Finance as a tool for sustainable transformation with Yiong Yim Ming

In this case study Yong Yim Ming, CFO of City Developments Limited (CDL), a Singapore-based multinational real estate company ranked as the world’s most sustainable in its sector, discusses financing the sustainability agenda. Yong shares her journey as a “convert” to sustainability, driven by CDL’s ethos of “conserve as we construct” and the real estate sector’s significant 40% contribution to global carbon emissions. 

CDL, a pioneer in green financing, issued Singapore’s first green bond in 2017 and integrates sustainability into its strategy through innovations like AI-driven PropTech for energy efficiency and green leases for tenants. 

Challenges include navigating complex ESG data and frameworks, particularly for SMEs in Asia, which lag due to resource constraints. As a member of the UN Global Compact CFO Coalition, Yong highlights the CFO’s pivotal role in driving sustainable finance by aligning business strategy with green investments. 

Disclaimer: This case example is intended strictly for learning purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies by the UN Global Compact.