Predicting the unpredictable future of ESG

FOR the first time since World War II, the world is experiencing a shift in which climate and the environment have now become the priority of governments and their citizens, as opposed to growth.

The recent Singapore Budget 2021 proves just that, focusing largely on sustainability and placing much emphasis on the country increasing its green efforts, beginning with the issuance of green bonds by the government.

The government announced that up to S$19 billion of public sector green projects would be identified to deepen market liquidity for green bonds, attract green issuers, capital, and investors, and anchor Singapore as a green finance hub. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has also been driving the city state's Green Finance Action Plan to develop green finance solutions and markets for a sustainable economy in order for the country to catalyse the flow of capital towards sustainable development, not just in Singapore, but in Asia-Pacific.