most listed companies would already have environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives in place, so it would just be a matter of compiling and…