OREANDA-NEWS. Singapore Exchange (SGX) today introduced sustainability reporting on a “comply or explain” basis.

SGX will invite company CEOs to a briefing for clarity and understanding of the new requirement and organise training for all listed companies to build their reporting capability.

SGX is working with Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) to organise training workshops by sustainability reporting consultants. SGX is also planning other initiatives including an online portal. Details will be out shortly.

Loh Boon Chye, CEO of SGX, said, “SGX supports our listed companies’ efforts to meet the growing interest in sustainability from shareholders and potential investors worldwide. The annual reporting of non-financial information will enhance the visibility of SGX-listed companies among investors who seek sustainable investment and want to review a company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.”

SGX consulted on the sustainability reporting requirement at the start of 2016 and received strong support for the “comply or explain” framework. After carefully considering the feedback received, some changes to the Sustainability Reporting Guide and the requirement were made. 

The main changes are as follows:

  • Giving companies up to 12 months from the end of the financial year to publish their first report. This takes effect for any financial year ending on, or after, 31 December 2017.
  • Instead of a compliance statement, the Board statement to be included in the report describes the company’s sustainability actions.  
  • The materiality principle will be applied when determining whether an ESG factor should be reported on. Factors like corruption and diversity, if assessed to be immaterial by companies, may be excluded.  Companies are however advised to present information on these factors on their websites to satisfy stakeholder interest.