NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute to advance data-driven research and development frameworks in sustainability measurement

Singapore, 20 April 2023 – The Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN), a research institute established by the National University of Singapore (NUS) with the support of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong today.

SGFIN was set up to develop deep research and capabilities in the area of green finance and sustainability and provide thought leadership and shape sustainability outcomes and policymaking across the real economy and financial sectors. SGFIN is committed to advance the sustainability sector by focusing on four areas – Education, Data-driven Sustainable Finance Research, Impact Measurement and Outreach.

NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye said, "SGFIN will play an important role in helping Singapore develop strong capabilities in green finance and in strengthening Singapore’s position as a global financial hub. The Institute’s emphasis on education and data-driven approach to research will drive the development of innovative and progressive financial solutions for sustainable development in Asia and the world. We thank our partners and collaborators who are working together with us to shape financial services for a more sustainable future.”

SGFIN, which began operations in December 2021, collaborates with industry on research initiatives to support the development of frameworks for more transparent and standardised measurement of companies’ environmental and social performance, and for benchmarking to best practices across industries.

It is also addressing the need for talent and leadership in sustainable financing in Singapore and beyond through its Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable and Green Finance programme, the first MSc programme in Asia that focuses on sustainable and green finance.  This programme, offered in collaboration with NUS Business School, is designed to enhance students’ impact on investment and business decisions through experiential learning and exposure to the financial and corporate sectors in the region. 

To grow the capacity and talent pool in this area to meet demand, SGFIN announced new scholarships for students to pursue the MSc in Sustainable and Green Finance. Up to four scholarships will be awarded to the next intake in August 2023, and more scholarships will be available in the following years.

SGFIN Managing Director, Professor Sumit Agarwal said that as Singapore looks to position itself as a green finance hub in the region, there is a dire need to nurture a deep pipeline of talent and leadership in this area.

“Sustainable finance is emerging as a critical tool to mobilise resources and tackle the challenge sustainably by directing capital towards sustainable projects and businesses, and SGFIN is contributing to this cause with a calibrated approach in its education efforts. The development of relevant expertise and innovative solutions to drive transformation across corporate and financial sectors through SGFIN will advance the understanding and adoption of best sustainable and green financing practices,” said Prof Agarwal.

As part of SGFIN’s Official Opening activities, the Institute is also hosting the inaugural SGFIN Research Conference on Sustainability, where participants from across the globe present and discuss cutting-edge research on various sustainability topics. SGFIN also recently concluded its first sustainable finance case competition, which attracted 40 undergraduate and graduate teams from across NUS. These annual events are expected to grow in scope and reach in subsequent years.