The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has introduced a comprehensive guide to support companies in their sustainability reporting efforts, particularly for those preparing to comply with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. This move aligns with global trends emphasizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and carbon neutral strategies. 

By FY2025, all listed issuers in Singapore are required to report climate-related disclosures annually using ISSB-aligned standards. This ensures greater transparency in corporate environmental impact, a critical step as more companies develop carbon neutral strategies to meet regulatory and market demands. Furthermore, large non-listed companies will also be required to follow suit by FY2027, pushing ESG practices beyond just public firms. 

The guide, titled Illustrative Sustainability Report: Based on the GRI Standards and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, offers practical tools to assist businesses in adapting to these new requirements. It not only highlights the importance of ESG disclosures but also provides clear instructions on how to align with both the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and IFRS standards. 

Key focus areas of the guide include transition reliefs, proportionality measures, and the application mechanisms provided by ISSB to ease potential challenges businesses may face during the reporting process. These provisions are crucial for companies, as they seek to balance sustainability goals with operational realities. 

The guide’s development was supported by SGX RegCo, further reflecting Singapore’s broader commitment to sustainable finance and carbon neutrality. As businesses in Singapore gear up for the mandatory reporting requirements, this guide offers a critical resource to help companies stay compliant and align with global sustainability standards, further advancing their ESG and carbon neutral strategies. 

Sources: 

https://sbr.com.sg/markets/news/isca-launches-guide-sustainability-reporting-listed-and-non-listed-firms 

https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/isca-launches-guide-on-sustainability-reporting-for-listed-and-non-listed-firms/ar-AA1rUEj9 

https://isca.org.sg/standards-guidance/sustainability-and-climate-change/thought-leadership/isca-sustainability-reporting-implementation-roadmap 

https://isca.org.sg/docs/default-source/sustainability/resources/isca-sustainability-report-implementation-roadmap.pdf?sfvrsn=853fd2e6_2&_ga=2.195153836.1601263202.1629437518-348742122.1626157455