Latest news with #CentreforImpactInvestingandPractices
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New report calls for collective action to fight ‘silent pandemic' of Asia's growing antimicrobial resistance
In Asia Pacific, related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050. However, timely investment could generate between US$10 billion and US$15 billion in annual healthcare savings. A new report by Temasek Trust initiatives calls for more funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Asia (AMR), which could become the leading cause of death by 2050. The report, released May 5, outlines four key areas where funders can drive meaningful impact - from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment. "Antimicrobial resistance is on track to become the deadliest health threat facing humanity. But with urgent action and targeted finance, over 100 million deaths could be prevented by 2050," reads the report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services, say the report's authors. Climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance, they add. In Asia Pacific, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate between US$10 billion and US$15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut the region's annual socioeconomic costs by up to US$40 billion within the next decade, claim the authors. The 52-page report, titled "Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia", draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, along with contributions from 26 organisations. New therapeutics, such as drugs and vaccines, can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market. Hence, the authors call for immediate and practical interventions to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions. The report proposes interventions in four areas: Educate: Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place. Prevent: Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation and hygiene measures. Monitor: Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries. Treat: Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines. Private funders, impact investors and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps, say the authors, particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce. By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines. PAA CEO Shaun Seow says the report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors - philanthropic, public and private. "It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations - including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Novo Nordisk Foundation - in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond." Infographic: CIIP, GAEA, PAA See Also: Click here to stay updated with the Latest Business & Investment News in Singapore 'Green revolution' needed to solve issues like food systems and nutrition, says President Tharman Trump administration will 'come around' on importance of partnerships: Bill Gates WEF, GenZero launch Green Fuel Forward initiative to scale sustainable aviation fuel demand in APAC Read more stories about where the money flows, and analysis of the biggest market stories from Singapore and around the World Get in-depth insights from our expert contributors, and dive into financial and economic trends Follow the market issue situation with our daily updates Or want more Lifestyle and Passion stories? Click here
Business Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Enabling MSMEs to adopt ESG practices is key to sustainable supply chains: report
[SINGAPORE] There is growing momentum among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in South-east Asia to adopt sustainability practices, but stumbling blocks such as financial constraints remain. This issue was raised in a report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), titled Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action, released on Wednesday (May 7) at an Ecosperity Week event. The report found that MSMEs in the region recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices, with 39 per cent of respondents agreeing that they lower costs and improve long-term efficiency. Twenty-seven per cent believe these practices can attract or retain talent in a values-driven workforce. This is a crucial trend as many multinational corporations are setting higher expectations across their supply chains in pursuit of their long-term sustainability commitments, the report noted. MSMEs are often key suppliers for these global companies. Therefore, aligning themselves with the evolving standards is increasingly vital for these businesses to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities, the study added. Dawn Chan, chief executive officer of CIIP, said: 'MSMEs are the backbone of South-east Asia's economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains.' A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up The findings are based on a survey of more than 3,500 MSMEs from countries in the region – such as Indonesia and Vietnam – as well as interviews with about 85 organisations in Asia. The report also revealed that 84 per cent of MSMEs have adopted at least one environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice, with social measures being the most common due to mandated employee protection policies in each of the countries studied. However, financial constraints remain a key hurdle to adopting more of such practices, with many of the MSMEs surveyed citing high upfront costs. This is despite half of them planning to increase their ESG budgets by 2027. Manpower also remains an issue, with 60 per cent of respondents reporting moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or related roles. Some also cited the inability to derive immediate benefits from embracing ESG practices. Thirty-two per cent said the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be an important motivating factor for the future adoption of ESG approaches. Enabled to thrive To help MSMEs, the report identified five key enablers – among them is making the concept of ESG clear and simple. This would require the commercial benefits of ESG practices to be emphasised. Another enabler is financing the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, uptake by MSMEs remains low. This suggests that concessional rates alone are not enough, and investments in innovative MSME-targeted solutions are needed. To this end, venture capital firms and impact investors are a third vital enabler. They play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains by providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reduce the barriers to adopting such practices. These investors are particularly important in backing early-stage solutions and business models which are priced and designed for MSMEs. '(These enterprises') growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value,' Chan said. 'This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed (in), and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact,' she added. Themed 'Impact for Outcomes – Perspectives from the Ground', the Impact Investing Roundtable 2025 where the report was released was co-organised by CIIP and Temasek. Fashioning a solution In the same vein, CIIP on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to advance supply chain sustainability within the fashion industry – with a particular focus on empowering MSMEs. Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development and implementation of three key initiatives to support the sustainability transformation of the fashion and textiles sector. CIIP will contribute insights and ecosystem-building support. The initiatives comprise: a sectoral plan identifying the key challenges and strategic priorities for the local and regional fashion industries; a guidebook with resources and practical road maps to help companies at different stages of their sustainability journeys; and a digital toolkit providing MSMEs with access to ESG tools to facilitate decarbonisation and broader adoption of sustainability practices. Zhang Ting-Ting, CEO of SFC, said: 'The future of fashion lies not just on the runway, but in the roots of our supply chains. MSMEs are the heartbeat of Asia's fashion industry – collective action and practical support are key to meaningful progress in sustainability.' She added: 'By partnering with forward-thinking organisations like Temasek Trust's CIIP, we are bridging insight with implementation – empowering businesses with the tools and knowledge to future-proof their supply chains and thrive.'
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
New Report Calls for Collective Action to Combat Asia's Growing Antimicrobial Resistance Threat
•The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, have released a study urging cross-sector investment to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia. •AMR could cost Asia up to US$700 billion by 2050 and surpass cancer as the world's leading cause of death. •Report outlines four high-impact intervention areas – from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment – to guide funders and partners. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 May 2025 - The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), today launched the report — Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia. The report underscores the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia and outlines four key areas where cross-sector funders can drive meaningful impact. It draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, and contributions from 26 organisations, including international organisations, corporations, philanthropic funders, public institutions, and solution providers. Often called the silent pandemic, AMR was linked to 4.7 million deaths annually in 2021.[1] It is estimated to become the leading cause of death by 2050, claiming more than 8 million lives[2] and surpassing cancer[3]. Beyond human health, AMR threatens global food systems by reducing global livestock production and polluting waterways. Tackling this growing crisis requires a unified, whole-of-ecosystem approach. 'Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting crisis that threatens to reverse decades of medical progress, with Asia at the epicenter of this challenge. We have identified clear needs, but no single organisation can tackle this alone and substantial philanthropic and catalytic funding is required. It demands all actors — across sectors and borders — to step up, pool resources, and collaborate. Together, we hope that through active partnerships, we can build a future where effective treatments remain within everyone's reach,' said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. 'The Davos Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), launched earlier in January this year, seeks to mobilise public-private-philanthropic, cross sectoral collaboration to reduce the global and increasing threat of AMR. This report builds on the Davos Compact, highlighting practical, high impact interventions where catalytic investments can help safeguard health and well-being, reducing risks and deaths associated with AMR,' said Ms. Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. Asia: A Crucible for the Multifaceted AMR Challenge Globally, nearly one in five AMR-related deaths occur in children under five[4], and two in three in adults over 65[5]. However, Asia bears the brunt of the disease incidence, accounting for more than half of the 4.71 million deaths worldwide associated with AMR in 2021[6]. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services – particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and sanitation. These climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance. In Asia Pacific alone, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP[7]. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate US$10–15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut annual socio-economic costs by up to US$40 billion for Asia Pacific within the next decade.[8] Tackling AMR is essential for health security, as well as ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainable development. A Unified Approach to Antimicrobial Development and Use Despite research advancements, market and policy gaps make it challenging to bring new drugs to patients as the costs involved in development and regulatory approval tend to outweigh the immediate returns upon product launch. A One Health approach — one that recognises the interconnectedness and interdependence across humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment — is essential to tackle AMR sustainably. While new therapeutics such as drugs and vaccines can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market[9] (a marathon), immediate and practical interventions (sprints) are needed to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions. The report thus proposes interventions in four areas: •Sprint 1: Educate – Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients, and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place. •Sprint 2: Prevent – Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures. •Sprint 3: Monitor – Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries. •Marathon: Treat – Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines. Financing AMR Solutions At Every Stage Private funders, impact investors, and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps – particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce. By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines. 'This report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors — philanthropic, public, and private. It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations – including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and Novo Nordisk Foundation – in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources, and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond,' said Mr. Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, PAA. The AMR threat demands urgent, coordinated, and sustained action across healthcare, agriculture, and food systems to protect communities in Asia. [1] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [2] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [3] Gavi (2022). Antimicrobial resistance now causes more deaths than HIV/AIDS and malaria worldwide – new study. 20 January 2022. Available at: [4] Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, Volume 399, Issue 10325, p629-655. [5] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [6] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). (2024). The Lancet: More than 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections estimated between now and 2050, suggests first global analysis. [7] L.E.K. Consulting (2021) Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [8] L.E.K. (2021). Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [9] Derep, M. (2022). What's the average time to bring a drug to market in 2022? N-Side. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
New Report Calls for Collective Action to Combat Asia's Growing Antimicrobial Resistance Threat
The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, have released a study urging cross-sector investment to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia. AMR could cost Asia up to US$700 billion by 2050 and surpass cancer as the world's leading cause of death. Report outlines four high-impact intervention areas – from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment – to guide funders and partners. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 May 2025 - The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), today launched the report — Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia. The report underscores the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia and outlines four key areas where cross-sector funders can drive meaningful impact. It draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, and contributions from 26 organisations, including international organisations, corporations, philanthropic funders, public institutions, and solution providers. Often called the silent pandemic, AMR was linked to 4.7 million deaths annually in 2021. [1] It is estimated to become the leading cause of death by 2050, claiming more than 8 million lives [2] and surpassing cancer [3]. Beyond human health, AMR threatens global food systems by reducing global livestock production and polluting waterways. Tackling this growing crisis requires a unified, whole-of-ecosystem approach. "Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting crisis that threatens to reverse decades of medical progress, with Asia at the epicenter of this challenge. We have identified clear needs, but no single organisation can tackle this alone and substantial philanthropic and catalytic funding is required. It demands all actors — across sectors and borders — to step up, pool resources, and collaborate. Together, we hope that through active partnerships, we can build a future where effective treatments remain within everyone's reach," said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. "The Davos Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), launched earlier in January this year, seeks to mobilise public-private-philanthropic, cross sectoral collaboration to reduce the global and increasing threat of AMR. This report builds on the Davos Compact, highlighting practical, high impact interventions where catalytic investments can help safeguard health and well-being, reducing risks and deaths associated with AMR," said Ms. Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. Asia: A Crucible for the Multifaceted AMR Challenge Globally, nearly one in five AMR-related deaths occur in children under five [4], and two in three in adults over 65 [5]. However, Asia bears the brunt of the disease incidence, accounting for more than half of the 4.71 million deaths worldwide associated with AMR in 2021 [6]. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services – particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and sanitation. These climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance. In Asia Pacific alone, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP [7]. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate US$10–15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut annual socio-economic costs by up to US$40 billion for Asia Pacific within the next decade. [8] Tackling AMR is essential for health security, as well as ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainable development. A Unified Approach to Antimicrobial Development and Use Despite research advancements, market and policy gaps make it challenging to bring new drugs to patients as the costs involved in development and regulatory approval tend to outweigh the immediate returns upon product launch. A One Health approach — one that recognises the interconnectedness and interdependence across humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment — is essential to tackle AMR sustainably. While new therapeutics such as drugs and vaccines can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market [9] (a marathon), immediate and practical interventions (sprints) are needed to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions. The report thus proposes interventions in four areas: Sprint 1: Educate – Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients, and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place. Sprint 2: Prevent – Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures. Sprint 3: Monitor – Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries. Marathon: Treat – Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines. Financing AMR Solutions At Every Stage Private funders, impact investors, and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps – particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce. By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines. "This report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors — philanthropic, public, and private. It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations – including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and Novo Nordisk Foundation – in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources, and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond," said Mr. Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, PAA. The AMR threat demands urgent, coordinated, and sustained action across healthcare, agriculture, and food systems to protect communities in Asia. Read the full report here: [1] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [2] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [3] Gavi (2022). Antimicrobial resistance now causes more deaths than HIV/AIDS and malaria worldwide – new study. 20 January 2022. Available at: [4] Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, Volume 399, Issue 10325, p629-655. [5] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [6] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). (2024). The Lancet: More than 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections estimated between now and 2050, suggests first global analysis. [7] L.E.K. Consulting (2021) Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [8] L.E.K. (2021). Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [9] Derep, M. (2022). What's the average time to bring a drug to market in 2022? N-Side. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) was established in 2022 as a non-profit entity by Temasek Trust to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond by building and sharing knowledge, bringing together stakeholders in the community, and bringing about positive action that accelerates the adoption of impact investing principles and practices. CIIP is the anchor partner for the United Nation Development Programme's Private Finance for the SDGs, providing Asia investors and businesses with clarity, insights and tools that support their contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Temasek and ABC Impact are CIIP's strategic partners. For more information, please visit About GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) To reach net zero, reverse nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050, funding for equitable climate and nature transitions must be stepped up by more than $3 trillion annually. No actor can solve these issues alone; only together – through partnerships, elevated ambition and accelerated learning – can the most pressing problems facing the planet be solved. The World Economic Forum launched the GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative to convene 4P – Public, Private and Philanthropic Partnerships – for climate and nature, activating systemic bold partnerships to improve the state of the world. About Philanthropy Asia Alliance Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA's flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit. For more information, visit Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA)
