PR in the Philippines

Singapore, Singapore – The world faces significant environmental challenges due to rapid industrialization, making sustainable finance more crucial than ever. Asia, currently accounting for less than 1% of the global sustainable investment market, has a significant gap and untapped potential for growth. Addressing this environmental strain requires a shift in financial practices to reduce emissions and promote economic growth.

The Global Forum 2024, co-hosted by Singapore Management University (SMU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), will take place on October 26. This year’s theme is “Innovation, Green Finance, and Sustainable Development,” bringing together scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss strategies for achieving sustainable development goals in the evolving global economy.

A key focus will be transition finance, an innovative approach that helps industries, especially those heavily reliant on carbon, transition to greener practices without hindering economic growth. This practical method reduces emissions and encourages the adoption of sustainable technologies. The forum will explore how strategies like transition finance can accelerate this shift, emphasizing Asia’s critical role in the global sustainable finance landscape.

By facilitating the decarbonization of traditional sectors, Asia can contribute to a greener planet and unlock new economic opportunities, setting an example for other regions. 

Keynote Speakers and Experts
The forum will feature an impressive lineup of experts sharing valuable insights.

SMU’s Prof Liang Hao, a keynote speaker, is a leading figure in sustainable finance, particularly in transitioning brown sectors to greener economies through innovative financial tools. His work in impact investing and sustainability measurement makes him a key voice in discussions on green finance solutions across industry and academia. His insights will provide attendees with inspiration on leveraging financial innovation to drive low-carbon transitions in Asia’s brown sectors and promote sustainable development.

Prof. Shawn A. Cole from Harvard Business School, known for his extensive research on financial services and impact investing in emerging markets, will share insightful global perspectives relevant to Asia.

Mr. Zhang Dachuan, Head of ESG Business, China at J.P. Morgan Asset Management (China), will share practical experiences in promoting ESG investments in the Chinese market, particularly regarding the effective integration of ESG standards into corporate profit models.

Prof. Wang Tan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dr. Wu Haifeng from the Shenzhen Institute of Data Economy of CUHK will also share their expertise. Prof. Wang has a strong academic background in transition finance and carbon markets, while Dr. Wu focuses on the intersection of green technology innovation and finance. Their contributions will enrich the discussions, helping attendees gain a multifaceted understanding of the future of sustainable finance.

SMU’s Prof. Li Weikai will also present his research on impact investing and corporate social responsibility (CSR), providing solutions for businesses to balance economic benefits with social responsibilities in a rapidly changing environment.

SMU’s Global Leadership Through Collaboration

As a thought leader in sustainable finance, SMU is committed to integrating academic research with practical applications. We believe sustainable growth goes beyond transitioning to a green economy; it involves utilizing innovative financial tools, such as transition finance, to help Asia achieve both economic and sustainability goals. Our collaborations with renowned international institutions, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CUHK Shenzhen, Harvard University, and Imperial College London, continue to expand SMU’s global influence.

SMU’s standout initiative is the Singapore Green Finance Centre (SGFC), established in partnership with Imperial College London, and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, along with several leading financial institutions. SGFC conducts pioneering research on sustainable finance and explores innovative solutions to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also offers a variety of training programs for executives, operational teams, and newcomers, contributing to capacity building within SMU, Singapore, and the broader region.

SMU’s Global Forum is more than just an academic event. It serves as a platform and gateway for important exchanges, where thought leaders from East and West share insights and recommend solutions to challenges that affect not just Singapore and China, but the world at large. This 13th edition will empower participants to explore how transition finance and innovative financial tools can drive sustainable growth in Asia. Together, we can work toward a sustainable future that benefits communities worldwide.