Singapore, 10 November 2026 – Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched a new Sustainable Finance track in its Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) programme to prepare professionals for new and evolving roles as sustainability increasingly influences business and financial decisions. The launch comes as Singapore is projected to see more than 4,000 new sustainable finance jobs over the next decade, while Southeast Asia's sustainable financing needs are expected to reach S$4 trillion to S$5 trillion over the same period.
As businesses and financial institutions transition towards a lower-carbon economy, demand is growing for professionals who can integrate financial expertise with sustainability considerations. These capabilities are increasingly sought in banking, investment management and risk management, as well as corporate strategy, consulting and sustainability-related functions.
The new track combines rigorous financial training with specialised knowledge in sustainable investing, climate risk assessment, carbon markets and transition finance. It caters to professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, expand their career options or move into emerging areas of sustainable finance.
Professor Melvyn Teo, Acting Dean at SMU’s LKCSB said: " As sustainability becomes integral to business strategy and investment decisions, organisations need leaders who can reconcile commercial priorities with environmental imperatives and navigate the complexities of a transitioning global economy. At SMU, we see business education as an important catalyst in shaping this next generation of leaders. The introduction of the Sustainable Finance track reflects our commitment to equipping professionals with the strategic perspective, adaptability and judgement to drive meaningful change, while strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading hub for sustainable finance."
Developing practical, industry-relevant capabilities
Building on the MAF programme's foundation in investment analysis, financial markets, corporate finance and quantitative methods, the track offers four specialised courses: Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing, Sustainable Finance Instruments, Carbon Markets and Products, and Sectoral Decarbonisation & Transition Finance. Students will learn to evaluate sustainable investments, assess climate-related financial risks and develop financing solutions that support businesses' transition to lower-carbon operations.
Through SMU-X industry projects and engagement with industry speakers in selected courses, students will apply their learning to real-world business challenges. They may also undertake an internship as part of their programme requirements.
The curriculum will also incorporate financial data platforms, analytics and generative artificial intelligence to support financial and environmental, social and governance analysis, while emphasising critical thinking, data integrity and responsible decision-making.
Preparing professionals for new and evolving careers
Designed for graduates and working professionals from finance, business and related disciplines, the track supports career progression and transitions into roles in sustainable investment management, climate risk analysis, transition finance, impact investing and sustainability advisory.
The new track extends SMU's existing undergraduate sustainable finance offerings to postgraduate learners and working professionals.
Offered by SMU's Lee Kong Chian School of Business, the Sustainable Finance track will commence in August 2027. The MAF programme is ranked 3rd in Asia and 39th globally in the 2027 QS Business Master's Rankings: Finance.
More information on the programme is available here.