(Singapore, 25.04.2025) As the world grapples with mounting geopolitical uncertainties, climate challenges, and shifting investor expectations, the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) has stepped up with a bold call to action—unveiling three major initiatives at its flagship IMAS Investment Conference & Masterclass 2025 aimed at strengthening the region’s financial ecosystem and future-proofing the investment community.
Held under the theme “Navigating an Evolving Landscape”, the event brought together global investment leaders, policy makers, and ecosystem partners for a full-day programme that examined how rising protectionism, demographic transitions, and climate imperatives are redrawing the global investment map.
In her keynote, IMAS CEO Carmen Wee addressed the increasing fragmentation of the global order, citing rising US-China tensions and the retreat from multilateralism. “In this climate of flux, the need for principled leadership, stronger regional ties, and practical innovation has never been greater,” she emphasized. “IMAS stands ready to respond.”
Launch of the IMAS Climate Handbook
A major highlight was the launch of the IMAS “Climate Handbook“, jointly developed with Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager. Billed as a “compendium for climate-conscious investors,” the handbook offers a practical framework for integrating climate risks and opportunities into portfolio decisions, with detailed guidance on scenario analysis, financial materiality, and double materiality.
“This resource goes beyond rhetoric,” said Jean-Jacques Barbéris, Amundi’s Director of the Institutional and Corporate Clients division & ESG, Amundi. “It equips asset owners and managers with the tools to turn sustainability commitments into real capital decisions.”
Sylvia Chen, Amundi’s Head of ESG, South Asia, added: “With the clock ticking on climate action, the handbook is a timely, regionally relevant guide for investors to make a meaningful impact.”
The initiative also received endorsement from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. “The Climate Handbook provides practical guidance that will help investors build climate-resilient portfolios and support the low-carbon transition,” said Ms Pamela Lee, MAS’s Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer.
AI-Powered Climate BOT: Democratizing ESG Knowledge
Complementing the handbook is Climate BOT, the first generative AI-powered chatbot designed specifically for the investment community. Built in collaboration with AI Singapore and powered by SEA-LION, a suite of Southeast Asia-focused large language models, Climate BOT answers climate-related investment queries in five regional languages—English, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, and Vietnamese.
“By breaking language and access barriers, this tool places climate intelligence at the fingertips of every investment professional across ASEAN,” said Leslie Teo, Senior Director at AI Singapore. IMAS has called for more regional collaborators and literature contributors to enrich the tool and support its evolution as a living knowledge resource.
Partnering CAIA to Equip Investors for Alternative Markets
Acknowledging the growing importance of alternative assets, IMAS also announced its exclusive partnership with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. Under this agreement, IMAS will be the sole partner in Singapore to deliver CAIA’s UNIFI by CAIA™ program through its digital learning platform, iLearn.
The programme begins with the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments (FAI) certificate, covering key concepts in private equity, real estate, private debt, and digital assets. “As alternative investments move into the mainstream, it is vital that our professionals stay ahead of the curve,” said Carmen Wee.
Nick Pollard, CAIA Managing Director for Asia Pacific, added: “This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge to navigate complexity and deliver value.”
A Forum for Global and Regional Insight
Beyond these initiatives, the conference featured high-level dialogues with institutional leaders such as GIC’s Mark Tan, AIA’s Dr. Mark Konyn, Thailand’s Dr. Man Juttijudata, and EPF Malaysia’s Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn. Key topics included geopolitics and macroeconomic volatility, climate transition planning, and retirement strategies for ageing populations.
Marko Papic of BCA Research and Mark Tan of GIC tackled geopolitical alpha in a fireside chat, while practical masterclasses examined risk management, asset allocation, and the evolving role of ETFs.
Building a Resilient Investment Ecosystem
Jenny Sofian, Chairman of IMAS, concluded: “The three initiatives we unveiled today—Climate Handbook, Climate BOT, and the CAIA collaboration—are more than just products. They represent our industry’s collective readiness to adapt, innovate, and lead.”
With its expanding global partnerships, emphasis on responsible investing, and continued support for digital and human capital development, IMAS is positioning Singapore as a neutral, high-trust innovation hub for the region’s financial future.
