Infrastructure Asia's by-the-book tack sets S'pore's role as trusty facilitator

NEWLY-LAUNCHED government-led organisation Infrastructure Asia seems to represent a particularly Singaporean approach towards the region's vast infrastructure potential: keen interest, backed by prudence and best practices. Such caution, while not as infectious as enthusiasm, is valuable in an uncertain climate.

Set up by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Infrastructure Asia aims to connect local and international firms in the infrastructure ecosystem to government officials in the region, for the development, financing and execution of infrastructure projects. Its establishment is a clear response to the undeniably vast demand present in Asia. The Asian Development Bank, for one, estimates that developing Asia's infrastructure needs will reach US$26 trillion from 2016 to 2030.

Singapore, never one for unbridled zeal, has approached this heady opportunity with a focus on getting it right. In his speech at Tuesday's launch, Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat focused on two main areas: making new infrastructure future-proof by way of being smart, green and sustainable, and attracting private capital by ensuring projects are bankable, investible and visible.