United Overseas Bank (UOB) has unveiled its newly established Sustainability Advisory Panel, comprising a trio of distinguished experts in sustainability and industry. This panel will offer invaluable counsel to UOB’s board and management, aiding them in the development and execution of the bank’s sustainability and net-zero objectives. The appointment of this advisory panel underscores UOB’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
The esteemed members of the Sustainability Advisory Panel, who commenced their one-year term on October 1, 2023, bring an extensive wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table:
- Neo Gim Huay: Neo Gim Huay serves as the Managing Director of the Centre for Nature and Climate at the World Economic Forum. She is a recognized authority in climate science and is committed to advancing sustainability on a global scale.
- Yoon Young Kim: Yoon Young Kim currently holds the position of Cluster President for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei at Schneider Electric. With a focus on energy management and sustainability, Kim brings invaluable insights to the panel.
- Mark Gainsborough: Mark Gainsborough serves as the Chairman of Seatrium and possesses extensive experience in the industrial economy, particularly in energy transition. His expertise will be pivotal in guiding UOB’s sustainability initiatives.
UOB’s Sustainability Advisory Panel will work closely with the bank’s Corporate Sustainability Office. Their responsibilities encompass advising UOB’s leadership on a broad spectrum of topics, including sustainability and industry trends relevant to both the bank and the region, the formulation of UOB’s sustainability strategy, targets, and initiatives, and the management of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities.
Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of UOB, emphasized the urgency of addressing sustainability as a critical global issue. He expressed the bank’s commitment to creating positive and meaningful impacts, aligning its actions with the best interests of its stakeholders.
Neo Gim Huay expressed her privilege in joining UOB’s sustainability journey, aiming to bridge the realms of finance and environmental stewardship. She looks forward to actively contributing to UOB’s mission to transform banking into a force for positive change, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future.
Yoon Young Kim highlighted UOB’s long-standing partnership with Schneider Electric, emphasizing their shared values in innovation and sustainability. She anticipates further collaboration between Schneider Electric and UOB to drive a new energy transition for Southeast Asia.
Mark Gainsborough, in his role on UOB’s inaugural Sustainability Advisory Panel, emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange. He anticipates that this exchange will provide deeper insights into Singapore’s and the region’s energy landscape, further supporting companies in their transition efforts toward sustainability.