Singapore Management University (SMU), in partnership with Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), has received recognition at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2026 for Best Sustainability Bond – Education in Southeast Asia. In the more than two decades since the inception of The Asset Triple A Awards, the University is the first university in Asia to receive this honour for issuing the SMU Sustainability Bond, highlighting the role Institutes of Higher Learning can play in shaping Asia’s sustainable finance landscape.
SMU’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Yvonne Chan received the award on behalf of the University in Hong Kong on 31 March 2026.
The Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards, organised by The Asset, recognise excellence in sustainable finance, banking and capital markets across Asia. The awards spotlight institutions, issuers, and transactions that achieve measurable environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Each deal is evaluated based on its sustainability outcomes, innovation, structure, use of proceeds, and overall transaction performance, with winners selected by a panel of editorial and industry experts. Past awardees include sovereigns, financial institutions and corporates across Asia recognised for their innovative sustainable financing solutions and leadership in advancing ESG outcomes.
Issued in July 2025, SMU’s Sustainability Bond supports projects that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits. These include green buildings, energy efficiency upgrades, green info communications technology infrastructure, sustainable water, and waste management, as well as programmes that promote inclusive education, knowledge sharing, and mental health and wellbeing. Structured in partnership with OCBC, the bond demonstrates how universities can leverage sustainable finance to advance their mission and create real-world impact.
This recognition highlights SMU’s robust governance, disciplined reporting, and commitment to transparency — qualities increasingly valued by investors. It strengthens the University’s credibility in capital markets and positions SMU for future impact-focused financing initiatives. Beyond a financial instrument, the Sustainability Bond signals the SMU’s commitment to purposeful growth and creating lasting positive impact for communities.
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