Singapore, 22 October 2018 – CDL Group CEO Mr Sherman Kwek set the stage for the forum by rallying all functions across the Group to stand committed in building a sustainable future for all.

In his opening address, Mr Kwek said, “As the global call for climate action intensifies, CDL is not resting on our laurels. In fact, we are strategically well-poised to ride on the sustainability wave and step up our actions towards lowering our carbon footprint which will bring about positive environmental and financial impact. Whichever function or industry we are in, we can all make a difference.”

Keynote speaker Mr Peter Bakker, President and CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, shared his global perspective and insights on “Unlocking Business Value from Sustainable Development Goals Integration”.

The other two speakers were Dr Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance, Institutions and Organisations at NUS Business School and Ms Eliza Tan, Vice President of Listing Compliance at the Singapore Exchange Regulation.

The panel discussion that ensued after the speeches was enlightening and engaging. Moderated by CDL Chief Sustainability Officer Ms Esther An, both the speakers and audience had a lively exchange of views that included how external consultants can help to overcome the initial pain-points of sustainability reporting, to whether listed companies here could tap into ESG-focussed investment funds through SGX roadshows overseas.

In his closing remarks, CDL Group CEO Mr Sherman Kwek reiterated that the strategic integration of ESG unlocks many benefits for an organisation and called for a stronger focus on ESG in risk management.

The forum was co-organised by the Group Corporate Secretariat Services and CDL’s Sustainability department to help the Group stay abreast of global issues, accelerate ESG strategy and best practices.