On 7 October, SGListCos and DZ BANK AG co-hosted a workshop at SGX Centre, bringing together leading voices from Europe and Asia to tackle existing challenges in corporate sustainability in terms of aligning business strategies with evolving global frameworks while managing climate-related disclosures and financial reporting.

The session featured practical insights into fostering investor confidence, driving innovation, and creating real-world impact. Discussions explored how companies navigate multiple reporting frameworks, balance forward-looking climate risks with backward-looking financial disclosures, and deliver meaningful insights without overpromising.

Participating Companies

Blue Chips & Large Corporates: Sembcorp Industries Ltd, ST Engineering, Jardine Cycle & Carriage Limited, IHH Healthcare

S-REITs: Mapletree, Lendlease REIT, Sasseur REIT

SMEs: Frencken, Zheneng Jinjiang Environment, ValueMax Group Ltd, Mun Siong Engineering Limited, TEHO International Inc Ltd, Kimly Limited

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Regulation as a Catalyst

Regulatory frameworks, including SGX's approach, are driving ESG progress in Asia. Participants emphasised the need for tailored regulations that consider company size and capacity.

Global vs Regional Standards

European firms raised concerns about ESG reporting burdens, while Singapore's pragmatic stance was praised. There's growing consensus on the need for global standardisation to ensure fairness and comparability.

Quantifying Risk

Transition and reputational risks remain hard to measure financially. Clearer methodologies and shared metrics are urgently needed.

What Would Make Sustainability Easier?

• Clearer frameworks & expectations
• Standardised scopes & methodologies
• Harmonised regulations
• Expanded carbon tax mechanisms
• Defined CO₂ measurement criteria
• A "common currency" for sustainability metrics

What's Working Well?

Societal awareness and commitment to sustainability continue to be strong drivers of change.

Innovation & AI in ESG

GenAI and digital tools are emerging as game-changers enhancing transparency, simplifying reporting, and helping companies identify ESG gaps.

European firms, EEW Energy from Waste GmbH and Lenzing Group shared their sustainability journeys and business models, showcasing how European firms are ahead in integrating ESG into strategy. Their presentations highlighted mature regulatory environments, strong investor expectations, and innovative approaches to circular economy and decarbonisation; offering valuable lessons for companies navigating similar transitions.