The Institute of Public Relations Singapore (IPRS) released the survey report on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Communications. A total of 118 communications professionals in various sectors across Asia responded to questions on their knowledge and experiences with ESG and its impact on the overall communications practice.
IPRS identifies ESG communications as an emerging discipline for communicators who are tasked to help organisations and clients to establish their positions on social sustainability and corporate governance. With regulators and the discerning public casting a watchful eye, any form of communications strategy must be built on authenticity and accountability. This task is further challenged by the need to simplify content gleaned from ESG reports that are often financial and based on global standards of measurements.
The survey results point to a growing proportion of the communicator’s time being spent on developing the ESG storyline. Knowledge acquisition becomes vital for new entrants to the industry, those who wish to advance their careers or seek to specialise in ESG. The good news is that as more ESG work is generated, whether organically or by intervention, the collective knowhow continues to grow and expand. The outcome is a better understanding of ESG and its role in organisations.
“ESG Communications is the process through which a company communicates its purpose to key stakeholders. It helps companies to consider the reasons for their existence.”
Uantchern Loh, Chief Storyteller, Black Sun Asia Pacific.“IPRS initiated this survey with the help of Black Sun Asia Pacific to gather data and information from practitioners on the ground. The objective is to share this learning for the benefit of communicators, entrepreneurs and business leaders who wish to understand the impetus for embracing indicators of good such as protecting natural resources, workplace wellbeing, corporate ethics and culture.”
Koh Juat Muay, President IPRS Council 2021/2023
The survey report is launched on Wednesday, 25th August 2021 at 7pm at the IPRS Member’s Night. The evening featured Speakers: Jason Leow, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications, GIC; Valerie Lau, CFA, Head, SEA & Singapore UBS APAC Sustainable Finance Office UBS, and Uantchern Loh, Chief Storyteller, Black Sun Asia Pacific, who took on the challenge of “Demystifying ESG Communications”, moderated by IPRS Council Member, Cindy Lim, Head, Marketing Communications & Digital Lead, Singapore Symphony Group.
“IPRS is grateful to all respondents and partners Telum Media, Global Alliance and Company Of Good for supporting the survey with their expertise and time. We hope the report is useful as a learning resource and reference to spur further conversations on ESG communications,” added Juat Muay.
