The FairBiz team at BRH hosted the high-level virtual panel on “The Future of ESG Investing in ASEAN” at the ASEAN Business Investment Summit 2020 on  Friday 13^th November, 10.35-12.15 ICT. 

There has been a dramatic increase in global investments in “ESG” – (Environment, Social, and Governance). In recent years, investors have particularly focused on mitigating the impact of climate change, but with the global pandemic threatening to devastate small business, there is likely to be a new focus on social investments. To achieve these goals, investors will want to see improved transparency and reduced bureaucracy from ASEAN governments, and higher governance and ethical standards from companies in the region. With the advent of new technologies such as AI, fintech and block-chain, there opens a realm of new possibilities to grow the ASEAN economies post-pandemic while protecting the environment, rebuilding livelihoods and ensuring the best standards of integrity and inclusiveness. 

What should governments and business do together to promote green growth, social recovery and good governance? How can the new technologies contribute towards these goals? How can ASEAN governments, investors and companies harness and share the technologies to deliver ESG impact across the whole region?

Introductory remarks by:

• H.E. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia 
• Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific

Panel discussion featuring:

• Mr. Hugh Young, Managing Director of Aberdeen Standard Investments, Asia
• Mr. Vichien Phongsathorn, Chairman, Premier Group of Companies
• Ms. Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO, Sintesa Group
• Ms. Shuyin Tang, Partner at Patamar Capital

Moderated by Mr. Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

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