Singapore, 4 October 2023 – UOB has set up a Sustainability Advisory Panel comprising sustainability and industry experts to independently advise the Bank’s Board and Management on its sustainability strategy, targets and initiatives. The Panel will also assist the Board and Management in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities as the Bank executes its sustainability and net zero agenda.
In consideration of the Bank’s sustainability strategy, regional and sectoral focus, UOB has appointed three members to its first Sustainability Advisory Panel for a one-year term starting 1 October 2023. The members appointed to the Panel are Ms Neo Gim Huay, Managing Director, Centre for Nature and Climate at the World Economic Forum, Mr Yoon Young Kim (Yoon Kim), Cluster President for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei at Schneider Electric, and Mr Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Seatrium. [Please see Annex for profiles.]
All three members are experts in their own fields of climate science, sustainability in Southeast Asia and in the wider industrial economy, particularly in energy transition. These areas are aligned with the Bank’s commitment to net zero and support of a just transition that advances socioeconomic development in tandem with decarbonisation in the region1.
The Panel will work closely with UOB’s Corporate Sustainability Office, and advise the Bank’s Board and Management on a range of matters including:
- sustainability and industry trends relevant to the Bank and the region;
- UOB’s sustainability strategy, targets and initiatives; and
- management of environmental, social and governance-related risks and opportunities.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, “Sustainability is a critical global issue that requires urgent attention and action. UOB wants to create impact that is positive and meaningful, and to do right by our stakeholders. We are pleased to have Gim Huay, Yoon Kim and Mark join us on the Sustainability Advisory Panel to provide global perspectives and regional expertise as we continue to support businesses, individuals and communities towards a sustainable future.”
Ms Neo Gim Huay, Managing Director, Centre for Nature and Climate at the World Economic Forum, said, “It is a privilege for me to join UOB in charting its sustainability journey to bridge the worlds of finance and environmental stewardship. I look forward to actively contributing to UOB’s efforts to shape banking as a force for positive change in building a more sustainable and resilient future together.”
Mr Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei at Schneider Electric, said, “UOB has been a long-time partner of Schneider Electric and we value this relationship greatly. Being at the forefront in the world of energy management, I hope Schneider Electric and UOB will continue to fuse innovation and sustainability, as we collaborate to drive a new energy transition for Southeast Asia.”
Mr Mark Gainsborough, Chairman at Seatrium, said, “I am pleased to take on this role on UOB’s first Sustainability Advisory Panel. As UOB continues to further its sustainability agenda, I hope the knowledge exchange will enable the Bank to gain deeper insights into the intricacies of Singapore’s and the region’s energy landscape, and support more companies in the real economy in their transition efforts.”
1Please refer to https://www.uobgroup.com/sustainability/sustainable-banking/net-zero-commitment.page for more information on UOB’s net zero commitment.
