As a signatory member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we align strategies, culture and day-to-day operations of our Firm with globally recognised frameworks such as the UNGC’s Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and engage in collaborative projects which advance the broader development goals of the United Nations, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of our commitment to the UNGC, we submit an annual Communication on Progress (COP) that describes our Firm’s efforts in support of the Ten Principles and the broader SDGs.
We strive to be an excellent global citizen and recognise our responsibility to address environmental issues that would have adverse long-term effects on the earth’s ecosystems and the future of our communities. We have commissioned an international consultancy to undertake a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of our Firm’s carbon footprint and impact on greenhouse gas emissions, and map out our own sustainability roadmap ahead.
By combining their unparalleled experience in dealing with sophisticated public policy matters and unmatched legal knowledge across multiple practice areas, our team is fully capable of helping clients coordinate a multi-disciplinary approach to strategic planning, legislative and communication efforts, including consultation on public policy papers and managing government relations. They are also equipped to help clients implement frameworks on corporate governance.
We take a holistic approach in our advice to clients in identifying ESG and public policy risks on the horizon, and how to manage such risks to stay competitive and be recognised as responsible corporate citizens. Find out more about the Key Partners in our ESG & Public Policy Practice by clicking on their portrait below.
Our ESG & Public Policy Practice helps businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by ESG-related matters, the interplay of laws, public policy, regulation, competition, and economic trends. We understand intimately the legal ramifications and challenges that follow shifts in the regulatory and legislative landscape, and is well-placed to advise clients on the changing ESG drivers, policy frameworks, legislation and regulation through our sophisticated public policy experience and unmatched legal knowledge across multiple practice areas.
Our team has advised clients on the full spectrum of legal and public policy matters, from strategic thinking to participating in regulatory changes, ESG issues and overall government affairs management. Some of our key highlights are listed below.
Advised DBS Bank Ltd., Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited and United Overseas Bank Limited, on the grant of S$1.95 billion term loan facilities for the refinancing of Marina One, a mixed-use sustainable development with two residential towers, two prime grade A office towers and a retail podium named “The Heart” set around lush greenery and landscaping. Marina One was developed by M+S Pte Ltd, which is 60% owned by Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional and 40% owned by Singapore investment firm Temasek Holdings. M+S was set up in 2011 to develop two projects in Singapore, Marina One and Duo, pursuant to an iconic land-swap deal made between Malaysia and Singapore.
Advised Ascendas Funds Management (S) Limited (in its capacity as manager of Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust (“Ascendas REIT”)), on the issue of S$300 million fixed rate subordinated green perpetual securities (“Issue”) under the S$7 billion Euro medium term securities programme established by HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited (in its capacity as trustee of Ascendas REIT).
The Issue is believed to be the first real estate green perpetual securities issued in Asia under the newly established Green Finance Framework (“Framework”) by Ascendas REIT.
The Framework is prepared in line with the Green Bond Principles 2018 by the International Capital Market Association and the Green Loan Principles 2020 by the Loan Market Association, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association and Loan Syndications and Trading Association, which are leading frameworks globally for the issuance of green bonds and green loans respectively. The Framework guides Ascendas REIT in the allocation and management of the proceeds raised from the issuance as well as future green financing transactions.
As part of our learning and sharing culture, we are pleased to share with you a collection of resources that have been specially curated by our Partners on the topic of ESG & Public Policy. These resources are targeted at helping you navigate the legal landscape of ESG, and how to pivot your company so that it may address any ESG related opportunities in its operations
The topic covered were selected by our ESG Partners based on current trends, frequently asked questions about ESG and feedback from clients and range from understanding impact investing through green financing programmes, regulatory issues on climate change, implementing in-house ESG programmes, to sustainable construction and green buildings.
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