The fund will strive to establish impact investing as a lever for sustainability
Singapore, 31 May 2019 – Temasek Trust, the philanthropic arm of Temasek, has embarked on a new pathway to sustainability with the establishment of ABC World Asia, an Asia-focused private equity fund dedicated to impact investing.
Headquartered in Singapore, ABC World Asia’s investment strategy aligns with Temasek’s ABC Framework for an Active Economy, a Beautiful Society and a Clean Earth. Impact investing encompasses the intention to generate positive, measurable social or environmental impact, alongside a compelling risk-adjusted return.
ABC World Asia will invest in companies that demonstrate commitment towards impact, primarily in South Asia, Southeast Asia and China. The fund will focus on themes including – financial and digital inclusion; better health and education; climate and water solutions; sustainable food and agriculture; and smart and liveable cities.
Cheo Hock Kuan, CEO, Temasek Trust, said, “There is scope for impact investing to help bridge the financing gap in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Temasek Trust seeks to play an active role in impact investments through sustainable philanthropy, beyond our usual approach of grant-making. The establishment of ABC World Asia complements this vision.”
David Heng, CEO, ABC World Asia, added, “We see compelling opportunities in impact investing across Asia. The complex social and environmental challenges in our region present the potential for investors to achieve substantial impact. With the impact investing industry still in its infancy, particularly in Asia, we are excited by the prospect of establishing impact investing as a critical lever for sustainability.”
The fund manager of ABC World Asia is supported by Temasek Trust, Temasek and Pavilion Capital.
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About Temasek Trust
Established in 2007, Temasek Trust is an independent Trustee of philanthropic endowments and gifts. Its purpose is to ensure sustainable funding for the long term well-being and security of our communities. Our work supports our beneficiaries to uplift people, communities and capabilities, and to rebuild lives. Temasek Trust provides governance and financial oversight for its beneficiaries which include the Temasek Family of Foundations and Stewardship Asia Centre. The Trust serves to create new pathways for philanthropy and to inspire and enable giving.
About ABC World Asia
ABC World Asia Pte. Ltd. is the investment manager of the ABC World Asia fund, which seeks to deliver both compelling risk-adjusted returns and social, environmental impact.
The fund’s investments are guided by Temasek’s vision of an ABC World, comprising an Active Economy, a Beautiful Society and a Clean Earth, building on the ideals of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.