Work Portfolio
Ongoing work
Asia Sustainable Finance Initiative (ASFI) Academy
As part of WWF-Singapore, I contribute significantly to the evolution of the Asia Sustainable Finance Initiative (ASFI) Academy's e-learning portfolio by spearheading the design of specialized modules focused on sustainable finance in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Currently, I am actively involved in developing a new course centred on natural resource safeguards tailored for financial institutions. The course is set to be launched in September 2024. These self-paced courses, accredited under the Singapore IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS), are meticulously crafted for finance professionals aiming to deepen their grasp of sustainable finance. The ASFI Academy, a collaborative effort with WWF-Singapore and ASFI Partners, remains at the nexus of environmental consciousness and financial acumen. It stands as an invaluable resource for individuals keen on skillfully navigating the dynamic landscape of sustainable finance.
Previous Assignments
Empowering Key Development Finance Institutions in Asia to Accelerate the Decarbonisation of the Energy Sector, WWF, 2023
Delivered a report for WWF-Singapore that summarizes the latest findings of an assessment of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) with a majority shareholding structure comprising Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and India. It also provides recommendations to help DFIs align their overall governance structure, financing strategy, sector policies, products, people management, and portfolio disclosures with the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
The Role of National Development Finance Institutions in Accelerating Southeast Asia’s Clean Energy Transformation, WWF, 2022
Delivered a white paper for WWF-Singapore which highlights the importance and opportunity, as well as the current progress in aligning ASEAN National Development Finance Institutions’s (NDFI) energy-related financing decisions with the Paris Agreement. It provides an overview of findings from a baseline assessment of four NDFIs in Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam, along with broad recommendations for developing and implementing science-based, energy transition processes for direct and indirect investments.
Mapping ESG Integration in Public Infrastructure Finance, WWF & ADFIAP, 2021
Delivered a report for WWF and the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), which documents the way Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the Asia Pacific region, predominantly involved in infrastructure investment, are integrating climate- and biodiversity-related risks and opportunities, into their decision-making systems. The report found that awareness of climate change is growing, but still needs to be better embedded into most DFIs’ strategies. Biodiversity loss has not yet attained the same level of awareness.
Incorporating Sustainability into Infrastructure Investments, Oliver Wyman & WWF, 2020
Completed a report that surveyed major infrastructure investors to explore current trends and leading practices for integrating climate and nature-related environmental, social, and governance factors within infrastructure investing. The report found that almost half (48%) of investors are screening out at least one type of unsustainable asset, mainly coal. The top motivation for integrating ESG among investors was financial returns, followed by risk management. All investors surveyed plan to continue their ESG integration in the future.
Dynamic Resilience To Extreme Weather, World Energy Council, 2019
Developed a case study library in collaboration with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Marsh & McLennan Companies which meticulously analyzes system failures induced by such events, delineates their impacts, and distils invaluable lessons from both mitigation and recovery efforts. Notably, the library encompasses best practices within the energy sector, facilitating the cultivation of more agile and adaptive responses to extreme weather events and mitigating the impacts of natural hazards on energy systems.
The Khurdopin Glacier Surge, Utrecht University, 2018
Worked on a study, which used digital elevation models and Landsat imagery in combination with high-resolution imagery from the Planet satellite constellation to quantify surface elevation changes and flow velocities during a glacier surge of the Khurdopin Glacier in 2017. Results reveal that an accumulation of ice volume above a clearly defined steep section of the glacier tongue since the last surge in 1999 led to a rapid surge in May 2017 peaking with velocities above 5000 m a−1, which were among the fastest rates globally for a mountain glacier.
Electrical Grids and Storage Green Bond Standard, Climate Bonds Initiative, 2018
Spearheaded the development of a new green bond standard focusing on energy transmission and distribution systems. Orchestrated collaborative efforts by assembling diverse teams of technical experts from both industry and academia. Collected insights into best practices within the realm of electrical green technologies. Translated complex information into accessible formats, disseminating key findings to stakeholders through comprehensive reports, engaging newsletters, and insightful blog posts.
Rethinking Decarbonisation Incentives – Policy Case Studies, UK’s Energy Systems Catapult, 2018
Provided technical support for the development of a case study that aimed to explore the effectiveness of a carbon tax policy in South Africa. The study focused on the challenges faced, both technical and political, in delivering a consistent carbon price signal throughout the economy. My responsibilities included conducting a literature review, delivering semi-structured interviews, analyzing data and writing the final report.
Annual Performance Reviews of Thames and Anglian Water for Ofwat - the UK water regulator, 2018
Provided technical input for a variety of asset management plans within the UK water industry, to comply with the 5-year price review mandated by the UK water regulator, Ofwat. My work included conducting literature reviews, geospatial analysis, policy analysis, natural capital accounting, strategic environmental assessments, cost-benefit analysis, habitat regulations assessments, and water framework directive assessments.
Mid-term Review of the UK’s Transforming Energy Access Programme, Carbon Trust, 2018
Delivered a mid-term review for the UK Department for International Development’s Transforming Energy Access (TEA) programme - a research and innovation platform supporting the technologies, business models and skills needed to enable an inclusive clean energy transition. The mid-term review provided external, independent advice regarding the TEA program's response to the energy access challenge and the TEA theory of change, the collaboration of different implementers, and its cooperation with other DFID programs in the energy access sector are being assessed, the perception of external stakeholders and TEA's communication of its activities at both program and implementer levels are being evaluated, future funding gaps, overlaps with other work, and areas of less emphasis.
Policy Options Impacts for Regulating Carbon Emissions from New Passenger Vehicles, Ricardo Energy & Environment, 2017
Offered technical support to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG Climate Action) in formulating the impact assessment for the post-2020 policy framework governing CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans. The project involved a meticulous analysis of different policy design criteria, and the findings were instrumental in supporting the impact assessment that forms the foundation of the European Commission's proposal for post-2020 regulatory CO2 targets for cars and vans. The goal was to contribute substantively to the development of an effective and well-informed regulatory framework that addresses the challenges posed by CO2 emissions in the automotive sector.
Evaluation and Design of Nepal’s Off-Grid Renewable Energy Programme, Government of Nepal and DfID, 2017
Collaborated on an initiative involving the analysis of contextual factors, assessment of the existing rural renewable energy program, and the conceptualisation of an innovative alternative to enhance energy accessibility for marginalized communities in Nepal. The primary objective was to shift the country from a subsidy-centric model to a market-driven system. In my role, I played a vital supporting role to the Technical Lead, contributing research expertise to develop strategy papers and mechanisms addressing governance, donor coordination, results aggregation, and financial tracking. These initiatives were integral in facilitating the successful implementation of Nepal's transformative renewable energy program.
