KUALA LUMPUR: There are still ample opportunities for investment into Malaysia and other emerging markets to help the world meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, a new report from Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) has revealed.
"The $50 Trillion Question" report investigates how some of the world's largest asset managers – with a combined US$50 otrillion in assets under management (AUM) – are investing at this critical time for the global economy and the environment.
StanChart said among those investing in emerging markets in Asean, Malaysia was a popular choice with almost a third (30 per cent) listing it as one of their priority markets.
Besides that, the report points to a growing focus on sustainability, with 81 per cent of investment firms now taking a disciplined approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment.
However, this has not translated into investment in the SDGs, with only 13 per cent of the assets managed by respondents is directed towards SDG-linked investments.
Standard Chartered Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Abrar A Anwar said the government's commitment was aligned with the UN's SDGs through a RM20 million allocation to the Malaysia-SDG Trust Fund announced recently in 2021.
"And with sustainability being a big part of the bank's focus that includes our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030 and help clients transition to a low carbon economy, Standard Chartered is well-positioned as a partner to drive the nation's green recovery alongside the government," he said.
Abrar said there was no single answer to "The $50 Trillion Question", but it was evident that investors need to expand their focus beyond developed markets.
"Malaysia and other emerging economies offer investors a unique opportunity: strong returns combined with the chance to have a significant, positive impact. Now is the time to seize it," he said.
"The US$50 Trillion Question" study follows the publication of Opportunity2030: The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map which first revealed the multi trillion-dollar opportunity for private-sector investors to help achieve the SDGs in emerging markets.
